STI Testing with HNL Lab Tests Direct
When was your last STI check?
Cases of sexually transmitted infections continue to increase, making detection and treatment more important than ever.
More than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported in the United States last year ¹.
Fortunately, these three STIs are easily detected with laboratory tests and can be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Symptoms of STIs can vary. Some people may have no symptoms at all and can spread the infection without even knowing it. 
If symptoms develop, they might include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Unusual discharge or odor
- Itching
- Pain, swelling, or soreness
- Bleeding
- Blisters, warts, or sores
- Flu-like symptoms, including sore throat
How are STIs treated?
If you test positive for an STI, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to get the proper treatment. While not all STIs are curable, all STIs are treatable.
Be sure to take all of your prescribed medication, even if you are feeling better, and avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment. Without treatment, many STIs can lead to severe consequences.
STI's that are not treated and what could happen?
Some untreated infections, like syphilis, can spread to the brain and other organs. Others can make it easier for you to become infected with HIV.
For some individuals, the consequence of untreated STIs might also include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, or pregnancy complications.
Another consequence of untreated infections is the risk of passing the infection to others. Untreated STIs can infect babies during pregnancy and delivery.
Increase in cases of STIs
Cases of congenital syphilis have significantly increased in recent years, making the underdiagnosis of syphilis a frightening problem for expecting parents.
HNL Lab Tests Direct can be a convenient option to obtain private syphilis testing, as this test can be completed at any HNL Lab Medicine Patient Service Center. All pregnant women should undergo an STI exam to rule out the potential for congenital infections.
For more information
There are many options for STI testing. For example, HNL Lab Tests Direct offers testing for three major STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis), which can be obtained discreetly if you have any privacy concerns. If an abnormal result is returned, all patients should contact their healthcare provider for treatment.
For more information about STIs, visit the CDC’s website. If you or a partner are experiencing any symptoms of STIs, please contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Because some infections can be asymptomatic, it is important for all sexually active individuals to get regular screening according to CDC guidelines.
REFERENCE
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, January 30). Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/default.htm.