How is testing done at CSGC?

What STIs will you be tested for?

At CSGC, you’ll be tested for the 5 most common STIs; chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B.  If necessary, you will also be tested for other STIs.

Testing is free of charge for everyone living on the island.

Symptoms

Some STIs are diagnosed based on your symptoms:

• Genital warts can only be diagnosed when you’ve got symptoms
• The same goes for herpes, although the fluid in the sores is sometimes tested too
• Scabies and pubic lice are also diagnosed based on symptoms

So, the tests you’ll have to undergo depend on your symptoms and the way you’ve had sex. 

How are you tested?

STI testing is done in different ways:

• Urine test (men)
• Blood test (men and women)
• Swab (vagina for women and anus and throat for men and women)

The type of test depends on your symptoms and the kind of sex you have. That’s why it’s important to discuss this with the doctor or nurse.

Swabs

Swab from the vagina

The vaginal swab is performed by a nurse. It goes like this: 

• The nurse inserts the cotton bud 5-6cm into the vagina
• The nurse wipes the swab along the vagina wall for 5-10 seconds

A swab from your vagina isn’t difficult to do and doesn’t hurt. The vaginal swab can also be performed if you are menstruating at the time of the appointment.

Swab from the penis
Is there yellow or green discharge from your penis? Then the nurse may use a cotton bud to wipe some fluid from the tip of your penis. That doesn’t hurt. They won’t insert the cotton bud. 

Swab from the anus 

Have you had anal sex? Then a swab may be taken from your anus by the nurse. It goes like this:

• The nurse inserts the cotton bud and wipes it along the wall of your anus for 10 seconds

Swab from the throat
Sometimes a swab is taken from your throat. The doctor or nurse wipe the cotton bud along the back of the throat. This doesn’t hurt.

Results 

Once the results are known, usually within a week, the Nurse at CSGC will call you with your results. 

Is it an STI?

The result will be negative or positive. Negative means that you don’t have an STI. Positive means that you do have an STI. 

You don’t have an STI

Then you won’t need any treatment. Use condoms when you have sex. Then you’re less likely to get an STI. 

You do have an STI

Then you will usually be given treatment. That should get rid of the symptoms. Or help them to heal.  

HIV test result

Your doctor or nurse will discuss the result of an HIV test with you.

Need help?

Is it difficult for you to tell your partner that you have an STI? The CSGC nurse or your doctor will offer guidance with warning partners. 

If you are warned that you might have an STI, take it seriously. Have an STI test, even if you don’t have any symptoms.