STI testing
Which infections count as STIs, which microorganisms are part of normal microflora, and when to get tested
STI testing
Admit it, did you know mycoplasma comes in different types? We didn't 👀
An obstetrician-gynecologist and podcast host helped us make sense of STI tests, hooray!
What counts as an STI?
STIs are sexually transmitted infections.
- chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)
- gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis)
- HPV
- HIV
- syphilis
- hepatitis C and B
Part of normal microflora
There are other microorganisms that labs often call STIs and include in "test for everything" panels.
These microorganisms can be part of normal microflora:
- ureaplasma
- Mycoplasma hominis
- candida
- enterococci
- E. coli
- streptococci
- staphylococci
- and roughly 200 other species of microorganisms
When to get tested for STIs?
1. After sex without a condom or dental dam.
2. Before sex without a condom or dental dam.
3. At your annual checkup: discuss it with your doctor based on any symptoms and your examination results.
After unprotected sex
If nothing is bothering you:
1. One week after contact: a PCR swab to test for chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis) and Mycoplasma genitalium infection.
2. Two to three months after contact: a blood test for HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis.
Before unprotected sex
1. For people with a vagina: a PCR swab to test for chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis) and Mycoplasma genitalium infection.
2. For people with a penis: a urine test for chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), trichomoniasis (Trichomonas vaginalis) and Mycoplasma genitalium infection.
3. For everyone: a blood test for HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis.
Disclaimers
Disclaimer no. 1
If you notice unpleasant symptoms (discharge, rashes, itching, burning, etc.), see a doctor right away.
Disclaimer no. 2
The vaginal microflora is a very complex system that can normally include more than 300 different species of microorganisms. Its composition changes a lot over the course of a single menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the vaginal microflora is most favorable for microorganisms to grow and multiply if an infection was picked up recently. So an STI test taken right after your period is usually the most informative. STIs are often asymptomatic at first.
