What is included in an STD test?

STD testing usually screens for the main infections, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, herpes, and genital warts (HPV). Depending on the clinic, several can be checked at once through urine, blood, and PCR tests.

How much does an STD test cost?

The cost of STD testing varies with which items and which types of tests are included. In general, a basic STD test costs about KRW 50,000–150,000, and a comprehensive STD panel covering multiple items at once costs about KRW 100,000–300,000. The exact cost may differ depending on the tests included.

Can condoms completely prevent STDs?

A condom certainly helps, but it cannot give complete protection. Genital warts (condyloma), pubic lice, and scabies can spread through skin contact in the groin area or contact between a woman's secretions and a man's skin, so a condom's protection has limits. We still recommend one, and if suspicious symptoms appear after intercourse — even with a condom — please get tested.

Can taking medication before intercourse prevent STDs?

Some believe taking antibiotics before intercourse can partly prevent STDs, but in reality it has almost no effect. Antibiotics can also cause resistance and must be taken with caution, and by delaying the onset of symptoms they can delay treatment. We therefore do not recommend it. STD pathogens are extremely varied, so the best approach is the antibiotic suited to the specific pathogen, taken on time as prescribed by a doctor.

Can you get an STD without a blood transfusion or sexual contact?

Yes. Pubic lice and scabies can spread through everyday skin contact or bedding. If someone infected with pubic lice or scabies complains of severe itching, topical medication is required, and their bedding and clothing should be boiled and washed, or — if that is not possible — sealed and stored separately for about two weeks.

Can an STD cause infertility?

STD pathogens can affect the testicles or epididymis in men, and in women can invade the uterus or ovaries and cause infertility. Mild or absent symptoms are somewhat more common in women, so please get tested after any sexual contact that concerns you.

Can STDs cause cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV), the pathogen behind condyloma (genital warts) that causes genital warts, is known to cause penile cancer in men and cervical cancer in women. Of course, being infected with HPV does not mean cancer will develop 100% of the time, but caution is needed because the majority of cervical cancer patients have been found to be infected with this virus. In particular, condyloma (genital warts) is a viral disease with very high contagiousness and recurrence rates, so if you have any suspicious symptoms, both you and your sexual partner should be tested together and treated proactively.

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AI CURATION

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to the smart Goldman AI.

e.g. I urinate frequently and always feel residual urine
e.g. I feel a burning pain when I urinate
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Other STDs

If an STD is not treated accurately and in time, it can lead to serious complications such as infertility.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): miss one and you may regret it for life.
An accurate diagnosis changes the treatment outcome.

Other STD information, Goldman TV, Min Seungki, urology specialist

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The key to treating a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is identifying exactly which type of infection is present.
Only an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can effectively prevent recurrence and complications.

SINCE 2002, the hub of AI smart healthcare

What is an STD?

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) refers to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is passed on through sexual contact regardless of whether symptoms are present.
Not only gonorrhea and syphilis but also chlamydia, HPV, and genital herpes infections are on the rise, and left untreated they can lead to serious complications such as urethral stricture, prostatitis, and infertility.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are therefore needed whenever suspicious symptoms appear.

STDs are classified in various ways by the causative pathogen.

Bacterial infection

Chlamydia infection, gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, non-gonococcal urethritis, and others
Viral infections

Genital herpes, condyloma (genital warts), cervical cancer, AIDS, and others
Protozoal infections

Trichomonas vaginitis, amebic urethritis, and others
Parasitic infections

Pubic lice, scabies, and others

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): what symptoms do they cause?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, from low-grade fever, body aches, and pain to genital discharge, ulcers, and skin rash.
In some cases there may be no symptoms at all, or they may be very mild, so caution is needed.

Low-grade fever, body aches, pain (syphilis, gonorrhea, viral infections, etc.)
Increased genital or vaginal discharge (gonorrhea, urethritis)
Ulcers (syphilis, herpes)
Blisters or warts (herpes, condyloma)
Skin rash or hair loss (scabies, syphilis)
No symptoms

Diagnosing STIs:
what methods are available?

STDs are diagnosed using a variety of methods, from a medical interview to genetic testing.

Depending on whether symptoms are present and the type of infection, tailored testing such as urine tests, blood tests, and Multi-PCR is required.

Check the main tests and what makes each useful.

Medical interview and visual examination

A medical interview and skin examination confirm the basics needed to diagnose an STD.

Bacterial culture test

A bacterial culture test cultures the causative organism to identify its type and check antibiotic sensitivity.

Multi-PCR test

Gene amplification testing (PCR) detects a wide range of causative pathogens at once, so even asymptomatic infections are diagnosed accurately.

Urine inflammation test

Urethral discharge and urine are examined at once under a microscope to quickly detect inflammation.

Blood antibody test

Checking antibodies formed after infection shows the timing and stage, and is especially useful for viral STDs and asymptomatic infections.

Urethral endoscopy

An ultra-fine endoscope shows even lesions inside the urethra invisible to the naked eye, supporting accurate diagnosis and treatment.

The first step in diagnosis — check points of Goldman's Multi-PCR test

More accurate, sensitive, and faster than conventional bacterial culture.
Rapidly detects many pathogens, including HPV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma.
Beyond confirming infection, it identifies the bacteria type and any drug resistance.
As the first urology clinic to adopt PCR testing, Goldman draws on deep experience and varied cases for more precise diagnoses.

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STI types · symptoms · treatment at a glance

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and because many infections are asymptomatic, it is hard to know whether you are infected. Infection rates are especially high among adult women aged 30 and under, and without proper treatment it can lead to serious complications.

Chlamydia symptoms

Chlamydia's incubation period is usually about a week, but symptoms may appear 3–4 weeks later, and often there are none at all.

Men: urethral pain and discharge.

Women: more vaginal discharge and painful urination.

Lower abdominal pain and painful intercourse may also occur.

	Male	Female
Symptoms	· Frequent urge to urinate · Pain or burning when urinating · Clear or sticky mucous discharge · Testicular pain or swelling	· Pain or burning when urinating · Increased vaginal discharge · Pelvic pain or abdominal discomfort · Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Complications	· Chronic urethritis · Bacterial prostatitis · Epididymitis, which can cause infertility · Conjunctivitis	· Urethritis, which causes painful urination · Cervicitis · Fallopian tube, ovarian, and endometrial inflammation · Pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility · Ectopic pregnancy or premature rupture of the membranes

Chlamydia diagnosis

Standard tests

Diagnosis can be made through urinalysis, microscopic examination, antibody testing, and bacterial culture.However, urine or microscopic tests sometimes fail to detect the infection, and blood or antibody tests have limited accuracy.
Genetic amplification test (Multiplex PCR test)

Diagnosis is made by detecting the specific DNA of the pathogen, so accuracy is excellent.The Multi-PCR test checks for chlamydia and any co-infecting organisms at the same time, greatly reducing the time needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Chlamydia treatment

Chlamydia usually clears with about a week of medication.

If it does not, the bacteria have likely become drug-resistant or another organism is also present.

Then further treatment is needed after a thorough consultation with the medical team.

Goldman's key points for managing chlamydia

Check

If you have had sexual contact that raises concern for chlamydia or develop symptoms,
it is best to consult a specialist right away and get diagnosed promptly.
Check

The most effective prevention method known to date is
using a condom during sexual intercourse.
Check

You must be treated together with your sexual partner
to prevent complications from developing.

What is ureaplasma?

Ureaplasma is a tiny bacterium with no cell wall that readily attaches to the mucous membranes of the genital tract.

It is found in 60–80% of adults and is one of the common causative organisms of non-gonococcal urethritis.

It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, but it is also regarded as a commensal organism, and its route of infection is not clearly established.

Ureaplasma symptoms

Ureaplasma infections are usually asymptomatic or mild and therefore hard to notice, but symptoms such as dysuria, mucous discharge, and urinary frequency can occur.
In women in particular, an infection during pregnancy can raise the risk of complications such as preterm birth or recurrent miscarriage.

	Male	Female
Symptoms	· Frequent urge to urinate · Pain or burning when urinating · Clear or sticky mucous discharge · Testicular pain or swelling	· Pain or burning when urinating · Increased vaginal discharge · Pelvic pain or abdominal discomfort · Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Complications	· Chronic urethritis · Bacterial prostatitis · Epididymitis, which can cause infertility · Conjunctivitis	· Urethritis, which causes painful urination · Cervicitis · Fallopian tube, ovarian, and endometrial inflammation · Pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility · Ectopic pregnancy or premature rupture of the membranes

Ureaplasma diagnosis

Genetic amplification test (Multiplex PCR test)

Diagnosis is made by detecting the specific DNA of the pathogen, so accuracy is excellent.The Multi-PCR test checks for ureaplasma and any co-infecting organisms at the same time, greatly reducing the time needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Medication Therapy

Ureaplasma has no cell wall, so it does not respond to ordinary antibiotics.It is therefore treated with specific antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin.

Goldman's key points for managing ureaplasma

Check

Ureaplasma is often symptom-free, so it easily goes unnoticed and untreated.Once sexually active, regular testing is advisable.
Check

The most effective prevention to date is wearing a condom during intercourse.
Check

You and your sexual partner must be treated together to prevent complications.
Check

During treatment, avoid intercourse and finish all medication to prevent treatment failure and recurrence.

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and it mainly causes inflammation of the urethra in men and the cervix in women.
The bacteria spread through sexual contact and, once infection occurs, can invade the genitals and various other parts of the body and cause symptoms.

Gonorrhea

Sites where gonorrhea can be contracted

Men — cornea, oral cavity, mucous membranes, throat, pharynx, urethra, urethral glands, epididymis, anus, rectum / Women — cornea, oral mucosa, throat, pharynx, cervix, inside the uterus, fallopian tubes, urethra, urethral glands, vagina, anus, rectum

Cornea, oral mucosaThroat, pharynxUrethra, urethral glands, epididymis, anus, rectumCornea, oral mucosaThroat, pharynxCervix, uterus, fallopian tubesUrethra, urethral glands, vagina, anus, rectum Men — cornea, oral cavity, mucous membranes, throat, pharynx, urethra, urethral glands, epididymis, anus, rectum / Women — cornea, oral mucosa, throat, pharynx, cervix, inside the uterus, fallopian tubes, urethra, urethral glands, vagina, anus, rectum

Cornea, oral mucosaCornea, oral mucosaThroat, pharynxThroat, pharynxCervix, uterus, fallopian tubesUrethra, urethral glands, epididymis, anus, rectumUrethra, urethral glands, vagina, anus, rectum

Gonorrhea symptoms

The incubation period for gonorrhea is usually 2 to 7 days, and symptoms may appear later, especially in women.
Infection during pregnancy can cause complications in the baby such as meningitis, blindness, and arthritis, so early treatment is important.

	Male	Female
Symptoms	· Pain or burning when urinating · Yellow urethral discharge · 15–20% of those infected have no symptoms	· Most cases are asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms · Pain or burning when urinating · Yellow-green vaginal discharge and an increase in discharge · Irregular bleeding · Lower abdominal pain and fever when the uterus or fallopian tubes are infected
Complications	· Urethral stricture · Periurethritis · Prostatitis · Epididymitis, which can lead to infertility	· Endometritis and cervicitis · Irregular menstruation · Recurrent miscarriage · Pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility · Perivaginal inflammation, cystitis, and more

How Gonorrhea Is Diagnosed

Gram Stain

Gonococcus can be seen on a Gram stain of urethral or vaginal discharge, but it is missed in over 50% of cases, limiting accuracy.
Bacterial culture test

Discharge from the suspected site is cultured to identify gonococcus, but it needs a special medium and demanding conditions, so accuracy tends to be low.
Genetic amplification test (Multiplex PCR test)

Detecting specific bacterial DNA gives this method outstanding accuracy.Multi-PCR identifies gonococcus and co-infecting organisms in a single test, greatly shortening time to diagnosis and treatment.

How Gonorrhea Is Treated

Medication Therapy

If gonorrhea is suspected or diagnosed, it is treated with antibiotics, and the treatment period and dosage vary depending on the drug used.Gonococcal infection on its own can usually be cured in one or two visits, but if there is a co-infection with other organisms, treatment may take more than 2 weeks.For pregnant patients, treatment uses FDA-approved drugs that are safe for both mother and baby.

Symptoms generally improve within 2 to 3 days.If they do not improve with treatment, the infection may involve a resistant organism or a co-infection with another pathogen.In such cases, you should consult your doctor and receive separate treatment.

Goldman's key points for managing gonorrhea

Check

Alcohol weakens immunity, so avoid it during treatment.
Check

The most effective prevention to date is wearing a condom during intercourse.
Check

You and your sexual partner must be treated together to prevent complications.
Check

During treatment, avoid intercourse and finish all medication to prevent treatment failure and recurrence.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with the syphilis bacterium, and it is a progressive illness that spreads through the blood to the entire body.

There are no symptoms during the latent period, and the early symptoms can disappear on their own, so it is easy to miss the window for treatment; in severe cases it can even cost you your life.

Causes and Routes of Syphilis Infection

Syphilis occurs when a spiral-shaped bacterium, Treponema pallidum, enters the bloodstream through a break in the skin or mucous membrane.

It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, but it can also spread through kissing or by sharing a toothbrush or razor.

Infection during pregnancy can be passed to the baby, but syphilis is not transmitted between family members through everyday contact.

Symptoms of Syphilis

Syphilis is classified by how long the infection has been present: primary, secondary, early latent, late latent, and tertiary syphilis.

Primary and secondary syphilis are highly contagious — a single exposure carries roughly a 50–60% chance of infection — while late-stage syphilis is almost non-infectious.

Primary Syphilis

· A painless skin ulcer appears 10 to 90 days after sexual contact

· Usually on the genitals or around the anus, it clears on its own in 3 to 6 weeks

· Untreated at this stage, it becomes secondary syphilis, with bacteria spreading through the blood to the whole body
Secondary Syphilis

· Six to eight weeks after infection, cold-like symptoms appear with generalized lymphadenopathy

· Painless, non-itchy red spots appear on the hands, feet and trunk

· Skin rash and hair loss may develop, or it may progress to the next stage with no rash at all
Tertiary Syphilis

· Three to twelve years later it can invade the nervous system (neurosyphilis)

· Gummas form in the skin, bones, liver, and other organs

· Headache, fever, and neck stiffness may occur, and seizures or paralysis can also develop

· Loss of vision and hearing may occur, and cardiovascular syphilis can cause heart disease
Latent Syphilis

· A symptom-free period of several months to several years or more after primary and secondary symptoms subside

· Divided into early and late latent stages at the one-year mark

· Extremely dangerous, as syphilis keeps progressing even without symptoms

Diagnosing Syphilis

Darkfield Microscopy

This is the first test performed when syphilis is suspected.Examining a specimen taken from a painless ulcer under a microscope allows the syphilis bacteria to be identified directly.However, it has the drawback that it cannot be performed when no lesion is present.
Serologic Testing

When no lesion is present, a blood test can be done.

1Screening Test

A positive result appears about 2 weeks to 3 months after infection, with around 50-70% sensitivity.As a non-treponemal test, however, it can give false positives with autoimmune diseases or viral infections.

2Additional Confirmatory Test

If syphilis is suspected but screening is negative, an FTA-ABS test is done.Its 70-90% sensitivity helps confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Syphilis

Medication Therapy

Early syphilis (primary, secondary, and early latent) is treated with one penicillin injection; late latent and cardiovascular syphilis need three injections one week apart.

Penicillin carries a risk of shock, so it must be given at a hospital equipped for emergency care.If side effects are suspected, doxycycline twice daily for 28 days may be used instead.

Goldman's Key Points in Syphilis Treatment

Even with the correct medication, about 10% of cases relapse, so follow-up testing after treatment is essential.
For primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis, blood tests are done 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment; for late latent and tertiary syphilis, follow-up continues through 12 and 24 months to confirm treatment success.

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice are tiny insects (a type of louse) passed from an infected person's pubic hair to another person's pubic hair during sexual contact.

These insects transfer to a person and live by feeding on their blood, and they are found not only in an infected person's pubic hair but also on clothing, towels, and bedding.

	Male	Female
Sites of Infestation	Pubic hair (around the penis), the scrotum, lower abdomen, inner thighs, and sometimes chest, underarm, and beard hair	Pubic hair (around the vulva), the skin around the vaginal opening, the lower abdomen, the inner thighs, and rarely underarm hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows

Symptoms of Pubic Lice

Pubic lice can cause severe itching and skin discoloration within one week, mainly in the lower abdomen and groin.

Serious complications are rare, but the condition is highly contagious, so prompt treatment and care of close contacts are needed.

Severe itching in the pubic area
Skin discoloration (gray or bluish)
Development of a skin rash
Lice or eggs attached to pubic hair or underwear

The Pubic Lice Diagnostic Process

Step

Checking Symptoms and Exposure History

Clinical symptoms such as itching and contact history are examined closely.
Step

Collecting Skin and Hair Samples

Skin and hair from the affected area are collected as test specimens.
Step

Microscopic Examination

The collected specimens are examined under a microscope to directly identify adult pubic lice, their eggs, and their droppings.
Step

Additional Differential Testing

When symptoms are unclear or another infection is possible, additional tests are performed to help ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Pubic Lice Treatment

Pubic lice infestation requires prescription medication, and a single course of treatment may not eradicate them completely, so follow-up treatment and regular consultation with medical staff are necessary.

Because the infestation can spread whether or not symptoms are present, personal hygiene and disinfection of the surrounding environment are essential alongside treatment.In addition to medication, cold compresses or anti-itch creams may help relieve symptoms, and if symptoms persist after treatment or there is concern about recurrence, a follow-up examination is essential.

Goldman's Key Points in Treating Pubic Lice

A female pubic louse can live up to 40 days and lay roughly 100 to 300 eggs. Pubic lice can survive 2 to 3 days away from the human body, so anything that may have been exposed should be boiled or sealed in a bag.
Sexual partners must be treated together, and condom use alone cannot fully prevent transmission. If you suspect symptoms or exposure, seek an accurate diagnosis and professional treatment.Prompt treatment and thorough care effectively block reinfection and transmission.

What Is Scabies?

Scabies is a condition in which a skin parasite called the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) burrows into the skin and causes severe itching.

As personal hygiene has improved it has become rare in daily life, but outbreaks can still occur in group living environments such as the military.

	Male	Female
Sites of Infestation	Between the fingers, wrists, inner elbows, armpits, around the navel, scrotum (testicles), around the penis, buttocks, inner thighs	Between the fingers, wrists, inner elbows, under or between the breasts, armpits, around the navel, buttocks, inner thighs, around the vulva

Scabies Symptoms

The hallmark of scabies is itching that worsens at night and in warm places, with red spots or a rash on soft skin such as between the fingers, the armpits, and the groin.

Symptoms appear after a 4- to 6-week incubation period, but with reinfestation they typically appear sooner.

Itching that worsens at night
Itching that worsens in warm places
Skin lesions
Rapid onset of symptoms upon reinfestation

Scabies Diagnostic Process

Step

Symptom Review

We carefully review the itching that worsens at night and any skin changes in the affected areas.
Step

Skin Lesion Examination

We examine characteristic sites such as between the fingers and the armpits for rashes and burrow tracks.
Step

Skin Scraping Test

A sample scraped from the affected skin is examined under a microscope for mites or eggs.
Step

Confirmed Diagnosis

Finding the mite confirms the diagnosis, though clinical symptoms alone can also suffice.

Scabies Treatment

Scabies is treated with a medication applied over the whole body.Not only the patient but every family member must be treated regardless of symptoms, applying it evenly from the neck down to the toes after showering at bedtime.

After treatment, shower in the morning so the medication is completely removed, and wash the clothing and bedding you used, then store them separately for three days.

If a secondary bacterial infection or severe itching persists, antibiotics, antihistamines, or steroids may be used as prescribed by a physician.

Goldman's Key Points in Managing Scabies

Washing bedding, clothing, and towels frequently and not sharing them with others helps prevent infestation.
In shared and group living spaces, keep personal belongings separate and minimize contact.
If itching is severe, keep nails short and avoid scratching to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Even without symptoms, have regular skin checks and consult medical staff until treatment is complete.

What Is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a progressive disease in which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) destroys T4 lymphocytes, severely weakening the immune system.

It can cause serious infections and cancers, and can invade the brain, causing severe impairments such as loss of motor function and memory.

Main routes of HIV transmission through body fluids

HIV is present in the body fluids of a person with AIDS, but not all of them are infectious.
It is transmitted only through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and cerebrospinal fluid, not through everyday contact.

If you have had sexual contact
with a person infected with HIV
Sharing syringes or
needles with a person infected with HIV
Receiving a transfusion of
HIV-infected blood
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding from an HIV-positive mother
An accident during a medical procedure
performed on an infected person

Symptoms of AIDS

After a symptom-free latent period of 1–6 weeks, cold-like symptoms appear: fever, sore throat, and muscle aches.

These clear within 2–3 weeks, followed by several symptom-free years that may progress to AIDS-related complex.

Severe fatigue and weakness
Rapid weight loss
Persistent fever of unknown cause
Heavy night sweats
Inflammation of the skin, mouth, genitals, or anal area
White patches in the mouth or throat
Chronic diarrhea
Persistent cough and swollen lymph nodes
Recent memory loss

How AIDS Is Diagnosed

HIV is confirmed by blood test, but antibodies form late in early infection, so a false negative is possible.

If infection is suspected, have an initial test and a repeat test 12 weeks later.

	Test Method	Sample Collection	When Testing Is Possible (from the suspected exposure date)	Advantages
HIV RT PCR Nucleic Acid Test (NAT)	Venous blood draw (5–10cc)	3–4 days	After 10–14 days	The earliest HIV screening test to give a result
HIV 4th-generation antigen/ antibody test	Venous blood draw (5–10cc)	1 day	From day 16	As a 4th-generation test, it can detect infection about a week earlier than previous methods, making it useful for early diagnosis
HIV Rapid Test	A single drop of blood	10–15 minutes	From day 22	A 3rd-generation test with rapid results
OraQuick Test	Oral mucosa	10–15 minutes	From day 22	Uses an oral mucosa sample for rapid results

AIDS Treatment

To date, there is no way to definitively eliminate HIV or cure AIDS.

However, AIDS can be managed.Medication suppresses the activity of the virus, allowing immune function to recover and reducing opportunistic infections.

That said, the virus is known to rebound rapidly soon after medication is stopped, so taking the medication consistently is important.

Goldman's Key Points for Preventing HIV Infection

Check

Using a condom correctly during sex is
the most effective way to prevent infection.
Check

Avoid sexual contact with multiple or unknown partners, and
if your sexual partner is infected, be sure to get tested beforehand.
Check

Avoid exposure to blood or bodily fluids, such as sharing needles.If exposure is possible, start preventive medication (PEP) within 72 hours.

AIDS Treatment and Management at Goldman

Even after a positive diagnosis, consistent antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the activity of the virus.
When treatment keeps the virus 'undetectable', the chance of transmitting it is virtually zero.
Regular blood tests and immune checks are needed to monitor your health.
To protect immunity, keep a regular routine, eat well, and stay up to date on vaccinations.

What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin condition caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus.

When it appears in children it is commonly called water warts; it is contagious but unrelated to sexual contact.

In adults it spreads mainly through sexual activity, so it is classified as a type of STD.

How Molluscum Contagiosum Spreads

The molluscum contagiosum virus spreads through everyday skin contact as well as sex.

Sexual intercourse as well as
hugging and skin-to-skin contact
Transmission not only through genital, anal, and oral mucosa
but also through ordinary skin
Indirect infection through items
such as towels, clothing, and bedding

Symptoms of Molluscum Contagiosum

The main symptom is small, raised pink or pearl-colored lesions on the skin, characterized by a dimpled core in the center (like a navel).These dome-shaped bumps can appear singly or in groups on various parts of the body (face, arms, legs, genitals, etc.) and may itch or hurt, though they are usually painless.Over time these lesions gradually spread to surrounding areas, and in many cases several lesions form a cluster.

· Shape: small round bumps, typically with a slight central dimple

· Color: pink, white, or pearly

· Location: anywhere on the body, including face, arms, legs, abdomen, neck, and genitals

How Molluscum Contagiosum Is Diagnosed

Lesion Examination

The characteristic lesions are usually enough for diagnosis, though rarely a biopsy is needed.
Genetic amplification test (Multiplex PCR test)

Gene amplification (PCR) testing diagnoses the molluscum contagiosum virus more accurately.Multi-PCR goes further, detecting the virus and every possible co-infecting organism at once.

Molluscum Contagiosum Treatments

Watchful Waiting

In some cases the condition clears up on its own over time as immunity improves.However, this process can take from several months to more than a year, and there is a risk that the lesions will spread or that the infection will be passed to others.
Medication Therapy

Topical agents such as ointments and creams can be used to reduce the lesions or induce an immune response.However, the effect appears gradually and may be accompanied by skin irritation, so a doctor's prescription and guidance are required.
Local Removal Treatment

Removing the skin lesions directly can be expected to produce rapid results.Alongside traditional methods such as cryotherapy and curettage, laser treatment — which reduces pain and bleeding — has recently been preferred.

Goldman's Key Points for Managing Molluscum Contagiosum

Condoms help when lesions are only on the genitals, but lesions usually appear elsewhere too, so full prevention is difficult.
Until treatment is complete, avoid physical contact, including sex.

What Is Granuloma Inguinale?

Granuloma inguinale is a rare but chronically progressive sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Klebsiella granulomatis.It begins as a painless red nodule and can gradually progress to skin-destroying ulcers, so early diagnosis and treatment are important.

· Route of infection: sex with an infected person, contaminated hands or food, and mother-to-fetus transmission

· Early symptoms: a small, itchy bump on the outer genitals

· Main symptoms

- Small bumps and firm lumps form, and over time red, painless sores appear - In addition to large skin ulcers, in men the scrotum may swell to the size of a soccer ball - Left untreated, it can invade bones and organs and become life-threatening

How Granuloma Inguinale Is Diagnosed

Bacterial Staining and Microscopic Examination

A special stain is applied to a sample taken from the skin lesion to identify the causative organism.The stained bacteria can be observed under a microscope, which helps determine infection quickly.
Genetic amplification test (Multiplex PCR test)

Gene amplification (PCR) testing diagnoses Klebsiella granulomatis more accurately.Multi-PCR goes further, detecting the granuloma inguinale organism and every possible co-infecting organism at once.

The Granuloma Inguinale Treatment Process

Step

Accurate Diagnosis

Beyond clinical symptoms, a definitive diagnosis requires bacterial culture or PCR testing.
Step

Antibiotic Prescription and Course

Antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline are taken consistently for 1 to 3 weeks.
Step

Follow-Up on Treatment Progress

Symptom improvement is checked regularly, and additional treatment or testing is performed if needed.
Step

Testing and Treatment of Sexual Partners

To prevent the infection from spreading, sexual partners are advised to be tested and treated as well.

Goldman's Key Points for Managing Granuloma Inguinale

Correct condom use is the most effective prevention.Also avoid indiscriminate sex with multiple partners.
Get regular STI testing so infection is caught early.
If infection is confirmed, start antibiotics immediately as diagnosed and prescribed by a specialist, and continue until fully cured.
Keep your personal hygiene and living environment clean, and visit a medical institution immediately if you notice any suspicious symptoms.

Illustration of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

What is lymphogranuloma venereum?

It is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

Small papules or blisters usually appear on the external genitals or around the anus and later become painful ulcers.

Painful lumps also form in the groin; as they grow, the skin breaks down and sinks in.

It is treated with medication, though treatment takes notably longer than for other diseases, and anal narrowing can occur as a complication.

Symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum

Lymphogranuloma venereum can be divided into stages 1, 2, and 3 depending on how far the infection has progressed. Without early diagnosis and treatment, treatment takes longer and complications may develop.
If symptoms appear, it is important to visit a medical institution immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Stage 1 lymphogranuloma venereum

· Occurs 3–21 days after infection

· A small painless papule forms where the bacteria entered, or a blister bursts and becomes an ulcer
Stage 2 lymphogranuloma venereum

· Symptoms appear 10–30 days after infection, and in some cases up to 6 months later

· A painful lump forms in the groin and gradually grows larger over time

· Cold-like symptoms such as headache, mild fever, and vomiting, or spots elsewhere on the body
Stage 3 lymphogranuloma venereum

· Spreads to the anus, causing bleeding, itching, and constipation

· In severe cases, weight loss may occur

How lymphogranuloma venereum is diagnosed

Lymphogranuloma venereum has three stages (1, 2, and 3) depending on how far the infection has progressed.

Without early diagnosis and treatment, treatment takes longer and complications may develop.

If symptoms appear, visit a medical institution immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Biopsy

Tissue from the lesion is examined under a microscope to directly check cell changes and the state of the infection.
Immunofluorescence assay

A test that labels the bacteria using antibodies and observes them under a microscope, used to confirm whether an infection is present.
Bacterial culture test

Pus from the lump is cultured for bacteria; it succeeds in only about 30% of infected patients, so accuracy is somewhat low.
Gene amplification test (PCR test)

A sample from the lesion is analyzed by amplifying the bacteria's genes, giving a highly accurate and rapid diagnosis.

How lymphogranuloma venereum is treated

Medication Therapy

Lymphogranuloma venereum takes longer and is harder to treat than other chlamydia infections; antibiotics and other medication are the first-line treatment.
Pus drainage

If the groin lump is too large, draining the pus with a syringe can shorten treatment.
Surgical treatment

Surgery is performed only when anal stricture or severely scarred skin lesions remain after medication.

Goldman's key points for managing lymphogranuloma venereum

Using a condom correctly during intercourse is the most effective prevention.
To prevent reinfection, sexual partners and family members living with you should also be tested and treated.
Keep your personal hygiene and living environment clean, and visit a medical institution immediately if you notice any suspicious symptoms.
If infection is confirmed, start antibiotics immediately as diagnosed and prescribed by a specialist, and continue until fully cured.

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Have questions about STDs? Get them answered now.

Goldman's know-how gives clear answers to patients' questions.

STI testing usually screens for major sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital herpes and genital warts (HPV). Depending on the clinic, several conditions can be checked at once through urinalysis, blood tests and PCR testing.
The cost of STI testing varies depending on the items and type of test. In general, a basic STI test costs about KRW 50,000 to 150,000, while a comprehensive STI panel that checks multiple items at once costs about KRW 100,000 to 300,000. The exact cost may vary depending on the test items.
A condom certainly helps, but it cannot give complete protection.Condyloma (genital warts), pubic lice, and scabies can spread through skin contact in the groin area or contact between a woman's secretions and a man's skin, so a condom's protection has limits.We still recommend one, and if suspicious symptoms appear after intercourse — even with a condom — please get tested.
Some believe taking antibiotics before intercourse can partly prevent STDs, but in reality it has almost no effect.Antibiotics can also cause resistance and must be taken with caution, and by delaying the onset of symptoms they can delay treatment.We therefore do not recommend it.STD pathogens are extremely varied, so the best approach is the antibiotic suited to the specific pathogen, taken on time as prescribed by a doctor.
Yes.Pubic lice and scabies can spread through everyday skin contact or bedding.If someone infected with pubic lice or scabies complains of severe itching, topical medication is required, and their bedding and clothing should be boiled and washed, or — if that is not possible — sealed and stored separately for about two weeks.
STD pathogens can affect the testicles or epididymis in men, and in women can invade the uterus or ovaries and cause infertility.Mild or absent symptoms are somewhat more common in women, so please get tested after any sexual contact that concerns you.
Human papillomavirus (HPV), the pathogen behind condyloma (genital warts), is known to cause penile cancer in men and cervical cancer in women.Of course, being infected with HPV does not mean cancer will develop 100% of the time, but caution is needed because the majority of cervical cancer patients have been found to be infected with this virus.In particular, condyloma (genital warts) is a viral disease with very high contagiousness and recurrence rates, so if you have any suspicious symptoms, both you and your sexual partner should be tested together and treated proactively.