STI & STD Treatment in Jammu

Which infections can spread through sexual contact?

Common sexually transmitted infections include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Genital herpes
• Human papillomavirus, or HPV
• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• Certain forms of hepatitis C transmission
• Chancroid and other less common ulcer infections

Some conditions, including molluscum contagiosum, scabies and mpox, can also spread during close intimate or skin-to-skin contact. More than 30 bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to spread through sexual contact.

Are genital itching and rashes always sexually transmitted?

No.

Genital itching or a rash may result from:

• Fungal infection
• Contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Friction or sweating
• Shaving irritation
• Folliculitis
• Scabies
• Psoriasis
• Lichen planus
• Lichen sclerosus
• Bacterial infection
• Medicine reaction
• An STI

A genital rash should not automatically be treated with an antifungal or steroid combination. Incorrect treatment can alter its appearance and delay diagnosis.

Is a genital fungal infection an STI?

Usually not.

Groin ringworm and candidal irritation can occur without sexual transmission. Warmth, moisture, diabetes, tight clothing, antibiotics and shared contaminated items may contribute.

However, close skin contact can sometimes transfer fungal organisms, and symptoms may resemble an STI. Examination helps distinguish fungal infection from herpes, genital warts, dermatitis and other causes.

Can herpes spread when no sores are visible?

Yes.

Herpes virus can sometimes be released from the skin when there are no visible blisters or ulcers. Condoms and suppressive antiviral therapy can lower transmission risk, but neither removes it completely.

Sexual contact should be avoided during an active outbreak or when tingling and burning suggest that an outbreak is beginning.

What are chlamydia and gonorrhoea?

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are bacterial STIs that can infect the:

• Urethra
• Cervix
• Rectum
• Throat
• Eyes

Both can be symptom-free. When symptoms occur, they may include discharge, burning during urination, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, rectal symptoms or testicular discomfort. Untreated infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility or inflammation around the testicle.

What are genital warts?

Genital warts are visible growths caused by selected types of human papillomavirus.

They may appear as:

• Small skin-coloured bumps
• Flat lesions
• Finger-like projections
• Cauliflower-shaped clusters
• Growths around the genitals or anus
• Internal vaginal, cervical, anal or urethral lesions

Treatment removes visible warts but may not eradicate the underlying HPV infection. Warts may recur after successful treatment.

Wart, mole and skin-tag removal are confirmed at both Aastha Skin Centre branches, but genital lesions must be diagnosed before removal.

Are genital warts cancerous?

The HPV types that commonly cause visible genital warts are generally different from the types most strongly associated with cancer.

Other high-risk HPV types can cause cervical, vulval, vaginal, anal, penile and throat cancers. A wart diagnosis does not mean cancer is present, but appropriate cervical screening and specialist assessment may still be recommended according to the patient’s age, anatomy and medical history.

Can molluscum contagiosum be sexually transmitted?

Yes, particularly when lesions occur around the genital region in sexually active adults.

Molluscum produces small, firm, pearly bumps with a central depression. It may also spread through non-sexual skin contact or shared objects, so genital molluscum does not automatically prove sexual transmission.

Can oral sex transmit an STI?

Yes.

Oral sexual contact can transmit infections involving the mouth, throat or genitals, including:

• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Herpes
• HPV
• Hepatitis B
• HIV in lower-risk but possible circumstances

Testing should be based on the anatomical sites exposed. A urine test alone may not detect an infection located only in the throat or rectum.

Can an STI be diagnosed from a photograph?

Not reliably.

A photograph may show a rash, blister or growth, but it cannot:

• Confirm the organism
• Assess texture accurately
• Examine internal lesions
• Test for asymptomatic infection
• Replace blood, urine or swab testing
• Distinguish every benign lesion from an STI

Online images may help determine urgency, but an in-person examination and appropriate tests are often required.

How does Dr. Cheena Langer assess a suspected STI?

A consultation may include:

• Reviewing the main symptom
• Asking when symptoms began
• Discussing recent sexual exposures
• Identifying vaginal, oral or anal exposure sites
• Reviewing condom use without judgement
• Asking whether a partner has symptoms or a diagnosis
• Reviewing pregnancy possibility
• Examining the affected skin or mucosa with consent
• Distinguishing STIs from non-sexual genital conditions
• Recommending urine, swab or blood tests
• Discussing treatment and partner evaluation
• Arranging referral when specialist or hospital care is required

A complete sexual history helps select the correct tests and anatomical sites rather than ordering an indiscriminate “full STD panel.”

Will the consultation be confidential?

Sexual-health information should be handled respectfully and discreetly.

The consultation focuses on diagnosis and care rather than blame. Records and test results are handled according to applicable medical, privacy, public-health and legal requirements. Certain infections may be subject to reporting rules, and special consent or safeguarding requirements can apply to minors, sexual assault and vulnerable patients.

Patients may ask how their information, laboratory reports and appointment messages will be managed before testing.

What tests may be recommended?

Depending on symptoms and exposure, tests may include:

• Urine testing
• Urethral swab
• Vaginal or cervical swab
• Rectal swab
• Throat swab
• Swab from a blister or ulcer
• Syphilis blood tests
• HIV testing
• Hepatitis B and C testing
• Pregnancy testing
• Microscopy or culture
• Nucleic-acid amplification testing
• Biopsy of an uncertain growth

Not every patient needs every test. The correct test depends on the suspected infection, exposure site and time since exposure.

STI-specific laboratory testing is not separately confirmed as an on-site service at Aastha Skin Centre. Samples or referrals may need to be arranged through an external laboratory, hospital, ICTC or specialist service.

Usually curable with appropriate treatment

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis

Manageable but not eradicated by current treatment

• Genital herpes
• HIV
• Chronic hepatitis B
• HPV infection

Treatment can control symptoms, prevent complications and reduce transmission even when the underlying virus remains.

No.

A person can acquire chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis or another STI again after successful treatment if exposed to an untreated or newly infected partner.

Partner evaluation, completion of treatment, follow-up testing where recommended and safer-sex practices help reduce reinfection.

Respectful, non-judgemental consultation

The aim is to identify the condition and provide appropriate care—not to assign blame.

Dermatology-led lesion assessment

Warts, ulcers, rashes, molluscum, fungal infection and contact dermatitis are differentiated before treatment.

Testing based on actual exposure

Tests are selected according to symptoms, sexual practices, exposure sites and timing rather than relying on an undefined “complete panel.”

Wart removal and biopsy pathways

Wart removal and skin biopsy are confirmed at both clinic locations when medically appropriate.

Referral when needed

HIV services, PEP, internal genital examination, pregnancy complications, laboratory testing or hospital-based care may require external referral.

Additional cost depends on:

• Symptoms and suspected infection
• Number and type of laboratory tests
• External laboratory charges
• Prescription medicines
• Genital-wart treatment
• Biopsy and histopathology
• Partner assessment
• Follow-up or repeat testing
• Pregnancy-related referral
• HIV, hepatitis or hospital referral
• Follow-up after the included 10-day period

An exact estimate requires assessment because a visible genital wart needs a different pathway from symptom-free screening, discharge, a painful ulcer or recent HIV exposure.