Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is associated with AIDS. This virus attacks and destroys certain white blood cells (T-helper lymphocytes) that are involved in the immune system. As the number of these cells is reduced, the ability of your body to fight off infections also decreases. Although there is no cure, early detection allows for treatment with anti-viral therapies.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. These are viral infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Hepatitis B and C affect the liver and can severely damage it. Treatment with interferon is available, but this drug therapy may have serious side effects.
Gonorrhea (colloquially known as the clap) is a common human sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection is transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. The usual symptoms in men are burning with urination and penile discharge. Women, on the other hand, are asymptomatic half the time or have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. If untreated, it may cause pelvic inflammatory disease or affect joints and heart valves. Positive tests for gonorrhea should be followed by tests for other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus.
Syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be easily missed. The first symptom is a painless blister or sore that will disappear on its own, but the infection is transmittable for up to eighteen months. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, the disease can spread over the course of many years and cause considerable organ damage.
Chlamydia trachomatis is often called "the silent epidemic" because infections are common yet many people do not realize that they are infected. Only one in four of infected people have symptoms of a slight discharge and stinging on passing urine. It is the commonest STD in the UK. This bacterial disease is easily cured with antibiotics but can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
First catch morning urine is the preferred sample for analysis. If this is not possible it is advisable not to urinate at least two hours before sample collection.