How much does STD test cost in Nigeria?

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An article on the where, how, when, who, what and cost of stds test in Nigeria.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are major health problems that if left untreated or poorly treated can cause serious complications like:

• infertility
• cancer
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• chronic pelvic pain
• blindness
• urethral stricture
• dysmenorrhoea
• stillbirths
• dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)
• ectopic pregnancy
• laryngeal polyps
• low birth weight
• neonatal pneumonia
• psychosis

According to estimates of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 15-24 year olds account for half of all new STDs infections.

Unfortunately, many people dont receive prompt treatment for STIs or are often times poorly treated. Many STDs have no symptoms or very nonspecific symptoms, which can make them hard to notice. The stigma associated with STIs also discourages some people from getting tested. But testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STI.

Who should be tested for STIs?

If you have been sexually active, it is a good idea to be tested for STIs. It is advisable to go for stds test if:

• you are in a new relationship.
• you and your partner are thinking about not using condoms.
• you are not faithful to your partner(you have multiple sexual partners)
• your partner has cheated on you or has multiple sexual partners.
• you or your partner had a one night stand.
• you have symptoms suggestive of STIs.
• rape
• it is important to get screened if you are pregnant as STIs can complicate your pregnancy or harm your baby. Std tests are usually done in your first antenatal visit.

STIs you will be tested for

There are a number of different STIs. But the STD tests commonly done are:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhoea
• Hepatitis B
• Chlamydia
• Trichomoniasis
• Genital herpes if you show symptoms
• Any other tests as your doctor deem appropriate.

It is important you discuss your sexual risk factors with your doctor. In particular, you should always tell them if you engage in oral or anal sex. Some oral or anal STIs cannot be detected using standard STI tests.

Where can you get tested for STIs?

You can get tested in a hospital (private or public), a primary health centre, in a sexual health clinic or in a big laboratory that has a doctor. Always make sure you are tested in a centre that has a doctor. The doctor will examine you and counsel you on the STD tests to do based on her clinical evaluation. At home tests and online tests are also available but are largely unrealiable.

How are STD tests performed?

Depending on your sexual history, your doctor may request for a variety of tests to check you for STIs, including blood tests, urine tests, swabs, or physical exams.

Blood and urine tests

Most STIs can be tested for using urine or blood samples. Your doctor may request for urine or blood tests to screen you for:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhoea
• hepatitis b or c
• herpes
• HIV
• syphilis

In some cases, urine and blood tests are not as accurate as other forms of testing. It may take a month or longer after being exposed to certain STIs for blood tests to be reliable. For example, it takes a period of three months or longer for HIV to be detected in blood.

Swabs

Vaginal, cervical, urethral, throat or rectal swabs are used to check for STIs. The swabs are then sent to the lab for culture and sensitivity.

Cost

The cost for std test varies from lab to lab and from patient to patient and also the diagnosis. For example in the hospital I work, ladies that come for total screening for sexually transmitted infections usually pay #25,000 Naira or even more . This covers medical consultations and the lab investigations. It may be more or less depending on the hospital or laboratory.

Location matters a lot too, it may be more if you are in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Benin City.

You can however, see some labs where you can do screening for STDs for N15,000

Source: Healthline