Opening up about intimate topics around Sexual Health may be challenging and embarrassing for many women, but this is an area that should not be overlooked. At Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we understand the importance of respecting and protecting the sensitive nature of information shared about matters relating to Sexual Health.
What are the common STIs affecting women?
Chlamydia
- A bacterial infection that can infect both men and women
- Passed on through anal, oral, or vaginal sex
- Often without symptoms, but signs include abnormal vaginal discharges, bleeding in between periods, pain when urinating and during sex and lower abdominal pain
- Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics
Genital Herpes
- Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- Can be easily transmitted through abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes as they are present in different fluids produced by the body: saliva, semen and vaginal secretions
- Symptoms include painful sores in the genital area, which are bumps filled with fluids or pus
- There is no permanent cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments available to manage flare ups
Gonorrhea
- A type of STD that is asymptomatic and prevalent in women
- Transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex as well as sharing of sex toys with a person infected with the disease
- Symptoms are similar to chlamydia and include abnormal vaginal discharges, bleeding in between periods, pain when urinating and during sex and lower abdominal pain
- Gonorrhoea is curable with antibiotics
- If you are pregnant, it is important that you get treatment as this type of STD can be passed on to newborns during childbirth
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- An asymptomatic viral infection that is spread through sexual intercourse of skin-to-skin contact
- Symptoms of a HPV infection include warts on various parts of the body – especially on the face, feet, fingers, hands and genitals
- Without proper treatment, HPV can lead to cervical cancer in women
- Vaccines are available to prevent HPV infections
sexually transmitted infections
FAQs
Why is STI screening important?
There are many reasons why STI screening is important:
- Timely treatment to cure or control the disease
- Determine infections accurately, especially asymptomatic STI
- Prevent spread the disease to others
How often should I undergo STI screening?
For sexually active individuals, the recommendation is to undergo STI testing once every twelve months. If you are involved in high risk sexual activities, such as having unprotected sex and multiple partners, you should undergo more frequent STI screening.
How much does STI screening typically cost in Singapore?
Depending on the type of test needed, the cost for STD screening at LMC ranges from $63-$172. Our tests are available as standalone tests or as add ons to our full body health screenings.
How soon after exposure to an STI should I get tested in Singapore?
If you suspect that you may have contracted an STI, see a doctor immediately. Avoid sexual intercourse to prevent passing on the infection.
The time that it takes for the signs and symptoms of an STI to manifest is dependent on the type of STI. For example, certain STIs like gonorrhea and herpes appear sooner, usually between 2 days to 3 weeks. Others like syphilis may take weeks to months to show any signs, while HIV infections may even take several years before it becomes apparent.
Are STI screening tests confidential in Singapore?
Yes, STD screening tests are strictly confidential. All STI tests at LMC are carried out in privacy (including consultation) with appropriate treatment to manage your condition. We are a non-judgemental clinic and welcome everyone.
Birth Control Pill: What is it?
Otherwise known as “the Pill”, birth control pills are contraceptive medications taken orally for pregnancy prevention. It includes hormones that help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Birth control pills have two types: combination and progestin-only pills. Both contain hormones that work to prevent pregnancy. Combination pills are the most common type of birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin, while the other kind called “the minipill” solely contains progestin.
Birth Control Pill
FAQs
Should a condom still be used while on the pill?
Using a condom while on the pill is highly encouraged as this doubles your protection against unwanted pregnancy and contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Do birth control pills stop your menstrual period?
Birth control pills may cause your menstrual period to stop or get delayed. There are pills that cause hormonal changes in the body and prevent menstrual bleeding.
What is the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive taken to reduce the risk of pregnancy after having unprotected sex or when no birth control contraceptive is used. This pill should be taken right away or within 120 hours following unprotected sex. This should not be used as a substitute for regular birth control pills to prevent impregnation.
The morning-after pill may delay the menstrual cycle for up to 7 days. If the delay extends for more than three weeks, get tested for pregnancy.
How do I obtain birth control pills in Singapore?
Birth control pills can be obtained with a doctor’s prescription after undergoing a consultation.
Health is for everyone
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