STI screening & counselling

Screening and counseling for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are crucial components of sexual health care aimed at preventing the spread of STIs, detecting infections early, and providing support and education to individuals at risk.

Here's an overview of STI screening and counseling:

Screening for STIs:

• STI screening involves testing individuals for specific infections based on their sexual history, risk factors, and symptoms.
• Common STIs that may be included in screening protocols include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Screening recommendations may vary based on factors such as age, sexual activity, sexual orientation, and presence of symptoms.
• Screening tests may involve urine tests, blood tests, swabs of genital, oral, or anal mucosa, or self-collected samples depending on the type of infection being tested.
• Screening may be offered routinely during annual check-ups, as part of prenatal care, before starting a new sexual relationship, or based on individual risk factors.

Counseling for STIs:

• Counseling for STIs involves providing individuals with information, education, and support related to sexual health, risk reduction strategies, and STI prevention.
• Counseling sessions may cover topics such as risk assessment, STI transmission and prevention, partner notification and testing, and the importance of regular STI screening.
• Counseling may be tailored to address specific concerns or needs of the individual, such as addressing stigma, anxiety, or misconceptions about STIs.

Importance of STI Screening and Counseling:

• Early detection and treatment of STIs can prevent complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, cervical cancer (in the case of HPV), and HIV/AIDS.
• STI screening and counseling play a crucial role in promoting sexual health, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual behavior, and reducing the spread of STIs within communities.
• Counseling provides opportunities for individuals to discuss their sexual health concerns, receive support, and access resources and referrals for additional services such as treatment, vaccination (e.g., HPV vaccine), and psychosocial support.