Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are a nasty surprise that can happen to anyone. However, they can be identified through laboratory tests and there are effective medicines for treating them. If you suspect that you have a symptomless STD, you can arrange a test with our experienced nurses, without seeing a doctor. Our experts at the Ihosairaala treat countless numbers of cases each year and will treat you in full confidentiality. Don’t put off an STD test due to embarrassment.
If you suspect that you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), the surest course of action is to see a doctor and have tests done. It’s worth remembering that STDs are often symptomless, so tests are recommended after unprotected sex. However, you should certainly see a doctor if you notice any symptoms. When coming for tests, you should ensure that at least a week has gone by since the sexual contact which may have caused the infection. You should avoid urinating for 2 hours before giving a urine sample. When testing for Mycoplasma genitalium from urine, it is recommended that the sample is the first urine of the day.
Prices of STD tests
Use the following test packages to test for suspected STDs, at summer discount prices:
| Test package | Price |
|---|---|
Extensive
|
111.58 € |
Extensive +
|
156.66 € |
Additional sample from mucous membrane if necessary
|
50,00 € |
Hepatitis package
|
111.58 € (95 € in connection with another package) |
HIV from a blood sample
|
58.61 € |
Herpes simplex 1 and 2 antibodies from a blood sample
|
83.22 € (69 € in connection with another package) |
Mycoplasma genitalium, nucleic acid (kval)
|
132,94 € |
The test should be done at least a week from the possible time of infection. The Laaja + package includes a mucous membrane sample taken from one possible site of infection, typically the throat or anus in cases where the patient has practiced oral or anal sex. Additional mucous membrane samples are subject to a separate charge based on the price list.
The more common STDs
Chlamydia
- The are around 14,000 cases of the more common STDs each year in Finland.
- The disease may be symptomless for a long time: the symptoms generally take 1–3 weeks to appear
- Women experience a white discharge, pains in the lower abdomen, a stinging pain when urinating and unusually heavy periods
- In men, the symptoms include a urinary tract infection i.e. a stinging sensation when urinating, and a small amount of clear or greyish discharge from the urinary tract
- Chlamydia is confirmed through laboratory tests
Gonorrhea
- Gonorrhea has become more common in recent years, with 600 cases in Finland in 2017
- Symptomless for a long time, symptoms appear in 1–5 weeks for men, and in 2–3 weeks for women
- Women experience pain in the lower stomach, some kind of white discharge, and a stinging pain when urinating.
- Men experience an increased need to urinate, a stinging pain and a yellowish discharge from the urethra
- Confirmed by a laboratory test, can lead to more serious problems when left untreated
Syphilis
- Around 200 cases a year in Finland
- Long incubation time, symptoms appear in 3–4 weeks, may also be symptomless
- Typical symptoms include a hard-edged, round and painless chancre (wound) or general infection symptoms, a ‘speckled’ rash on various parts of the body or fairly hard papules (syphilids) on the palms and soles
- Confirmed with a laboratory test
HIV
- Under 200 cases a year
- A chronic disease for which there is effective medication
- Leads to the collapse of the immune system if left untreated
- Confirmed with a laboratory test
Condyloma (genital warts)
- Very common, up to 80% of the population have been carriers at some point in their life
- Symptoms begin 1–6 months from the time of infection, may be totally symptomless
- Symptoms involve wart-like alterations in the genital area
- Diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms
Genital herpes
- Very common, up to 20% of the population carries the virus, mainly symptomless
- Symptoms typically appear 4–7 weeks after infection
- Symptoms include blisters and sores around the infection area and general signs of infection such as a fever, feeling poorly, or swelling of the lymph nodes
- There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 tends to cause infections of the facial area, while HSV-2 affects the genitals and buttocks, but both may appear in either area.
- Diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms
If you suspect that you have a symptomless STD, you can come in for tests without a doctor’s appointment. If symptoms appear, make an appointment with a doctor directly.
Instructions for people coming for tests
You can come to the Ihosairaala for tests without a doctor’s referral or a reservation. If you wish, you can also book a time for giving a laboratory sample. You can state what kind of test you need when booking a time, or tell the nurse when signing in at the laboratory.
When coming for tests, you should ensure that at least a week has gone by since the sexual contact which may have caused the infection. In the case of syphilis or HIV, leave 2–3 months. You should avoid urinating for 2 hours before giving a urine sample. When testing for Mycoplasma genitalium from urine, it is recommended that the sample is the first urine of the day.
The test results will be ready in around a week. When taking the tests, you can book a call time from our nurse for reviewing the results. We will not send post to your home address. If the result is positive, you can book a time with our STD specialists and begin treatment quickly.
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