Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Causes & Risk Factors

STIs are transmitted through sexual contact, with risk influenced by several factors:

•  Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected partner.

•  Multiple sexual partners, which increases cumulative exposure risk.

•  A new sexual partner whose STI status is unknown.

•  Prior history of an STI, which may indicate ongoing risk factors.

•  Inconsistent or incorrect use of barrier protection.

Symptoms & When to Test

STI symptoms vary considerably by organism, and many infections — particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea — are frequently asymptomatic, especially in women.

•  Unusual genital discharge

•  Burning or pain during urination

•  Genital sores, ulcers, or warts

•  Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

•  Pain during intercourse

•  Many infections cause no symptoms at all, which is why risk-based screening (not only symptom-based testing) is important

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is appropriate for anyone with genital symptoms, a new sexual partner, multiple partners, a partner diagnosed with an STI, or as part of routine screening recommended for sexually active individuals, even without symptoms.

Why Tests Are Combined

Because several STIs can cause similar symptoms (or no symptoms at all) and co-infection with more than one organism is common, multiplex PCR panels testing for several pathogens simultaneously from a single sample are often more practical and cost-effective than sequential single-organism testing.

A comprehensive STI evaluation often includes both the specific pathogens causing acute symptoms (chlamydia, gonorrhea) and screening for infections that may be asymptomatic but have serious long-term implications (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C), since a person presenting with one STI risk factor may be at risk for several others simultaneously.

The choice between a focused panel (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea only) and a more extended panel depends on individual risk factors, symptoms, and clinical judgment, best discussed with your doctor.

Tests Available at NPL

Most infectious-disease molecular tests and microbiological investigations do not require fasting. However, some blood tests ordered at the same time may have specific preparation requirements. Please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL accredited under ISO 15189:2022 laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  New or unusual genital discharge, sores, or warts

•  Pain or burning during urination

•  Pelvic pain, particularly with fever

•  A sexual partner diagnosed with an STI

•  New sexual partner or multiple partners — consider routine screening even without symptoms