What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a general term for diseases transmitted through sexual contact, and include a wide range of conditions such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, genital warts, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis B/C.
Many of these infections often progress without noticeable symptoms, and by the time they are discovered, complications such as infertility, cardiovascular disease, or central nervous system disorders may have already occurred. Early testing and treatment are crucial to prevent transmission to partners.
Medical care with maximum consideration for privacy
Our clinic offers consultation, testing, and treatment for STIs for both men and women. We have established a system for appointments, reception, and examinations that protects your privacy, so you can visit us without anxiety.
Features of Our Clinic
- Insurance-covered testing and treatment (30% co-payment) for symptomatic individuals
- Self-pay testing available for asymptomatic individuals
- Open to all, regardless of gender
- A private and reassuring environment for your visit
- Same-day testing available for urine, blood, and swab samples
- Simultaneous testing and treatment for partners available
- Comprehensive care from results explanation to prescription
- Walk-ins welcome / Open daily from 9:00 to 21:00 / 1 minute walk from Jujo Station
Main Sexually Transmitted Infections We Treat
Chlamydia Infection (Most Common)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Cause | Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Incubation Period | 1-3 weeks |
| Symptoms (Men) | Painful urination, urethral discomfort, mild purulent discharge; approximately half are asymptomatic |
| Symptoms (Women) | 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 (men), cervical/vaginal swab (women), 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 (Men) | Severe painful urination, copious yellowish-green purulent discharge |
| Symptoms (Women) | Increased vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain; symptoms are often mild and easily overlooked |
| 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 (Rapid Increase Recently)
Syphilis cases in Japan at record high levels
In 2022, approximately 13,000 cases were recorded, an all-time 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 | Period | Main Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 3-12 weeks post-infection | Hard chancre (painless ulcer on genitals, anus, lips), inguinal lymphadenopathy |
| Secondary | 3 months-3 years post-infection | Generalized rash (roseola), rash on palms and soles, fever, lymphadenopathy |
| Latent | Several years-several decades | Asymptomatic but positive serology |
| Tertiary/Quaternary | 10+ years | Cardiovascular and neurosyphilis (cognitive impairment, paralysis, etc.) |
Testing: Blood test (RPR, TPHA, etc.), direct microscopy of ulcer if possible.
Treatment: Benzylpenicillin 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, malignancies due to immunodeficiency
- Modern antiviral treatment (cART) can suppress the virus for a long time, early diagnosis is important
- Testing: Blood test (antibody and antigen simultaneous), 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 in the genital and perianal area
- Primary infection can have severe symptoms, sometimes accompanied by fever and general malaise
- Recurrences are common (virus lies dormant in nerve ganglia)
- Testing: Clinical findings + antibody test and PCR if necessary
- Treatment: Antiviral drugs (valacyclovir, acyclovir), suppressive therapy for recurrence prevention also possible
Genital Warts (Condyloma Acuminata)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Cauliflower-like or papular small growths on genitals and perianal area
- Itching, discomfort, diagnosed by visual inspection
- Treatment: Imiquimod topical, cryotherapy, electrocautery (may require referral to a specialist)
- Preventable with HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9)
Vaginal Candidiasis, Trichomoniasis
| Disease | Characteristics | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Vaginal Candidiasis | White discharge, severe itching; not an STI but has similar symptoms | Antifungals (clotrimazole, fluconazole) |
| Trichomonas Vaginitis | Frothy yellowish-green discharge, fishy odor, itching | Metronidazole orally |
| Bacterial Vaginosis | Grayish-white discharge, fishy odor | Metronidazole orally, clindamycin vaginal cream |
Other Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Hepatitis B: Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids, preventable by vaccine
- Hepatitis C: Primarily blood-borne, curable with medication (DAA)
- Hepatitis A: Oral transmission, also transmitted through sexual contact among men who have sex with men
- HPV Infection: Causes cervical cancer and anal cancer, preventable by vaccine
- Pubic Lice (Crabs) / Scabies: Contact transmission, treated with topical medication
Symptoms and Situations Recommending a Visit
For those with symptoms
- Itching, pain, or discomfort in the genitals or perianal area
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Purulent or abnormal discharge from the genitals
- Rash, ulcers, blisters, or warts in the genitals or perianal area
- Pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse
- Swelling in the groin area, lymphadenopathy
- Unexplained fever or general malaise
- Generalized rash (possible secondary syphilis)
For those without symptoms but desiring testing
- Have a new partner
- Partner was diagnosed with an STI
- Condom broke or came off during sexual intercourse
- Had risky sexual behavior
- Planning pregnancy (pre-pregnancy screening)
- For regular health check-up
Types of Tests and Costs
For symptomatic cases (covered by insurance)
| Test | Estimated Cost (30% co-payment) |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (urine/swab) | Approx. ¥3,000-¥5,000 |
| Syphilis Serology | Approx. ¥1,000 |
| HIV Test | Approx. ¥1,500 |
| Hepatitis B & C | Approx. ¥1,500 |
| Herpes IgM/IgG | Approx. ¥1,500 |
| Initial consultation fee/prescription fee | Additional |
For asymptomatic cases (self-pay testing)
Testing for asymptomatic individuals is self-pay. Details will be provided during your consultation.
- Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (throat, genital, rectal)
- Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B/C
- HPV testing
- Package tests (e.g., 8-item package, 12-item package)
Testing Methods
| Test Site | Method | Target Diseases |
|---|---|---|
| Urine Test | Collection of first-void urine | Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (male genitourinary tract) |
| Blood Test | Blood draw | Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Herpes antibodies |
| Vaginal/Cervical Swab | Sample collection with a cotton swab | Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas, HPV |
| Pharyngeal Swab | Swab of the throat | Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (oral sex) |
| Rectal Swab | Sample collection with a cotton swab | Chlamydia/Gonorrhea (anal sex) |
| Ulcer Scrape | Sample collection from ulcer if present | Syphilis, Herpes |
Time to get test results
Some blood tests have same-day results (e.g., rapid syphilis, rapid HIV), but PCR tests (chlamydia, gonorrhea) are performed by an external laboratory, so it takes 3-7 days for results. Results will be communicated by phone, re-examination, or mail.
Flow of Your Visit
- WEB reservation or walk-in: Walk-ins are also accepted
- Reception/Questionnaire: Fill out symptoms, desired tests, and risk history (privacy protected)
- Doctor's examination: Symptom confirmation, discussion of necessary tests
- Testing: Urine, blood, swab collection
- If treatment is needed, prescription and guidance
- Notification of test results: A few days later, by phone or re-examination
- Additional treatment/re-testing: As needed
Principles of Treatment
Importance of early treatment
- Prevents symptom progression and complications
- Prevents further 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 you are reinfected by a treated partner, it is important for partners to undergo testing and treatment simultaneously. Our clinic can also examine and treat partners.
Post-treatment follow-up
- 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 (specialized institutions)
- Avoid sexual activity or use condoms during the treatment period
Prevention Tips
Infection Prevention
- Correct condom use (from start to finish of sexual activity)
- Avoid sexual activity with multiple partners
- Confirm each other's STI status with your partner
- Avoid sexual activity if there are any abnormalities in the genitals
- Regular testing
- HPV vaccination (prevents cervical cancer and genital warts)
- Hepatitis B vaccination
Action after risky sexual activity
- If a condom broke or came off, testing 2-4 weeks later is recommended
- For syphilis and HIV, there is a window period from infection until a test can show positive results, so re-testing after 6 weeks to 3 months is also important
- For emergency contraception (morning-after pill), please refer to a separate page
Please Consult Us If You...
- Searched online and became anxious
- Cannot get an appointment for free testing at a public health center
- Suspect you may have been infected by a partner
- Want to be clear before starting a new relationship
- Have had sexual experiences and have never been tested
- Are planning pregnancy or want to get tested before trying to conceive
- Want to discuss HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
Features of Our STI Care
- Privacy-first reception and consultation system
- Open to all, regardless of gender
- Symptomatic individuals can reduce costs with insurance-covered medical care (30% co-payment)
- Package tests available for asymptomatic individuals
- 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 for the increasing number of syphilis cases
- Walk-ins welcome / Open daily from 9:00 to 21:00 / 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 prevent transmission to loved ones. If you have any concerning symptoms or anxieties, please feel free to consult us.
