Goyang-si Ilsanseo-gu Health Center Conducts Anonymous Testing for STD and AIDS Prevention

Early Detection and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Through Free Testing

Goyang Special City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) announced on the 20th that Ilsanseo-gu Public Health Center is providing testing services for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).

Poster for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention screening services. Provided by Goyang Special City

This testing is promoted to ensure that anyone, including the general public and entertainment industry workers, can receive it without burden. The purpose is to detect STIs early and prevent their spread in the local community.

Ilsanseo-gu Public Health Center offers anonymous free testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. Since the tests are free of charge, individuals who suspect they may have an STI or have engaged in behaviors that put them at risk of exposure should visit the health center without delay.

In addition, STI testing is also available at private medical institutions such as obstetrics and gynecology and urology clinics. However, since the test items and costs may vary by medical institution, it is advisable to check in advance before visiting.

Sexually transmitted infections are infections transmitted through sexual contact and are commonly referred to as STIs. Representative STIs include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, chancroid, genital herpes, condyloma acuminatum, syphilis, and seven types of human papillomavirus infections.

These diseases are mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, and some have almost no early symptoms, making it difficult to immediately recognize the infection. Therefore, it is important to confirm infection status through regular testing and receive early treatment.

Fortunately, most STIs can be completely cured if detected and treated early, and even some infections that are difficult to cure can have symptom worsening prevented through proper management.

If left untreated, STIs can cause serious complications. For example, prolonged infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can progress to diseases like pelvic inflammatory disease, leading to infertility or chronic pain.

Moreover, untreated STI infections can cause severe organ damage including permanent infertility and increase the risk of contracting fatal diseases such as HIV/AIDS that severely affect the immune system. Therefore, early detection and treatment of STIs are crucial to prevent these complications.

Lee Hyang-sook, director of Ilsanseo-gu Public Health Center, stated, “STIs are not problems limited to specific groups but diseases that anyone can contract,” and encouraged, “Do not feel ashamed or afraid of testing and get regular check-ups.”

She added, “For a healthy community, I hope many citizens undergo regular STI testing and responsibly manage their own sexual health.”