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Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterium can cause infections of the urethra, cervix, rectum or throat. In men, the infection can spread to the epididymis, and in women to the uterus or fallopian tubes. This can lead to infertility or an ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia during pregnancy can also cause eye infections or respiratory infections in newborn babies. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs and can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The infection is highly contagious. Not everyone with gonorrhea experiences symptoms. Around 90% of men develop symptoms, compared with approximately 40–70% of women.
If gonorrhea is left untreated, the infection can spread further into the body, similar to chlamydia. In women, this can lead to conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Pregnant women with gonorrhea may experience complications such as infection of the uterus or premature delivery. The infection can also be passed to the baby during childbirth, potentially causing serious eye infections and, in severe cases, blindness.
In men, untreated gonorrhea can cause inflammation of the epididymis or prostate. In rare cases, gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream and cause infections elsewhere in the body, potentially leading to complications such as joint inflammation, sepsis or meningitis.
Fortunately, gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.
The herpes simplex virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas and has two main types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is mainly transmitted through oral contact and can cause oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes through oral-to-genital contact. Around 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 worldwide (67%) have HSV-1.
HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that primarily causes genital herpes and is mainly spread through sexual contact. Around 491 million people aged 15 to 49 worldwide (13%) have HSV-2.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can occur without symptoms, meaning many people are unaware that they are infected. When symptoms do occur, they may appear 2 to 12 days after exposure. The first outbreak is often more severe than subsequent outbreaks, and outbreaks may become less frequent over time.
Herpes sores usually appear at or near the area where the virus entered the body. Although there is currently no cure for HSV, antiviral medications can help reduce symptoms and the frequency and severity of recurrent outbreaks.
This test detects active herpes infections that may be present in urine or vaginal fluid.
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a bacterium that can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, including oral, anal or vaginal sex. If you experience symptoms such as a burning sensation, itching or discharge and tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea are negative, MG testing is often considered.
Many people with an MG infection do not notice any symptoms, meaning infections can remain undetected for a long time. It is estimated that around 90% of men do not experience noticeable symptoms, while approximately 50% of women may also be symptom-free.
Despite often being unnoticed, MG can cause inflammation of the urethra, cervix and fallopian tubes. It has also been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and miscarriages, although these complications are less common than with chlamydia.
Treatment for MG usually involves antibiotics. In some cases, the infection may clear on its own. However, increasing antibiotic resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium requires careful consideration when choosing treatment.
Mycoplasma hominis is a bacterium that is commonly found in the urinary and genital tracts. It is normal for small amounts of this bacterium to be present without causing any symptoms. An increased level of Mycoplasma hominis may indicate an infection.
An infection can cause symptoms such as pain during urination, discharge, itching or a burning sensation. However, some infections occur without noticeable symptoms.
If a Mycoplasma hominis infection is left untreated, it may lead to complications. In women, this can include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility or pregnancy-related complications. In men, it may cause inflammation of the prostate or epididymis. In some cases, the infection can spread and contribute to more serious health problems.
Trichomonas is a biomarker that indicates whether someone is infected with the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. This parasite causes the sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis. A positive (elevated) result indicates that an infection is present. A negative (low or undetectable) result means that no infection has been detected.
Trichomonas infections can occur in both men and women, but symptoms are more common in women. These may include itching, discharge and a burning sensation. Men often have few or no symptoms but can still transmit the infection to others.
If a Trichomonas infection is left untreated, it can cause persistent symptoms in women, increase the risk of other STIs and lead to complications during pregnancy. In men, it may cause inflammation of the urinary tract. The infection can also continue to be passed on to sexual partners. It is therefore important that an abnormal (positive) result is always assessed and treated by a doctor.
Ureaplasma parvum is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the urinary and genital tracts of many people. In most cases, this bacterium does not cause symptoms and treatment is not required. However, a high level of Ureaplasma parvum may sometimes indicate an infection.
An infection can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination, discharge or lower abdominal pain. In women, it may also be associated with vaginal infections or inflammation of the cervix. In men, it may cause inflammation of the urethra or prostate.
If elevated levels are left untreated, this may sometimes lead to persistent symptoms or complications, such as reduced fertility or inflammation in the pelvic area. A low level or absence of Ureaplasma parvum is considered normal and has no health consequences.
The interpretation of abnormal values is the same for men and women, although the symptoms may differ between the sexes.
Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterium that naturally occurs in the urinary and genital tracts of both men and women. In most cases, this bacterium does not cause symptoms. However, an elevated level may indicate an infection with Ureaplasma urealyticum.
An infection can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination, discharge or lower abdominal pain. In women, it may also be associated with vaginal infections, reduced fertility or complications during pregnancy. In men, it can cause inflammation of the urethra or prostate.
If an elevated level is left untreated, the infection may spread and lead to more serious symptoms, such as inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes or prostate. It may also increase the risk of pregnancy-related complications. It is therefore important to have an abnormal result assessed and treated if necessary, even if there are no clear symptoms.
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