Derma Clinic

At our Derma Clinic, we believe in helping you stay informed and proactive about your health. When it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), early testing and treatment can make all the difference in protecting your well-being. In this post, we’ll go over the basics of testing for common STIs like HIV, syphilis, genital warts, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. We’ll also discuss symptoms, when you should get tested, and how long it takes for these infections to show up in tests.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Symptoms:
HIV symptoms can vary, but many people experience flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes) about 2-4 weeks after exposure. However, it’s common to have no symptoms at all in the early stages, making testing even more important.

When Can It Be Detected?
HIV can typically be detected within 2 to 6 weeks after exposure using blood tests. Some tests may take up to 3 months to pick up the virus, depending on how the body responds.

Testing:
We offer HIV PCR, HIV (CLIA)/P24 Antigen, rapid HIV testing with quick results. For the most reliable detection, blood-based tests are recommended.

Syphilis

Symptoms:
Syphilis develops in stages. Early signs include a painless sore (called a chancre) on the genitals, anus, or mouth. If left untreated, it can progress to cause rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. In later stages, it can cause serious complications affecting the brain and heart.

When Can It Be Detected?
Syphilis can generally be detected within 1 to 2 weeks of exposure through a blood test.

Testing:
We use simple blood tests to check for syphilis. Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term health issues.

Genital Warts (HPV)

Symptoms:
Genital warts are small, painless growths on the genital area, caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can sometimes cause itching or discomfort, but many people with HPV may not have visible warts.

When Can It Be Detected?
Warts can appear weeks or months after exposure. While the warts themselves are visible, HPV may be detected through a Pap smear or HPV testing for women.

Testing:
Our clinic can diagnose genital warts through a physical exam, and we offer HPV testing for high-risk strains that can cause cancer.

Genital Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

Symptoms:
Genital herpes causes painful blisters or sores around the genital or anal area. The first outbreak is often the most severe and can include fever, body aches, and swollen glands. Many people may have very mild or no symptoms, which makes it easy to spread unknowingly.

When Can It Be Detected?
Herpes symptoms usually appear within 2 to 12 days after exposure. Blood tests can detect the virus, though it may take a few weeks for antibodies to develop.

Testing:
We can test for herpes through a swab of active sores or a blood test to detect the virus.

Gonorrhea

Symptoms:
Gonorrhea can cause painful urination and unusual discharge from the genitals. Women might also experience pelvic pain or bleeding between periods. It’s common for many people, especially women, to have no symptoms at all.

When Can It Be Detected?
Gonorrhea can often be detected 1 to 5 days after exposure with urine or swab tests.

Testing:
We offer urine tests or swabs from the throat, urethra, cervix, or rectum to diagnose gonorrhea.

Chlamydia

Symptoms:
Chlamydia is often called a “silent” infection because many people don’t have symptoms. When symptoms do show up, they can include painful urination, abnormal genital discharge, and pain during sex. In women, untreated chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive issues like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

When Can It Be Detected?
Chlamydia can be detected 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.

Testing:
We offer both urine tests and swabs to detect chlamydia.

Why Getting Tested Early is Important

STIs can cause serious health problems if they’re left untreated, and some infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, might not have obvious symptoms. Regular testing is crucial, especially if you’re sexually active or have multiple partners. Early detection means you can start treatment sooner, helping to prevent complications and reducing the risk of passing the infection to others.

When Should You Get Tested?

  • If you’ve had unprotected sex.
  • If you’ve noticed any unusual symptoms like sores, discharge, or pain during urination.
  • If you’re starting a new relationship and want peace of mind.
  • Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to get tested once a year if you’re sexually active.

Take Charge of Your Health

If you’re concerned about possible exposure to an STI, or you just want to stay on top of your sexual health, our Derma clinic offers confidential, non-judgmental testing for HIV, syphilis, genital warts, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Book an appointment with us today and take the first step toward peace of mind.

Your health is in your hands—get tested, stay informed, and take care of your body.

Call US NOW at 01-5918555 or visit our Clinic at Basundhara Chowki.