What is an STD test for men?
STD testing checks for sexually transmitted infections using urine, blood or swab samples. The right combination depends on your symptoms, the type of sexual contact and when a possible exposure happened.
STI is the term commonly used by healthcare professionals. You can have an STI without symptoms. A semen analysis is a separate fertility investigation and does not replace an STI screen.
Explore private STI testing at MDCWhich symptoms should men get checked?
Seek advice if you notice:
- Burning or pain when passing urine.
- Discharge from the penis or irritation at the tip.
- Genital sores, blisters or an unusual rash.
- Rectal pain or discharge after sexual contact.
- Testicular discomfort or swelling.
These symptoms have several possible causes. For example, urethritis is inflammation of the urine passage and may be related to an STI. Testing and assessment help identify the cause; symptoms alone cannot confirm an infection.
Private testing and express options at MDC
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre offers private, confidential sexual health testing at 73 Baker Street, London. Ask about the earliest appointment and express options available for your selected tests.
Confirm the expected result time and any additional charge before booking. A same-day appointment does not automatically mean same-day results.
Urine, blood or swab: which test do I need?
| Sample | Typical purpose | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| First-catch urine | Genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing. | Collect the beginning of the urine stream as instructed. Ask how long to avoid urinating beforehand. |
| Blood | HIV and syphilis; hepatitis where appropriate. | Timing matters. An early negative result may need repeating after the relevant window period. |
| Throat or rectal swab | Infections at sites exposed during oral or anal sex. | A negative urine test does not rule out infection at these sites. |
| Genital or sore swab | Investigating discharge, ulcers or blisters. | A clinician decides whether a swab or examination is needed. |
Our Most Popular Sexual Health Profiles
Compare options on MDC’s Sexual Health page . Choose according to your exposure and symptoms: a higher price or larger panel is not automatically more suitable.
Sexual Health Basic
£149Covers HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Check sample requirements and testing windows.
View the Basic profile →Sexual Health Plus
£199A urine or swab PCR panel for multiple genital organisms. This does not replace HIV blood screening.
View the Plus profile →Advanced Sexual Health Profile
£249Listed by MDC with HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and additional investigations. Confirm the complete list with the team.
Explore MDC’s popular profiles →Need help choosing?
Tell the team about symptoms, exposure dates, recent antibiotics and any previous results. Confirm whether additional sample sites need testing.
Ask MDC about your options →Published prices checked on 20 September 2026. Graph compares price only. Confirm current inclusions, express charges and any consultation or treatment fees before booking.
What about sperm health and semen analysis?
STI testing and semen analysis answer different questions. STI tests look for specific infections. Semen analysis assesses features such as sperm count, movement, shape and semen volume.
If you are having difficulty conceiving or have a separate fertility concern, discuss whether semen analysis would be useful. Having an STI does not automatically mean you are infertile, and a normal semen result does not rule out an STI.
Semen colour, thickness or appearance cannot reliably diagnose an STI. Persistent changes, painful ejaculation or blood in semen deserve clinical assessment.
MDC offers standard and express semen-analysis options. Tell the team about current symptoms or recent illness so they can advise on appropriate timing.
Explore MDC semen analysisMen’s STI testing: your questions answered
Is a penile swab always necessary?
No. Many genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests use urine. A swab may still be needed for discharge, sores or other clinical reasons.
Can I test without symptoms?
Yes. Testing may be appropriate after a new partner, a known exposure or a partner’s diagnosis, even if you feel well.
How soon after sex should I test?
The window period depends on the infection and test. Share the exposure date when booking. If symptoms develop, seek advice promptly rather than waiting.
Does a sperm test or PSA test check for STIs?
No. Routine semen analysis assesses sperm and semen characteristics. PSA is a prostate-related blood marker. Neither replaces specific STI tests.
Does “full screening” cover every infection?
No package checks for everything. Review the named infections, sample sites and testing windows with the team.
What happens after a positive result?
You may need treatment, partner advice and follow-up testing. Confirm what support is included and whether consultations or medicines cost extra.
Take the next step with MDC
Whether you have symptoms, a recent exposure or a question about sperm health, our team can help you understand the available testing options.
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Also concerned about fertility? View semen analysis or contact MDC .
