What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a general term for diseases transmitted through sexual contact, encompassing a wide range of conditions such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, Herpes, Genital Warts, Trichomoniasis, and Hepatitis B/C.
Many STIs progress without noticeable symptoms, and by the time they are discovered, complications such as infertility, cardiovascular disease, or central nervous system damage may have already occurred. Early testing and treatment are crucial to prevent transmission to partners.
Consultations with the utmost consideration for privacy
Our clinic provides consultations, testing, and treatment for STIs for both men and women. We have implemented a system for appointments, reception, and examinations that protects your privacy, allowing you to seek medical attention without anxiety.
STD testing is covered by insurance (30% co-pay) if you have symptoms. Many people wonder, "Is STD testing covered by insurance?" However, if you have symptoms such as pain during urination, genital abnormalities, or changes in vaginal discharge, it is covered by insurance. We provide privacy-conscious care for both men and women.
Features of Our Clinic
- Insurance-covered testing and treatment (30% co-pay) available for those with symptoms
- Self-paid testing available for those without symptoms
- Open to all, regardless of gender
- Environment designed for privacy, allowing for anxiety-free consultations
- Same-day testing for urine, blood, and swabs
- Simultaneous testing and treatment for partners available
- Comprehensive service from results explanation to prescription
- No appointment needed / walk-ins welcome / open daily 9 AM - 9 PM / 1-minute walk from Jujo Station
Main Sexually Transmitted Infections Treated at Our Clinic
Chlamydia Infection (Most Common)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Cause | Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Incubation Period | 1-3 weeks |
| Symptoms (Male) | Dysuria, urethral discomfort, mild purulent discharge, approximately half are asymptomatic |
| Symptoms (Female) | Increased vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding, lower abdominal pain, approximately 70-80% are asymptomatic |
| Pharyngeal/Rectal Infection | Throat discomfort, sore throat (after oral sex) |
| Testing | Urine (male), cervical/vaginal swab (female), pharyngeal swab, rectal swab |
| Treatment | Single dose of azithromycin or 1 week of doxycycline |
| Complications | Infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) |
Gonorrhea Infection
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Cause | Neisseria gonorrhoeae |
| Incubation Period | 2-7 days (short) |
| Symptoms (Male) | Severe dysuria, copious yellowish-green purulent discharge |
| Symptoms (Female) | Increased vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, mild symptoms often go unnoticed |
| Testing | Urine, swab (can be tested simultaneously with Chlamydia) |
| Treatment | Ceftriaxone intramuscular injection (oral monotherapy not recommended due to increasing resistance) |
| Complications | Infertility, PID, disseminated gonococcal infection (arthritis, etc.) |
Syphilis (Rapidly Increasing in Recent Years)
Number of Syphilis Patients in Japan at Record High
In 2022, approximately 13,000 cases were recorded, a record high. The increase is particularly noticeable among young women. Early detection and treatment can lead to a complete cure, but if left untreated, it can cause cardiovascular and neurological symptoms years to decades later, so caution is advised.
| Stage | Timing | Main Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 3-12 weeks after infection | Chancre (painless ulcer on genitals, anus, lips), inguinal lymphadenopathy |
| Stage 2 | 3 months - 3 years after infection | Generalized rash (roseola), rashes on palms and soles, fever, lymphadenopathy |
| Latent Stage | Years to decades | Asymptomatic, but positive serological test |
| Stage 3 & 4 | 10+ years | Cardiovascular and neurosyphilis (cognitive impairment, paralysis, etc.) |
Testing: Blood test (RPR, TPHA, etc.), direct microscopy from ulcer if possible.
Treatment: Benzathine penicillin intramuscular injection (approved in Japan since 2021) or oral penicillin-based antibiotics.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Infection
- Acute infection stage (2-4 weeks later): Fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, rash
- Asymptomatic stage: Several years to over 10 years
- AIDS onset stage: Opportunistic infections and malignancies due to immune deficiency
- Modern antiviral treatment (cART) can achieve long-term viral suppression, early diagnosis is important
- Testing: Blood test (antibody/antigen combination), rapid test
- Prevention: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are widespread overseas
Genital Herpes
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1, HSV-2)
- Tingling sensation → blisters → ulcers around the genitals and anus
- Primary infection often has severe symptoms, sometimes accompanied by fever and general malaise
- Recurrence is common (virus lies dormant in nerve ganglia)
- Testing: Clinical findings + antibody test/PCR as needed
- Treatment: Antiviral drugs (valacyclovir, acyclovir), prophylactic suppressive therapy for recurrence is also possible
Condyloma (Genital Warts)
Genital warts are an STI caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, resulting in cauliflower-like or cockscomb-like warts around the genitals and anus. They are often painless and non-itchy, with most cases being discovered by visual changes.
- Common sites: Glans, foreskin, penis, vulva, vagina, perianal area
- Incubation period: 3 weeks to 8 months after infection (average 2-3 months)
- Treatment: Imiquimod topical cream, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, electrocoagulation (all covered by insurance)
- Preventable with HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)
If you have "warts" or suspect "this might be condyloma," details on symptoms and treatment methods are explained on the following page.
👉See detailed symptoms and treatment for condyloma (genital warts)
Vaginal Candidiasis & Trichomoniasis
| Condition | Characteristics | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Vaginal Candidiasis | White discharge, severe itching; not an STI but similar symptoms | Antifungal drugs (clotrimazole, fluconazole) |
| Trichomonas Vaginitis | Frothy yellowish-green discharge, fishy odor, itching | Oral metronidazole |
| Bacterial Vaginosis | Grayish-white discharge, fishy odor | Oral metronidazole, clindamycin vaginal cream |
Other STIs
- Hepatitis B: Transmitted through blood/body fluids, preventable by vaccine
- Hepatitis C: Primarily blood-borne, curable with medication (DAA)
- Hepatitis A: Oral transmission, can also be transmitted through sexual contact between men
- HPV infection: Cause of cervical and anal cancer, preventable by vaccine
- Pubic lice & Scabies: Contact transmission, treatable with topical medications
Symptoms/Situations Recommended for Consultation
If you have symptoms:
- Itching, pain, or discomfort in the genital or anal area
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Purulent or abnormal discharge from the genitals
- Rash, ulcer, blister, or wart in the genital or anal area
- Pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse
- Swelling in the groin or lymphadenopathy
- Unexplained fever or general malaise
- Generalized rash (possible secondary syphilis)
If you have no symptoms but wish to be tested:
- Started a new relationship
- Partner was diagnosed with an STI
- Condom broke or came off during intercourse
- Had high-risk sexual activity
- Planning a pregnancy (pre-pregnancy screening)
- For routine check-ups
Types of Tests and Fees
If you have symptoms (covered by insurance)
| Test | Estimated Fee (30% Co-pay) |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (urine/swab) | Approx. 3,000-5,000 yen |
| Syphilis serology | Approx. 1,000 yen |
| HIV test | Approx. 1,500 yen |
| Hepatitis B/C | Approx. 1,500 yen |
| Herpes IgM/IgG | Approx. 1,500 yen |
| Initial consultation fee/prescription fee | Additional |
If you have no symptoms (self-paid testing)
Testing without symptoms is self-paid. Details will be provided during your consultation.
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (throat, genitals, rectum)
- Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B/C
- HPV testing
- Panel tests (e.g., 8-item panel, 12-item panel)
Testing Methods
| Testing Site | Method | Target Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Urine test | First-void urine collected | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea (male genitourinary) |
| Blood test | Blood sample collected | Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Herpes antibodies |
| Vaginal/Cervical swab | Collected with a cotton swab | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas, HPV |
| Pharyngeal swab | Throat swabbed with a cotton swab | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea (oral sex) |
| Rectal swab | Collected with a cotton swab | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea (anal sex) |
| Ulcer scraping | Collected from ulcer if present | Syphilis, Herpes |
Time to get test results
Some blood tests (e.g., rapid syphilis, rapid HIV) provide same-day results, but PCR tests (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) are performed by an external laboratory, so results take 3-7 days. Results will be communicated by phone, follow-up visit, or mail.
Flow of Consultation
- WEB reservation or direct visit: Walk-ins are also welcome
- Reception & medical questionnaire: Fill out symptoms, desired tests, and risk history (privacy protected)
- Doctor's consultation: Symptom review, discussion of necessary tests
- Testing: Urine, blood, swab collection
- Prescription and guidance if treatment is needed
- Notification of test results: By phone or follow-up visit several days later
- Additional treatment/retesting: As needed
Principles of Treatment
Importance of Early Treatment
- Prevents symptom progression and complications
- Prevents transmission to partners
- Reduces risk of infertility, PID, and HIV co-infection
- Syphilis and HIV are curable/controllable if treated early
Partner Treatment
Treat partners simultaneously
To prevent "ping-pong infection" where a treated individual is reinfected by an untreated partner, it is crucial for partners to undergo testing and treatment simultaneously. Our clinic can also examine and treat partners.
Follow-up After Treatment
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: Cure confirmation test recommended 4-6 weeks after treatment completion
- Syphilis: Blood test for efficacy assessment at 3, 6, and 12 months
- HIV: Continuous viral load monitoring (at specialized facilities)
- Refrain from sexual activity or use condoms during treatment period
Prevention Tips
Infection Prevention
- Correct condom use (from start to finish of sexual intercourse)
- Avoid sexual activity with multiple partners
- Confirm each other's STI status with your partner
- Avoid sexual activity when there are genital abnormalities
- Regular testing
- HPV vaccination (prevents cervical cancer and genital warts)
- Hepatitis B vaccination
Actions After Risky Sexual Activity
- If a condom broke or came off, testing is recommended 2-4 weeks later
- Syphilis and HIV have a window period between infection and a positive test result, so retesting at 6 weeks to 3 months is also important
- For emergency contraception (morning-after pill), please refer to the separate page
We Also Encourage Consultations for the Following
- Worried after researching online
- Can't get an appointment for free testing at the public health center
- Suspect infection from a partner
- Want to clear things up before starting a new relationship
- Have had sexual experience but never been tested
- Planning a pregnancy or want to get tested before trying to conceive
- Want to consult about HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Features of Our STI Services
- Reception and consultation system with utmost privacy
- Open to both men and women
- Insurance-covered consultations (30% co-pay) for those with symptoms to reduce costs
- Panel tests available for those without symptoms
- Site-specific testing including pharyngeal and rectal areas
- Reliable treatment and follow-up based on test results
- Simultaneous consultation for partners available
- Rapid diagnosis and treatment during the syphilis surge
- No appointment needed / walk-ins welcome / open daily 9 AM - 9 PM / 1-minute walk from Jujo Station
Early testing is the best way to protect yourself and your partner.
STIs are not a shameful disease, but an infection that anyone can contract. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and also protect your loved ones from infection. If you have any concerning symptoms or anxieties, please feel free to consult us.
