Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur without showing evident signs or symptoms. Growing incidences of fatal STDs, high-economic burden and consequent implementation of Client-Initiated Counselling & Testing (CICT) and Provider-Initiated Counselling & Testing (PICT) are the factors driving the growth of STD testing market. Global initiatives to spread awareness about STDs and development in healthcare infrastructure create opportunities in STDs testing industry.
As April is the STD awareness month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken an initiative to spread awareness about STDs and protect lives of people. The theme for STD Awareness Month 2016 is Talk.Test.Treat. CDC believes that STDs are preventable if necessary steps are taken. Simple steps outlined in the theme for April 2016 would minimize the long term effects of infections. CDC recommends to talk about it, test, and treat in order to control and prevent STDs.
Before testing, it is important to give information about sexual risk factors to doctors. Factors such as types of protection used during oral, vaginal, and anal sex, known or suspected exposures to STDs, medications that have being taken, whether partner has other sexual partners, and others should be informed. There are different STDs testing types and type of testing needed for an individual depends on age, sexual behaviors, and associated risk factors. Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, human papilloma virus (HPV), genital herpes, trichomoniasis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and others are some of the types of STD testing.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing takes places either through a swab inside genital area or through a urine test. The analyzed of sample is conducted in a laboratory. Testing becomes important, because these infections do not show any symptoms or signs. HIV testing is done either through blood test or through swab from inside a mouth. This testing is conducted with confidentiality and anonymity in clinics. Doctors are encouraging people who are in age group between 15 to 65 to do HIV test once in a year. Teenagers who are a high at risk of STIs should do this test on a routine basis. National guidelines in United Kingdom suggest that gay men or men who have sex with other men should get tested for HIV every three months.
Syphilis testing, in which a blood sample or swab from a genital sore is taken, is recommended for every pregnant woman. There are different methods for genital herpes testing based on symptoms. If symptoms are not evident, blood test is done and if symptoms are evident, swab from affected area is taken. Trichomoniasis testing is conducted by either taking swab from infected area or by physical examination. As genital warts can occur in men and women, HPV testing is conducted through visual diagnosis.
Cervical cancer testing tool, Pap test is recommended for women at age 21. Women aged 30 and more should take Pap test as well as HPV test. If Pap test result is abnormal, HPV DNA test is conducted and biopsy is done. HPV is also linked to cancer of the vulva, penis, vagina, anus, mouth, and throat. Vaccines for HPV are more effective when taken before sexual activity begins.
Analysts studying the STDs testing market have mentioned thorough information on changing market trends in research reports. Allied Market Research had published a report titled, “World Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Testing Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2013 - 2020.” As per the report, the world STDs testing market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.5% from 2014 to 2020 and would reach $167.4 billion by 2020. The report provides a detailed analysis of detailed segmentation, drivers & opportunities, and competitive landscape.
