Sex is often considered taboo in our society. Many of us are reluctant to discuss and know more about sexual health, but it is indeed too important to ignore. Whether you're single or in a relationship, engaging in sexual activity exposes you to the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Since humans are not immune to STDs, and some people may have several sex partners, STDs can be easily transmitted and affect one’s health and daily life. Protect yourself and your partner by staying informed and proactive with regular sexual health check-ups.

Definition of sexual health

The World Health Organisation defines sexual health as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.” This means sexual activities should be done under healthy and pleasurable conditions and should involve no concerns about STDs and others diseases in the process.

Common STDs and symptoms

STDs refer to a wide range of diseases. Below are 5 of the most common STDs:

1.Syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic sexual infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Patients may develop symptoms a month or more after the infection. Syphilis can be divided into primary, secondary and tertiary stages, with different symptoms presenting in each stage.

At the primary stage, a painless round sore, also known as a hard chancroid in medicine, will appear at the site of infection. If left untreated, Treponema pallidum will travel through blood and lymph nodes and infect other body parts, leading to the secondary stage.

Patients at the secondary stage will develop rash on other body parts including palms and soles, as well as swollen lymph nodes. As these symptoms do not cause pain or itchiness, patients may underestimate the condition and delay the treatment.

Infected patients without getting complete treatments will enter the tertiary stage 3 to 10 years after the first infection, where neurosyphilis will develop. The bacteria will infect different organs including the brain, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints and nervous system, and may ultimately lead to death.

2.Human papillomavirus (HPV)

There are over 200 types of HPV, including high-risk and low-risk types. Low-risk HPV infection will cause cauliflower-like skin warts around the genitals and anus. High-risk HPV infections may cause cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, head and neck cancers, etc. Everyone regardless of gender should receive HPV vaccination as soon as possible to lower the risk of infection.

3.Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

The intimidating AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus attacks and destroys the white blood cells of the immune system, gradually weakening one’s immunity. Patients will be more vulnerable to other bacterial or viral infections and malignant tumours. As they have fewer white blood cells, mild diseases for normal people will develop as serious diseases for them. They will be more prone to complications as well. At the early stage, patients may experience symptoms of the flu such as fever, sore throat and joint pain. 10 years after the infection, patients will enter the late stage where different complications will develop due to an impaired immune system.

4.Genital herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is categorised into HSV-1 and HSV-2, which are both highly infectious. Strictly speaking, genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 and is transmitted via unprotected sex. After an incubation period of 4-8 days, the patient’s genitals and anus will develop raised blisters which may break open and become sores. The sores are very painful and will heal after scabbing. The virus will stay latent in patients’ ganglia for the rest of their life and may activate once their immune system weakens.

5.Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is mainly transmitted through sexual contact with the mucus secretion of infected partners. Patients will develop symptoms only after an incubation period of 2-7 days. Males will develop a yellow-green purulent discharge from their genitals; females will experience an increased vaginal discharge. The infection can lead to urethritis and cervicitis in severe cases.

What items do sexual health check-ups normally include?

General sexual health check-ups include blood tests, urinalysis and Pap smears to look for antibodies and antigens. A positive result means that the examinee is infected with the STD, but a negative result does not 100% rule out the STD as the infection may be in the incubation period. Therefore, examinees should tell doctors when, where and with whom they have had sex to help facilitate accurate examination and analysis.

As some STDs can affect other body parts, you are suggested to receive a full-body check-up in addition to a sexual health check to ensure the health of your organs. Available choices are:

RE:HEALTH’s Comprehensive Personal Health Check-up (103 items)

The Comprehensive Personal Health Check-up (103 items) is a full-body check-up that covers an electrocardiogram, abdominal and upper gastrointestinal sonography, abdominal and chest X-ray, spine examination, liver, gallbladder and kidney function, hepatitis, gynaecological examination, hormones and sexual health, thyroid function, sonography, etc.

Male sexual health examination items

-Testosterone

-Treponema pallidum antibodies

-HIV antibodies and antigens

Female sexual health examination items

-Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)

-Pap smear

-Treponema pallidum antibodies

-HIV antibodies and antigens

RE:HEALTH’s Premium Health Check Plan (98 items)

Premium Health Check Plan (98 items) covers sonography (upper abdomen, liver, pancreas and other internal organs), tumour markers (nasopharyngeal, prostate, pancreatic, breast and ovarian tumours), liver, gallbladder and kidney function, hepatitis, electrocardiogram, gynaecological examination, hormones and sexual health, thyroid function, blood tests, spinal bone density, vision and hearing, etc.

Male sexual health examination items

-Testosterone

-HPV DNA

-Treponema pallidum antibodies

-HIV antibodies and antigens

Female sexual health examination items

-Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH)

-Pap smear

-HPV DNA

-Treponema pallidum antibodies

-HIV antibodies and antigens

Points to note before a sexual health examination

You should follow the doctor’s instructions and do not engage in sexual activities and drink alcohol the day before the test. You may need to fast for 8 hours before the test. Women should avoid receiving the test during their period.

If you want to have a sexual health check, please make an appointment now

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