Understanding STDs and STIs 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are infections transmitted primarily through sexual contact — including vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Some can also spread via blood transfusion or from mother to child during childbirth. 

Typical
Symptoms
Incubation
Period
Curability Common
Tests
Chlamydia
Painful urination,
abnormal discharge
1-3
weeks
Curable with
antibiotics
Urine or
swab test
Gonorrhoea
Burning sensation,
discharge 
2-7
days
Curable with
antibiotics
Swab or
bacterial culture
Syphilis
Painless sores,
rash, fever 
3weeks-
3months
Curable
(early stages)
Blood
STD test
HIV
Fatigue, fever,
swollen
lymph nodes
2-6
weeks
Treatable
(not curable)
Blood test
(antibody/RNA)
Hepatitis B & C
Jaundice,
fatigue,
nausea
1-6
months
Manageable Blood test
(antigen/DNA)
HPV(Human Papillomavirus)
Often none;
warts possible 
1-8
months
Some types
clear naturally
Pap smear/ 
DNA test/ 
visual exam
Herpes(HSV 1 & 2)
Blisters,
itching, pain 
2-12
days
Not curable;
manageable
Swab/blood
antibody test

Many infections remain asymptomatic, making regular STI check-ups essential for anyone who is sexually active. 

 

Types of STD Testing and How They Work 

Category  Nucleic Acid
Test(DNA + RNA) 
Antibody
Test 
Bacterial
Culture Test 
Required
Pathogen Load
Very low
(e.g. 100 copies/mL) 
Higher
(e.g. 100,000 copies/mL)
Higher
Window Period Shorta
pproximately 1
day to 1 week 
Long
about 2 weeks
to 3 months
Moderate
around 5 days
to 2 weeks
Sensitivity Highest
(>90%) 
Moderate
(>80%)
Lower
(>70%)
Examples Chlamydia|
(95-99%)
HIV RNA
early detection
Chlamydia
(60-80%)
HIV 4th
Generation Antibody/
AntigenTest
(99-100%)
Chlamydia culture
(50-70%),
Gonorrhoea culture
(80-95%),
used for antibiotic
sensitivity testing 
Cost High Low Moderate 
Sample Type Urine/
swab sample
Blood sample Urine/
swab sample
Most
Suitable Stage
Early stage or
acute infection 
Chronic stage or
past infection 
Active or
acute infection 

Summary

  • Nucleic Acid Tests (DNA + RNA) are the most sensitive and can detect infections very early, even when the viral or bacterial load is low. They are ideal for those who may have been recently exposed. 

  • Antibody Tests detect the body's immune response to infection, so they are more effective after a longer period following exposure. They are widely used for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis

  • Bacterial Culture Tests involve growing the bacteria in a laboratory to confirm infection and determine the most effective antibiotic. These are commonly used for gonorrhoea and chlamydia

 

STD Testing Services Available in Public Facilities 

In Hong Kong, the Department of Health provides limited free or low-cost STI testing through Social Hygiene Clinics. However, these services often require waiting times and may not include the full spectrum of advanced molecular or DNA-based tests. 

For individuals seeking confidentiality, comfort, and comprehensive screening, private hospitals and Welloft partner clinics offer greater flexibility and broader test panels with expert follow-up. 

 

Before Your STD Test: Preparation & Considerations

Proper preparation helps ensure that your STD results are accurate and reliable. Below are key points to follow before your appointment: 

General Preparation 

  • Avoid sexual activity for at least 24 hours before the test, as intercourse may affect sample accuracy. 

  • Do not wash or cleanse the genital area on the morning of your test to avoid removing detectable bacteria or viruses.  

For Blood STD Tests 

  • Fasting is not required. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. 

For Urethral or Cervical Swab Tests 

  • For men: Avoid urination for at least one hour before the test to ensure a sufficient sample for accurate detection.

  • For women: Schedule the test outside your menstrual period and avoid using vaginal medications before your appointment.  

For Oral Swab Tests 

  • Avoid eating, brushing your teeth, or using mouthwash for at least one hour before your test to prevent contamination of the sample. 

 

The Importance of Regular STI Check-Ups 

STDs can cause long-term complications such as infertility, chronic pain, or liver disease if untreated. Early testing and treatment help prevent: 

  • Transmission to partners 

  • Progression to severe disease

  • Neonatal infections during childbirth 

  • Emotional stress and uncertainty 

Experts recommend a routine STI check-up at least once a year, or more frequently if you have new or multiple partners.

 

Recommended STD Test Packages from Welloft 

Welloft offers premium access to Hong Kong's most reputable clinics, providing accurate and discreet STD testing services. The following packages include comprehensive STD / STI panels

Precious Blood Hospital (Caritas)(Sham Shui Po)
Men/ Women Sexual Transmission Disease Basic Panel
 
  • Includes HPV DNA Genotyping Test, HSV II IgG, Syphilis RPR and HIV antigen
  • 2-3 working days for report 
Package price
HK$950
 
Precious Blood Hospital (Caritas)(Sham Shui Po)
Male/ Female Sexual Transmission Disease Classic Panel
 
  • Full coverage on STD DNA test, Treponema DNA, Syphilis RPR and HIV antigen, Gonococcus (GC) Culture, Chlamydia Test, HSV DNA, Trichomonas DNA 
  • 2-3 working days for report 
Package price
HK$1,500
 
Evangel Hospital (Kowloon City)
Lifelong Sexual Health Screening 
 
  • Tailored sexual health screening including Hepatitis B Screening, STD DNA test, Syphilis VDRL and EIA, HIV (1&2) Antigen and Antibody 
  • 2-3 working days for report 
Package price
HK$2,010
 

Why Book Your STD Test Through Welloft 

Booking your STD or STI test in HK through Welloft ensures: 

  • Confidentiality & Comfort: Discreet, professional handling from booking to consultation. 

  • Complimentary Nurse Consultation: Guidance to choose the right sexual health package for your needs. 

  • Seamless Booking: Compare plans and secure appointments within minutes.

  • Expat-Friendly Support: Multilingual assistance for international clients seeking privacy and clarity. 

Welloft combines precision, convenience, and care, ensuring you receive trusted results in a safe, confidential setting. 

 

FAQs

Most infections can be detected reliably 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, though some (like HIV or syphilis) may require a longer window period for accurate results.
Yes, the Department of Health operates Social Hygiene Clinics offering free testing. However, services are limited and waiting times vary.
Most are minimally invasive, involving only a blood or urine sample, and take less than 30 minutes.
Bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are curable with antibiotics, while viral infections like HIV and herpes are treatable but not curable.
Welloft connects you with trusted private hospitals for discreet, high-quality testing and professional medical support — making your health check stress-free and confidential.

 

Conclusion

Maintaining sexual health is a responsible and empowering choice. Whether you're seeking peace of mind or managing specific symptoms, a professional STD test offers clarity and protection for you and your partner. 

With Welloft, you can access confidential, accurate, and premium STD testing in Hong Kong, supported by expert medical staff and leading diagnostic technology. 

Prioritise your wellbeing — book your discreet STI check-up through Welloft today. 

 

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