This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia : Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often doesn’t cause any symptoms, so many people who have it don’t know they’re infected.

Chlamydia Symptoms (if present):

• Men:
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Women:
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Bleeding between periods

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women
• Infertility in both men and women
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Eye infections
• Arthritis

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea : Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat.

Gonorrhea Symptoms: While many people with gonorrhea don’t experience any symptoms, some may notice:

• In men:
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Pain or swelling in the testicles
• In women:
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Bleeding between periods

If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women
• Infertility in both men and women
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Arthritis
• Disseminated gonococcal infection (a rare but serious condition)

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through several stages, each with its own set of symptoms:

Primary Syphilis:

• Characterized by a painless sore, often on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
• This sore, called a chancre, typically heals on its own within a few weeks.

Secondary Syphilis:

• Occurs several weeks after the primary stage.
• Symptoms may include:
  • A rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches
  • Hair loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Latent Syphilis:

• This stage can last for years without any symptoms.
• During this period, the infection remains in the body and can still be transmitted to others.

Tertiary Syphilis:

• If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the tertiary stage, which can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs.
• Symptoms may include:
• Difficulty coordinating muscle movements
• Paralysis
• Blindness
• Dementia
• Organ damage

HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections.

How HIV Spreads:

• Unprotected Sex: This is the most common way HIV spreads. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Sharing Needles: Sharing needles or syringes, especially for injecting drugs, can transmit HIV.
• Mother to Child: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

HIV Symptoms:

In the initial stages, many people experience flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. However, these symptoms often subside, and people may not experience any noticeable symptoms for years.

HIV Progression:

Without treatment, HIV can weaken the immune system over time, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers. This advanced stage of HIV infection is known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

FAQ

Physicians Edition

The physicians edition is an option for you to either take the kit to your local doctors office or locate one from our directory of who carry our SelfHealth kits. Benefits are higher accuracy administered at the office and on demand results reporting directly to you. This option also includes initial visit administering of test and follow up visit for an additional $150.00 fee + cost of selected tests.