Venereology Package - Extended

Venereology package - extended

Venereology package - extended, includes diagnostics for the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of viral and bacterial origin:

• 2 consultations with a venereologist (the first, with swab collection and the second - summary),
• Anti-HIV antibodies with antigen p.24-test COMBO,
• Syphilis serology (VDRL),
• Chlamydia trachomatis - antigen,
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae - culture,
• Antibodies against - HCV.

Time to use the package - 6 months.
For laboratory tests (blood draws), patients make an appointment no earlier than the week before the appointment (3-6 days before the appointment).

Based on the results of diagnostic tests, the doctor determines further management:

• Negative result - discussion of prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), recommendation to repeat the tests in case of alarming symptoms or change in the patient's life situation (e.g. change of partner),
  
• Positive result - the doctor discusses and plans the process of treatment and follow-up visits, and informs about the need for prevention and diagnosis of the condition in the patient's sexual partner(s). During the visit, the patient also fills out a "Statement in connection with the diagnosis of a communicable disease related to the obligation of treatment and information."

• patients having relations with a new sexual partner,
• patients with multiple sexual partners,
• patiens entering into new relationships,
• patients observing worrying symptoms in themselves,
• women planning pregnancy. 

When to use the package? 

• For the diagnosis of the most common sexually transmitted diseases: hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, syphilis, oral and genital herpes.
• Prophylactically, to exclude or confirm possible asymptomatic infection with sexually transmitted viruses or bacteria.

In the case of a diagnosis of syphilis, in cooperation between the clinic and the hospital intervention point, we offer the possibility of treating the condition with antibiotic injections (Intramuscular/intravenous treatment with antibiotic). The treatment process, including the number of necessary injections of the drug and the duration of therapy, is determined and ordered individually by the doctor.

Why it's worth it.

Sexually transmitted diseases may not produce noticeable symptoms for a long time. Nevertheless, they lead to progressive changes in the body. They can result in liver failure and cirrhosis (hepatitis B and C), serious impairment of the body's immunity (HIV) , damage to the nervous system (syphilis). Thus, lack of appropriate therapy can become the cause of serious health consequences and complications.

Thanks to the examinations included in the venereology package, you gain knowledge about your health condition and can start the treatment process if necessary. By performing tests as a package rather than individually, you save time and money. In addition, you save on consultations with a venereologist, where the first one is with taking swabs and the second one summarizing the test results.

Check out what Anna Winiarska, MD, a dermatologist and venereologist admitted at Damian Medical Center, says about sexually transmitted diseases:

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa acquired through sexual contact. The diseases are a major health problem both in Poland and around the world. In recent years, an increase in cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydiosis has been observed - especially among patients using PrEP, as they very often forgo condom protection.

Sexually transmitted diseases often coexist in a single patient, and HIV infection increases the risk of acquiring them. Depending on the form of sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral), symptoms involve the genitals, anus or mouth - but can also localize to the trunk or extremities.

Typical symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases include:

• purulent, mucous discharge from the urethra,
• purulent, mucopurulent discharge from the vagina,
• altered odor of vaginal discharge,
• bleeding between periods,
• pain, burning or discomfort during urination,
• pain in the lower abdomen,
• ulceration or painful erosions,
• vesicles in the genital area, anus, mouth,
• macular and maculopapular rash on the skin of the trunk, extremities, hands and feet,
• enlargement of the surrounding lymph nodes (e.g., inguinal, submandibular).

Sexually transmitted diseases can be asymptomatic or sparse in both sexes. As a result, many male and female patients are unaware that they are sick and infecting their sexual partners.

Untreated diseases - gonorrhea, chlamydiosis - lead to serious consequences: epididymitis, pelvic organ inflammation, infertility, miscarriage, infection of the newborn, ectopic pregnancy. Untreated syphilis can lead to miscarriage, congenital syphilis and the development of syphilis of the nervous system. For this reason, it is important to perform regular screening for multiple STDs (serological blood tests, microscopic examinations, pathogen cultures, PCR tests), especially in patients who have a new sexual partner, with multiple sexual partners or who are entering a new relationship, as well as in women planning a pregnancy. Testing is offered to each patient individually, depending on the suspected disease and medical history.

Sexually transmitted diseases:

• Chlamydiosis (Chlamydia trachomatis),
• Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae),
• syphilis (Treponema pallidum),
• cysticercosis (Trichomonas vaginalis),
• condylomata (HPV),
• molluscum contagiosum (MCV),
• granuloma venereum of the groin (LGV),
  
• hepatitis A (HAV),
  
• hepatitis B (HBV),
  
• hepatitis C (HCV),
  
• HIV infection.