STD Test for Men in Koh Samui: The "No Swab" Guide

Lets address the elephant in the room immediately.

If you are a man searching for an STD test for men, you likely have one specific fear holding you back. Youve heard horror stories from 10 years ago about a long cotton swab being inserted... somewhere you definitely dont want it to go.

We have good news for you. Medicine has changed.

In 2025, the vast majority of routine male STD tests are 100% painless. The dreaded "urethral swab" is now almost obsolete for standard check-ups.

If you are in Koh Samui and need a check-upwhether for a symptom or just peace of mindhere is exactly how easy (and painless) the process actually is.

Why You Can Trust Us

We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We treat male tourists and expats every single day. We understand that for men, the fear of the procedure is often worse than the fear of the result. We use the latest DNA (PCR) technology, which allows us to find infections with just a simple urine sample. We are here to get you the answers you need without the discomfort you fear.

The Procedure: What Actually Happens?

When you come to our clinic for a full men's sexual health screen, here is exactly what we do.

1. The Urine Test (Chlamydia & Gonorrhea)

This is the modern replacement for the swab.

• How it works: You pee in a cup. Thats it.
• The Tech: We use DNA PCR testing. It is so sensitive that it can detect bacteria in your urine stream just as accurately as a swab, with zero pain.

2. The Blood Test (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis)

• How it works: A standard blood draw or a rapid finger-prick.
• The Feeling: A tiny pinch for one second.
• The Result: For HIV and Syphilis, we can give you the result in 20 minutes while you wait.

When IS a swab needed?

We only use swabs in two specific cases:

1. Throat or Rectal Chlamydia: If you have had unprotected oral or anal sex, urine won't check those areas. We simply touch a cotton bud to the back of your throat or rectum (it tickles, but doesn't hurt).
2. Active Sores: If you have a visible blister (like Herpes), we gently swab the surface of the skin.

The "Do Not Pee" Rule (Crucial for Men)

To make the urine test work, you must follow one golden rule:

Do NOT urinate for at least 1 hour before your appointment.

We need the "First Catch" urinethe bacteria that has built up in your urethra. If you pee right before you walk into the clinic, you flush the evidence away, and we might get a false negative result.

• Pro Tip: Drink a glass of water, wait an hour, and then come see us.

What Should Men Test For?

Men often have different symptoms (or no symptoms) compared to women. Here is the standard panel we recommend for men in Koh Samui:

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: The most common causes of "burning" when you pee.
• Syphilis: Often starts as a painless sore on the penis that vanishes, but the infection remains.
• Mycoplasma Genitalium: The "new" STD. It causes symptoms similar to Chlamydia but needs different antibiotics. Standard tests often miss this, so ask us to include it if you have persistent symptoms.
• HIV: Every sexually active adult should check this at least once a year.

Symptoms in Men: When to Come In

Don't wait if you notice any of these signs:

• Discharge: Any white, yellow, or green fluid from the penis tip.
• Dysuria: A burning or stinging sensation when urinating.
• Bumps/Blisters: On the penis, scrotum, or anus.
• Itching: Persistent itching at the tip of the penis.

Note: 50% of men with Chlamydia have NO symptoms. If you had unprotected sex, test anyway.

Cost of STD Tests for Men in Koh Samui

We keep our pricing transparent and affordable compared to international hospitals.

• Consultation: ~500 - 1,000 THB.
• Rapid Blood Screen (HIV/Syphilis/Hep): ~1,500 - 2,500 THB.
• Urine DNA Screen (Chlamydia/Gonorrhea): ~2,500 - 3,500 THB.
• Full "All-Inclusive" Panel: ~4,000 - 5,500 THB.

Your Confidential Men's Clinic

You don't need to be embarrassed, and you definitely don't need to be in pain. At Doctor Lamai Clinic, we provide a professional, judgment-free space for men to get checked quickly.

• Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
• Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Phone: +66 65 262 9396
• Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
• Map: Find us on Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get the results immediately?
For HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis, yes. We have rapid tests that give results in 20 minutes. For Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (the urine test), it takes 24-48 hours because we send the sample to a high-tech lab for DNA analysis.

Is the urine test as accurate as the swab?
Yes. Modern NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) on urine are the Gold Standard for testing men. They are just as accurate as the old urethral swabs.

Can I test for HPV (Warts) if I have no symptoms?
There is currently no approved routine HPV test for men without symptoms. We diagnose HPV by visually inspecting for genital warts. If you don't see warts, we generally do not test for HPV.

Do I need to shave before I come in?
No, absolutely not. Please come as you are. Doctors have seen everything and do not care about grooming.

What if I have discharge right now?
If you have active discharge, we might take a sample of that fluid to look at under a microscope immediately, or we will treat you with antibiotics straight away while waiting for the lab results ("Syndromic Treatment").

References

• Cleveland Clinic. (2024). STIs in Men: Symptoms & Testing. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis 
• Mayo Clinic. (2024). STD symptoms: Common signs in men. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/art-20047081 
• Planned Parenthood. (2024). STD Testing: What to Expect. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/get-tested