Sexual health is a vital part of overall well-being, yet for many, the topic of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remains surrounded by stigma, silence and misinformation. This often leads to delays in seeking medical help, increasing the risk of complications and further transmission.
In Singapore, the issue is more common than many realise. In 2024, there were 151 new HIV cases [1] — the lowest annual total since 1998 — yet over half were diagnosed at a late stage, pointing to a worrying trend of delayed detection. Among notifiable sexually transmitted infections [2] (STIs), chlamydia remains the most commonly reported [3], followed by syphilis and gonorrhoea.
These numbers serve as a reminder: STDs are more widespread and often overlooked than we think. The first step to protecting your health is being informed. In this blog, we break down the facts about common STDs: how they spread, the symptoms to look out for, when to get tested, and the treatment options available.
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
STDs, also referred to as STIs, are infections that primarily spread through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal or oral sex. In some cases, it can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
While “STD,” and “STI” are often used interchangeably, the term STI is more accurate in many cases. This is because not all infections cause disease or symptoms. In fact, someone may have an infection and pass it on without even knowing.
How do Sexually Transmitted Diseases spread?
Bacteria, viruses or parasites are the known causes of STDs. As such, they are most transmitted through:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Genital-to-genital contact
- Sharing needles or syringes
- During childbirth (mother to baby)
- In rare cases, through blood transfusions or organ transplants
It is important to remember that STDs cannot spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or using the same toilet.
What are the common Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Although STDs are common in Singapore, social stigma combined with a lack of awareness often results in many cases going undetected. This is especially common in the early stages, where the disease may not cause noticeable symptoms.
Knowing the common types, how they are caused and what to look out for can help you seek timely testing and treatment. Some of the common STDs are:
| STD | CAUSE | WHAT IT IS | KEY CHARACTERISTICS / APPEARANCE |
| Chlamydia | Bacteria (Chlamydia trachomatis) | A common bacterial infection affecting the genitals, rectum or throat. | Often silent. It may cause abnormal discharge, pain during urination or pelvic pain. |
| Gonorrhoea | Bacteria (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) | A bacterial infection that can affect the genitals, rectum and throat. | Yellow or green discharge, painful urination or sore throat (if oral). |
| Syphilis | Bacteria (Treponema pallidum) | A bacterial infection that progresses in stages, from sores to serious organ damage if untreated. | Painless sore, followed by rashes, fever and in late stages, neurological or heart issues. |
| Genital Herpes | Virus (Herpes Simplex Virus – HSV-1 or HSV-2) | A viral infection that causes recurrent sores on the genital or oral area. | Painful blisters or ulcers on or around the genitals, anus or mouth. It may recur after treatment. |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | Virus | A group of viruses, some of which cause genital warts or lead to cervical and other cancers. | Genital warts (small bumps, often clustered). However, most strains are asymptomatic. |
| HIV | Virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) | A virus that weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated. | Flu-like symptoms early on. However, later stages involve fatigue, weight loss and recurrent infections. |
| Hepatitis B | Virus | A viral infection affecting the liver, which can be transmitted sexually or through blood. | May be silent. Some experience fatigue, jaundice or liver inflammation. |
| Trichomoniasis | Parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis) | A parasitic infection commonly affects the genital tract. | Foul-smelling vaginal discharge, itching and irritation. But it is often asymptomatic in men. |
What are the signs and symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Many STDs are asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. This is why regular screening is important if you are sexually active. When symptoms appear, they may include:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, swollen glands)
- Genital sores, blisters or warts
- Itching, redness or swelling in the genital area
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain or burning during urination
- Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
- Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
What happens if Sexually Transmitted Diseases are left untreated?
Whether symptoms are mild or asymptomatic, it is crucial not to ignore the possibility of an STD. Many infections can silently progress and cause serious long-term health consequences.
This includes:
- Chronic pain – pelvic pain [4], testicular discomfort and pain during intercourse are possible long-term effects of untreated infections. These symptoms can persist even after the infection is cleared. It may also affect daily functioning and quality of life.
- Infertility – infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can spread to the reproductive organs, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men. These conditions can result in permanent damage [5], making it difficult or impossible to conceive naturally.
- Pregnancy complications – STDs during pregnancy [6] can lead to miscarriage, preterm birth or low birth weight. Some infections, like syphilis or herpes, can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. This may potentially cause serious neonatal infections or congenital abnormalities.
- Organ damage and systemic illness – some infections can progress to affect the heart, liver, brain and nervous system. This is especially risky with syphilis [7], hepatitis B/C [8] and HIV [9].
The good news is that many STDs can be easily treated if caught early. That is why seeking timely medical attention is crucial, as it can improve the outcomes of the treatment while safeguarding your sexual health.
How are Sexually Transmitted Diseases diagnosed?
Doctors will initially begin the diagnostic process with a medical evaluation. During this stage, doctors may ask questions such as:
- The symptoms you are experiencing
- How long have you experienced these symptoms
- Risk factors, such as lifestyle
- Your medical history
- Your sexual history, which includes how many partners you have had
These answers will then help doctors determine the combination of methods tailored to the type of infection. It may include:
- Blood tests – detect antibodies, antigens or DNA/RNA for infections like HIV, syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B/C.
- Urine tests – use Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) to identify bacterial DNA for chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
- Swab tests – PCR-based swabs for genital areas, throat, rectum or sores. It is often used for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes or HIV.
- Multiplex PCR panels – they offer comprehensive screening for multiple infections from a single sample.
When should you get tested for STDs?
Early detection saves lives, prevents complications and most importantly, stops transmission. As such, here is when you should consider getting tested for an STD:
- After a possible exposure – if you have had unprotected sex, engaged in a new or casual partner or suspect your partner may be infected, then it’s recommended to get yourself tested. Testing should follow the recommended windows as below:
- Retesting for chlamydia 1 to 3 weeks after the initial test (even if the first result came back negative).
- Retesting for syphilis 3 to 6 weeks after the initial test (even with a negative result from the first test).
- If you have symptoms – even if you are experiencing mild symptoms like burning sensation while urinating, unusual discharge, sores or rashes, this warrants immediate testing.
- For routine checks – Singapore’s National HIV Testing Recommendations advise that every adult (age 21 years and older) should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Meanwhile, higher risk individuals are encouraged to get tested every 3 to 6 months.
- When a partner tests positive – if your partner is diagnosed with an STD, do get tested immediately. Even in the absence of symptoms, STDs can still spread easily and silently.
How are Sexually Transmitted Diseases treated?
Being diagnosed with an STD can feel overwhelming. However, you are not alone and help is available.
Most STDs are treatable and many can be completely cured with the right medical care. For those that are not curable, effective treatments can help you live well, manage symptoms and prevent transmission to others. Starting treatment early not only protects your health, but also your future relationships and well-being.
Depending on the cause, STDs are treated through:
Bacterial STDs (curable)
- Chlamydia – typically treated with doxycycline for 7 days. Pregnant ladies who are diagnosed with this disease are treated with azithromycin.
- Gonorrhoea – often treated with antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, combined with azithromycin.
- Syphilis – penicillin is the standard treatment, with alternatives available for those allergic.
Viral STDs (manageable, but not curable)
- Genital herpes – antivirals like acyclovir reduce outbreaks and transmission risk.
- HIV – requires lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART). Over 90% of Singaporean residents on ART achieve an undetectable viral load, virtually eliminating transmission risk.
- HPV – no cure, but vaccination helps. Additionally, HPV-linked cancers are monitored and managed.
- Hepatitis B/C – chronic cases are monitored and treated to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Why is follow-up care important?
Treatment is only one part of the journey towards better sexual health. Proper follow-up care plays a crucial role in ensuring that infections are fully cleared, chronic conditions are well managed and partners are protected from reinfection.
Whether your diagnosis was bacterial or viral, taking the right steps after treatment can safeguard your long-term health and support the well-being of those around you.
A comprehensive follow-up care involves:
| STEPS | WHAT IT ENTAILS |
| Retesting to Confirm a Cure (for Bacterial STDs) | Even if symptoms have resolved, it is important to retest after treatment. It is typically done 2 to 4 weeks later, depending on the type of infection and your doctor’s advice. This is especially important for:ChlamydiaGonorrhoeaSyphilis Retesting ensures the infection has fully cleared and helps detect possible reinfection, which is not uncommon. For example, some studies show up to 20% of people treated for chlamydia may get reinfected within a few months, often unknowingly. |
| Ongoing Monitoring (for Chronic Viral STDs) | For viral infections such as HIV, herpes, HPV and hepatitis B/C, follow-up care is ongoing and vital. These infections may not be curable, but they can be effectively managed with regular medical support. Monitoring typically includes: HIV – regular blood tests to check viral load and CD4 counts. Adhering to ART can reduce viral load to undetectable levels, which means zero risk of transmission to others through sex.Hepatitis B/C – periodic liver function tests and ultrasounds may be needed to check for signs of liver damage, cirrhosis or cancer.Herpes and HPV – monitoring focuses on symptom control and regular screening to catch potential complications early. |
| Partner Notification and Support | If you have been diagnosed with an STD, it is crucial to let your sexual partner(s) know, even if you are no longer in contact. This may feel uncomfortable, but open communication helps stop the cycle of reinfection and protects others from unknowingly spreading an infection. You do not have to do it alone. In Singapore, many clinics and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) offer:Anonymous partner notification servicesCounselling and educational resourcesSupport groups or helplines |
Final Thoughts
STDs are more common than many people think. What is even more unfortunate is that it often goes unnoticed until complications arise. But the truth is: most STDs are treatable and many are completely curable, especially when caught early. Even chronic infections like HIV or herpes can be managed effectively with modern treatment, allowing individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Unfortunately, many delay seeking help due to fear, shame or misconceptions. However, it’s important to remember that there is no shame in getting tested. In fact, prioritising your health is an act of self-respect and it protects those around you too. Like any other medical issue, STDs deserve to be handled with dignity, compassion and science-based care.
If you are experiencing potential symptoms of an STD, schedule a consultation with us today for a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan.
References
- Sexual Health. (2025). In Default. Default. https://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/health-promotion/sexual-health
- Sexually Transmitted Infections. (n.d.). In www.healthhub.sg. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.healthhub.sg/programmes/sexually-transmitted-infections
- Chlamydia. (n.d.). In Communicable Diseases Agency. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.cda.gov.sg/professionals/diseases/chlamydia
- Jennings LK, Krywko DM. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. [Updated 2023 Mar 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499959/
- Tsevat, D. G., Wiesenfeld, H. C., Parks, C., & Peipert, J. F. (2017). Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 216(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.008
- Kumar, M., Saadaoui, M., & Al Khodor, S. (2022). Infections and Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal and Child Health. Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 12, 873253. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.873253
- Tudor ME, Al Aboud AM, Leslie SW, et al. Syphilis. [Updated 2024 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534780/
- Hepatitis B and the liver: What to know. (2024). In www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-hepatitis-b-attack-the-liver
- Neurological Complications of HIV. (n.d.). Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hiv-and-aids/neurological-complications-of-hiv
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