STI Screening

Why regular screening matters

The majority of STIs — including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis — cause no symptoms in their early or sometimes even advanced stages. Without testing, infections can be unknowingly transmitted to partners and can cause serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and in the case of HIV, progression to AIDS if untreated.

Regular screening is the only reliable way to know your status. It is a responsible and normal part of sexual health care — not something to feel embarrassed about. Our doctors approach sexual health with the same professionalism as any other medical concern.

Common STIs we screen for

• Chlamydia — the most common bacterial STI; usually asymptomatic; can cause PID and fertility problems if untreated
• Gonorrhoea — bacterial; often asymptomatic; antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern
• HIV — viral; now very effectively managed with antiretroviral therapy; undetectable = untransmittable
• Syphilis — bacterial; causes staged illness with rash, sores, and systemic complications if untreated; easily treated with antibiotics
• Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) — viral; causes painful blisters; managed but not cured
• HPV — very common; most infections clear naturally; some strains cause genital warts or cervical cancer
• Hepatitis B and C — blood-borne and sexually transmitted; effective treatments available
• Trichomonas — parasitic; often asymptomatic in men, causes discharge in women

Who should test and how often?

• Annually — all sexually active people under 25 and those with new or multiple partners
• Every 3–6 months — men who have sex with men; those on PrEP; anyone with frequent new partners
• After unprotected sex — with a new or casual partner
• Before starting a new relationship
• During pregnancy — routine screening is recommended
• If you have symptoms — discharge, sores, pain, or unusual odour

What testing involves

Testing is straightforward. Our doctors advise on the most appropriate tests based on your circumstances and arrange them through local laboratories in Portugal or Spain. Testing typically involves urine samples, self-taken swabs, and a blood test. Results are usually available within a few days and communicated discreetly.

Treatment

• Chlamydia and gonorrhoea — treated with antibiotics; usually a single dose or short course
• Syphilis — treated with penicillin injections
• HIV — antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses the virus to undetectable levels; people with HIV on treatment live normal, healthy lives
• PrEP — pre-exposure prophylaxis; highly effective HIV prevention medication for high-risk individuals
• HPV — no treatment for the virus itself; warts treated topically or surgically; vaccination available for prevention
• Herpes — managed with antiviral medication (aciclovir, valaciclovir) to reduce frequency and severity of outbreaks

How eMedClinic can help

Our doctors provide confidential sexual health consultations, advise on appropriate testing, arrange laboratory tests in Portugal and Spain, interpret results, and prescribe treatment where needed. We also prescribe PrEP and provide ongoing HIV management support. All consultations are completely private.