Don’t Go Home with Unwanted Souvenirs!
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Travel smart with PULSE Clinic Thailand. Access confidential STD testing and treatment, PrEP, PEP, HIV medication and vaccinations before or after you
Don’t Go Home with Unwanted Souvenirs!
Vacations are meant for collecting vibrant memories, admiring stunning sunsets and discovering local crafts, not bringing home microscopic hitchhikers!
As international travel continues to grow, people worldwide have more opportunities to meet and form romantic connections. Whether you are island-hopping in Southeast Asia or exploring European capitals, casual intimacy while travelling may also expose you to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
At PULSE Clinic, Asia’s leading lifestyle and sexual healthcare network, our message is simple:
Enjoy your journey, but don’t bring home an unwanted souvenir!
The Stealth Threat: Asymptomatic Infections
One of the biggest concerns in travel-related sexual health is that many STDs are completely silent. You can feel 100% healthy, have a healthy glow from the tropical sun and still have an infection.
The Numbers: Medical literature consistently shows that many cases of chlamydia, HPV and gonorrhoea cause no noticeable symptoms. Infections in the throat and rectum are particularly likely to be asymptomatic.
Global Travel Studies: Research published in the Journal of Travel Medicine has highlighted that international travellers frequently engage in casual sexual partnerships, yet relatively few seek STD screening before or after travelling. Silent STD transmission among travellers can contribute to infections spreading between countries and communities.
The Clinical Risk: If left undetected and untreated, infections such as Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis may cause complications, including chronic pelvic inflammation, tissue scarring and fertility problems.
Book an assessment and treatment with Us
Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:
Understanding the Routes of Transmission
STDs do not discriminate, and they do not always require what someone might consider “high-risk” behaviour to spread. Transmission can occur through several types of sexual contact, making site-specific testing important.
| Transmission mode | Possible infections | Key takeaway |
| Oral contact | Herpes, HPV, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis | Throat infections are frequently asymptomatic. A standard urine test will not detect an infection located only in the throat. |
| Penile or vaginal sex | HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes and Mycoplasma genitalium |
Some infections may be transmitted through bodily fluids or contact with infected skin and mucous membranes.
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| Anal contact | Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, LGV, HIV and Hepatitis | Rectal infections may cause no symptoms. A rectal swab may be recommended based on the type of exposure. |
| Skin-to-skin contact | HPV, Herpes, Syphilis and Mpox |
Condoms significantly reduce the risk of many infections but may not cover every exposed area of skin.
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Research supports anatomical site-specific testing using throat, rectal and genital samples when appropriate. Relying solely on urine testing may miss infections located elsewhere in the body.
Proactive Detection: The PULSE Standard
Why wait for symptoms when you can travel with greater peace of mind? PULSE Clinic provides a range of diagnostic and preventive sexual healthcare services.
| PULSE Service | What it involves |
| Depending on the clinic and test selected, one sample may be screened for multiple bacterial, viral or parasitic pathogens. |
Preventive options | PULSE Clinic provides access to HIV PrEP, HIV PEP and professional advice about whether DoxyPEP may be suitable for you internationally
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HIV PEP must be started as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after a possible exposure. DoxyPEP is not appropriate for everyone and should only be taken following medical advice.
Before packing your bags for the airport, consider making a quick stop at PULSE Clinic. STD screening is confidential and judgement-free, helping to ensure that the only things you bring home are photographs, memories and great stories.
Trusted by over 100,000 patients from more than 196 countries and regions, PULSE CLINIC provides discreet, professional healthcare with privacy and respect at every step. Here to Help. Not to Judge!
Forgot or Ran Out of PrEP While Travelling?
If you miss a dose or run out of PrEP during your trip, do not panic and do not take extra tablets without medical advice.
What you should do depends on the type of PrEP you use, how many doses you missed and whether you had a possible HIV exposure. Contact the nearest PULSE Clinic as soon as possible for an assessment and help obtaining more PrEP.
If you had a possible HIV exposure and may not have been fully protected by PrEP, seek medical attention immediately. HIV PEP may be recommended, but it must be started as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours after the exposure.
Tested Positive? Get the Right STD Treatment
We provide same-day results for our most comprehensive PCR31 testing. Therefore, a positive result does not have to ruin your trip. Many bacterial STDs can be treated, while viral infections can often be effectively managed.
PULSE Clinic provides confidential medical consultations, appropriate STD treatment and follow-up testing. Your doctor will recommend treatment based on the infection, your symptoms, test results and medical history.
Avoid using leftover antibiotics or buying medication without proper medical advice. Incorrect treatment may fail to clear the infection and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Your healthcare provider can also advise you about sexual activity, partner notification and when follow-up testing may be needed.
Book Assessment and Treatment with us
Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:
Start Your Vaccination with PULSE Clinic
Vaccination can protect you against several infections associated with sexual contact and international travel.
Depending on your age, health, sexual history, destination and previous vaccination records, your doctor may recommend:
Vaccination | What it may help prevent |
HPV vaccination
| HPV-related genital warts and several HPV-related cancers |
Hepatitis A and B vaccination |
Hepatitis B, which can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact
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You can begin or continue your recommended vaccination schedule at PULSE Clinic. Some vaccines require more than one dose, so speak with our healthcare team about the appropriate schedule before travelling.
Book Assessment and Treatment with us
Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:
Lost or Ran Out of HIV Medication?
If you are living with HIV and lose or run out of your antiretroviral medication while travelling, contact the nearest PULSE Clinic as soon as possible. Avoid interrupting your HIV treatment, as consistent daily treatment is important for maintaining viral suppression and protecting your health.
Bring a photograph of your medication packaging, prescription or medical records if available. Our healthcare team can review your current treatment and advise you about obtaining an appropriate supply of HIV medication.
Do not change your treatment, share medication or take additional tablets to replace a missed dose without professional advice. The appropriate action may depend on your medication and how many doses you have missed.
Complete Sexual Healthcare at PULSE Clinic
PULSE service | How we can help |
STD screening
| Blood, urine and site-specific swab testing based on your exposure |
STD treatment |
Appropriate treatment, medical advice and follow-up care
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HIV PrEP | PrEP consultations, prescription refills and continued access while travelling |
Emergency HIV PEP | Urgent assessment after a possible HIV exposure within 72 hours |
Vaccination | HPV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and mpox vaccination, where appropriate and available |
Prevention advice | Personalised guidance about PrEP, PEP and DoxyPEP |
HIV treatment and | Confidential HIV care, treatment continuation, medication review, monitoring and assistance with obtaining an appropriate supply of ARV medication |
Whether you need STD screening and treatment, a PrEP refill, emergency PEP, HIV medication or vaccinations, PULSE Clinic is here to support your sexual health before, during and after your journey.
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