What is an STI test?
An STI test is a health test that checks for the presence of certain sexually transmitted infections. This is usually done taking a blood, urine, or swab sample depending on the location of the potential infection and the infections that are being tested for.
Types of STI tests for men
Most STI tests for men involve a urine and/or a blood test. Urine tests can check for common bacterial infections of the penis such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis. If you suspect you have an infection in other areas, such as the throat or anus, then a swab will be taken instead of a urine sample. A blood test checks for STIs that affect the blood, such as HIV, hepatitis B, herpes (HSV 1 & 2), and syphilis.
Do you prefer a test that you can take in the privacy of home? Homed-IQ provides laboratory-certified STI tests for men that can be completed from home. With Homed-IQ, you can get tested for the following STIs:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomoniasis
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes (HSV 1 & 2)
Wanting a complete check-up or to test for a specific infection? Homed-IQ offers several different STI test panels to fit your needs. The most comprehensive test on offer is the STI Test Comprehensive, which checks for 8 STIs and requires a urine/swab and blood sample. The STI Test Complete checks for five STIs, including HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia. If you are interested in checking for the most common STIs, the Basic-3 STI Test checks for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis and does not require a blood test.
Most STI tests for men are done via a urine test. However, if you would like to test for infections affecting the throat or anus, perform a swab sample instead. At Homed-IQ, the STI test process starts with ordering a test. Once you receive it, be sure to activate your test online using its unique 12-digit test code. Next, collect your sample, repackage the test, and mail it to our certified laboratory using the prepaid postage. Finally, view the test results in your online account, which will be available within a few days. Would you like to test specifically for the most common STIs or have you been informed that a partner has tested positive? Order Homed-IQ’s Chlamydia Home Test or Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Test.
In addition to urine and swab tests, blood tests can detect certain STIs, such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and herpes. Homed-IQ tests only require a finger prick to collect the blood sample, rather than a venous puncture often used at clinics and doctor’s offices. In addition to combination STI tests that require a blood sample, Homed-IQ also offers a specific Hepatitis B test.
Homed-IQ’s STI tests contain everything you need to take a sample from home, including an instruction manual, materials to take a sample from the penis, throat or anus and/or a blood sample, and a shipping label. After taking the sample, you can send in your test and for analysis in a certified laboratory. Within a few days you will receive the results in your personal online dashboard.
STI Symptoms in men
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is one of the most common STIs in the EU. Symptoms in men can include:
- (Burning) pain during urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain or swelling in one of the testicles
- Pain during sex
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria and can lead to the following symptoms in men:
- Pain or swelling in one of the testicles
- Pus-like discharge from the penis
- Burning pain during urination
- Pain during sex
- During an anal infection: irritation, itching, slimy discharge, diarrhea, and painful bowel movements
- During an infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck
If gonorrhoea is not treated promptly, it can lead to more serious symptoms such as:
- Inflammation of the epididymis
- Inflammation of the prostate
Trichomoniasis
Trichomonas is a parasite that can enter the urethra or bladder in men and can transmitted during sex. Trichomonas often causes no symptoms in men, but when it does, it is usually one of the following three symptoms:
- Discharge from the penis
- Redness and/or itching and irritation in or around the penis
- Painful urination
Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria and can lead to infections across many organs in the body. While syphilis can be treated, there are degrees of how severe the syphilis is depending on how long the infection has been present. Long-term, untreated syphilis can lead to serious damage to the heart or brain. The following symptoms are possible during a syphilis infection:
- (Painless) sores on the skin.
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Vision problems
- Hair loss
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the body’s immune system and can make you susceptible to other diseases. The virus is present in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk, and can be contracted if these fluids enter your bloodstream. If untreated, HIV can potentially lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a chronic and life threatening condition if left untreated. Some people infected by HIV develop a flu-like illness 2 to 4 weeks after the virus enters the body. Symptoms of a primary HIV infection include
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes (mainly in the neck)
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is caused by the hepatitis B virus. Symptoms of hepatitis B in men include:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Nausea and vomiting
Herpes 1 & 2
The herpes simplex virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas and it categorised into two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is primarily transmitted by oral contact and can cause oral herpes, more commonly known as cold sores. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes from oral to genital contact. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that almost exclusively causes genital herpes through genital to genital contact. Symptoms of HSV 1 & 2 in men include:
- Small red bumps or blisters around the genital area or mouth
- Swelling in the groin, neck, or under the arms
- Tingling sensation in the genital area or mouth
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Trouble urinating
