Clinics in Cartago

What is an STI?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are typically spread through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, sharing sex toys, and skin-to-skin contact during foreplay.  You do not need to have intercourse to pass on, or catch an STI.

STIs can also be transmitted through other means, such as sharing needles during intravenous drug use, getting a tattoo using unsterilised equipment, and sharing razors.

Common STIs in Cartago include:

• HIV

• Syphilis

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Herpes

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)/Genital Warts

• Trichomonas

• Mycoplasma

• Ureaplasma

• Gardnerella

Many STIs do not have any symptoms, especially in the first few weeks following infection.  STIs can affect individuals of all ages, races, and sexual orientations. That is why it is important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active.

Select a private Cartago clinic near you on the map above to book your STI test today.

What will happen if I have an STI?

If you have an STI in Cartago please do not worry.  We are here to help you.  We will help you to speak to one of our doctors who will be able to help you with the next steps.  This may be medication to treat your infection or a referral to a specialist service.  We are always here if you have any questions.

You should also let your partners know that you had an STI.  In your secure online patient area, you will be able to email or SMS your partners (with or without your name) to let them know and to encourage them to get tested in Cartago or elsewhere in Costa Rica.

Should I stop having sex if I am concerned about having an STI?

If you are concerned that you have an STI, you should stop having sex until you have been tested and completed any prescribed treatment. This advice is important to prevent the spread of the infection to your other sexual partners.

After treatment, regular testing, and safe sex practices, such as using condoms, can help you manage your sexual health responsibly while reducing the risk of STI transmission.

Book your Better2Know STI test in Cartago online now.  We can help you to get fast results and access any treatment that you need.

What STIs should I get tested for?

If you do not know what specific infections to test for, Better2Know’s medical team recommends the Full STI Screen.  Our doctors have put this screen together for men and women to test for the most common and most important STIs. You can book it online at our private Cartago sexual health clinic nearest you.

You should wait 28 days since any incident of concern before you have this test.  We just need a blood and urine sample.  The screen tests for:

• HIV

• Syphilis

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Hepatitis B

• Mycoplasma

• Ureaplasma

If you have not yet waited 28 days.  Do not worry, we have other tests for you to choose from.  Our Early Screens start from an incubation period of just 10 days.  Our friendly booking team are available now to help you to choose the right test for you in Cartago.

HIV testing in Cartago

Both men and women are at risk of HIV in Cartago.  If you have had sex with a new male or female partner, then we suggest that you include an HIV test in your screen.  This is because it is important to detect HIV early so that you can begin treatment.  These days, most people with HIV will lead a normal length of life providing they start treatment early and take their medication regularly.

Our advanced blood tests can detect HIV in a small blood sample from just 10 days after any potential infection.  This is the earliest HIV test possible in Cartago.  HIV is also included in many of our STI screens.  It is always important to know your HIV status so that you can protect your own health and not pass the infection on.

If you are concerned about having HIV, call our helpline today to speak to our Sexual Health Advisors.  They will be happy to help you to book your HIV test.

Chlamydia testing in Cartago

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in Cartago.  That is why getting tested for it is important, as many people have it.  It is easily transmitted between sexual partners during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Most men and women who have a Chlamydia infection do not have any symptoms in the first few months.  However, in this time, Chlamydia can cause serious damage to your health and fertility, including conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy in women, and prostatitis and epididymitis in men.

Better2Know make having a Chlamydia test in Cartago as easy as possible.  A urine test will detect a genital infection, or a self-collected swab is needed to detect an infection in your throat or anus.  It is important to test all parts of your body that may have Chlamydia.

24-hour helpline available in Cartago

Better2Know offers a 24-hour helpline for all our patients, so that you can contact us at any time. Our dedicated team of Sexual Health Advisors in Cartago are always available to provide professional and confidential advice, answer your queries, and assist you in booking your STI test appointments.

You can also contact us by webchat, and email.  All bookings can also be made online by selecting the Cartago sexual health clinic near you on the map above.  Call us today to book your STI test in Cartago.