STIs are sexually transmitted infections. They occur when sexually transmitted bacteria, viruses, parasites, or other microbes enter the body and begin multiplying. STDs are sexually transmitted diseases that result from STIs as symptoms start to develop and show. 

Since STIs can often be asymptomatic (which means not everyone with an infection develops symptoms), when talking about screening, the term STI is often more accurate. However, both the terms can be used interchangeably.

You will need an STI test if you’ve ever had unprotected sex or if something went wrong during sex like a burst condom. The frequency of getting tested varies depending on your sexual activity. Get tested-

1. Before engaging in any sexual activity. 

2. Once a year if you’re sexually active with a single partner.

3. Once in 6 months if you have had multiple partners, a history of blood transfusion, a needle prick incidents, have shared needles and/or tattooing equipment.

STI tests can include trichomoniasis urine test, gonorrhoea screening test, syphilis std test chlamydia lab test, throat chlamydia test, HIV testing, herpes and many more depending on the panel you pick. It is always best to be safe than sorry and do the entire panel to get you treatment as soon as you need it.

Yes, you can get STIs from kissing. There are STIs that can be spread through non-sexual contact (like kissing) that are also spread through sexual contact. Oral sex, kissing, blood transfusions from infected people, shared needles, or shared tattooing equipment are a few means of STI transmission.

Yes, you can get reinfected for infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Syphilis if you once again contract the bacteria causing these infections. It is therefore recommended always to practice safe sex to avoid any recurrence.

STIs are usually asymptomatic which means they produce little to no symptoms. 

Common symptoms that might appear include: 

1. Discharge from the vagina or penis

2. Rash or sores in the genital area

3. Pain or burning sensation while passing urine

4. Pain while having sex

5. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area

6. Persistent flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body pains, sore throat, stomach ache, weakness)

If you have had unprotected sex, firstly do not panic. All STIs/STDs are treatable with modern medicine. When it comes to testing, each STI/STD has a different time frame for accurate testing. 

Get tested 2-3 weeks after exposure, sooner if you have any symptoms. This will help get you started on treatment at the earliest possible, should you have contracted something. Do not worry if you test positive, consult our doctor, most STIs can be treated and completely cured at an early stage.

It is important to keep in mind that you may get a false negative due to testing window periods. Because of this, we may recommend you do another test 3 months after your 1st test to verify your initial results.

STI tests are highly confidential at places like Proactive For Her and you might not know if your friends/family are getting tested unless they tell you themselves. It is always better to get tested at least once a year if you are sexually active. STI/STDs can lead to long term complications like infertility if left undetected and untreated.

You can try approaching government hospitals for free/subsidised testing for certain STI/STDs like HIV. You can also pay for your STI testing with Proactive via interest free EMIs over 3 or 6 months.

Yes! Even if you’re in a long-term, monogamous relationship, it’s possible for you or your partner to have a previously undiagnosed and untreated STI. An STI doesn’t necessarily mean your partner cheated on you, it could mean that either you or your partner didn’t get tested before the relationship, and symptoms are starting to appear now.

All STIs are treatable! If you test positive, you will be given a session with a sexual health specialist. Your doctor will take care of the management of your condition and prescribe medication if required. They will also advise you on follow-up and retesting.

Our support team will let you know if your area is serviceable. Please send us your city and pincode via WhatsApp.

Yes, though STI means sexually transmitted infections, but doesn’t mean that the mode of transmission is limited to sexual activity. You can also get infected if there is any previous history of blood transfusions, shared needles or tattooing equipment, or any non-penetrative sexual activity with a suspected or infected partner.

Yes absolutely! Our test panels are designed for universal use. In a sexual relationship, it is important for all partners to get tested.