A venereologist is a doctor who evaluates and treats sexually transmitted infections and related genital skin conditions. Dr. Parash Shrestha is a Consultant Dermatologist and Venereologist with MBBS, MD and FAM qualifications and Nepal Medical Council registration No. 7527. He is available through a Kathmandu practice listed in Nava Derma Skin Laser Aesthetics , New Baneshwor and through B&B Hospital’s Department of Dermatology and Venereology in Gwarko, Lalitpur.

You may benefit from a consultation if you have genital itching, unusual discharge, burning during urination, sores, blisters, warts, a new rash, possible sexual exposure or a partner who has been diagnosed with an STI. Because many infections can cause no symptoms, assessment may also be appropriate after an exposure even when you feel well.

What is venereology?

Venereology is the medical specialty concerned with sexually transmitted infections, commonly called STIs or STDs. In many healthcare systems, it is combined with dermatology because several infections produce symptoms on the skin, genital area, mouth or other mucosal surfaces.

An STI means that an infectious organism is present. The term STD is often used when the infection has produced symptoms or disease. In everyday healthcare communication, the terms are frequently used interchangeably. Many STIs cause mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

A venereology consultation is not limited to confirming an STI. The doctor must also consider other possible causes, such as fungal infection, eczema, contact irritation, balanitis, urinary infection, folliculitis or another genital skin condition.

For broader disease information, see the website’s guide to types and symptoms of sexually transmitted infections.

Who may benefit from consulting a venereologist?

Consider specialist evaluation when you have:

• Unusual vaginal, penile or anal discharge
• Burning or pain while urinating
• Genital itching, irritation, redness or swelling
• Sores, ulcers, blisters or painful lesions
• Warts or new growths around the genitals or anus
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Testicular discomfort or swelling
• Pain during sexual activity
• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• A rash after possible sexual exposure
• A partner who has symptoms or has received an STI diagnosis
• A recent unprotected or otherwise concerning exposure
• A desire for screening based on your health history

You should also seek assessment if symptoms improve and then return. Temporary improvement does not necessarily establish the cause or confirm that an infection has cleared.

Symptoms and recommended next action

STI symptoms can overlap with urinary, gynaecological, dermatological and non-infectious conditions. Clinical assessment is therefore more reliable than choosing medication from symptoms alone.

Which conditions may be evaluated?

Depending on the patient’s history and examination, a venereologist may evaluate concerns involving:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• Genital herpes
• HPV-related genital warts
• Trichomoniasis
• HIV-related exposure or testing concerns
• Hepatitis B-related sexual exposure
• Pubic lice or scabies
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Genital candidiasis
• Balanitis
• Genital eczema or contact dermatitis
• Other genital rashes, growths or inflammatory conditions

This list does not mean that every patient requires testing for every infection. Test selection should reflect symptoms, exposure type, timing, examination findings, pregnancy status and individual risk factors.

Can an STI be present without symptoms?

Yes. Many STIs produce no noticeable symptoms or only mild symptoms. A person may therefore have an infection and transmit it without knowing. Testing decisions should be based on clinical history and possible exposure, not symptoms alone.

A negative test performed too early may not rule out every infection. The doctor may recommend testing at a particular time or repeating a test depending on the suspected infection and the date of exposure.

How does an STI consultation work?

1. Private clinical discussion

The STD doctor generally asks about:

• Current symptoms
• When symptoms began
• Recent or previous possible exposure
• Previous STI history
• Medication and antibiotic use
• Allergies
• Relevant pregnancy information
• Previous test results
• Symptoms or diagnoses in a partner

The discussion should be respectful and non-judgmental. Before publication, the clinic should formally confirm how appointment calls, records, test results and partner-related information are protected.

2. Clinical examination

An examination may be recommended when the patient has a visible rash, sore, discharge, swelling, wart or other physical symptom.

Not every consultation requires the same examination. The doctor should explain:

• Why the examination is being recommended
• Which area needs to be examined
• Whether a chaperone is available
• Whether the patient may decline or pause the examination
• What information the examination may provide

3. Diagnostic testing

Depending on clinical findings, testing may involve:

• Blood sample
• Urine sample
• Genital, oral or anal swab
• Microscopy
• Culture
• Serology
• PCR or nucleic-acid testing
• HIV, syphilis or hepatitis screening

WHO guidance supports both symptom-based management and laboratory-supported diagnosis, depending on the clinical situation and available resources.

Clinic confirmation required: Exact tests, laboratory provider, sample-collection location, result time and cost should be displayed only after verification.

4. Clinical interpretation

The doctor reviews the history, examination and available test results together. A result should not be interpreted without considering:

• When the test was performed
• The type of exposure
• Which anatomical site was tested
• Previous medication
• The possibility of another condition
• Whether repeat testing is needed

5. Treatment or referral plan

Treatment depends on the confirmed or clinically suspected condition. Some bacterial and parasitic infections can be treated with appropriate prescription medication. Viral infections may require symptom control, recurrence management, monitoring or referral rather than a claim of permanent cure.

Do not start, share or reuse antibiotics without medical advice. Unnecessary or incorrect treatment may cause side effects, interfere with assessment and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

What treatment options may be considered?

Condition-specific prescription treatment

A STD specialist may prescribe treatment after evaluating symptoms, test results, allergies, pregnancy status, previous medication and local treatment guidance.

The same symptoms can have different causes. An antibiotic that is appropriate for one infection may be ineffective for another.

Treatment of genital warts

Visible genital warts may be assessed clinically. Depending on their appearance, site, number and patient factors, options may include prescription treatment or a clinic-based procedure.

Herpes management

Genital herpes is a viral infection that can have mild, recurring or absent symptoms. Treatment may reduce symptoms and help manage outbreaks, but suitability and timing depend on medical assessment.

Partner evaluation

When an STI is diagnosed or strongly suspected, current or recent sexual partners may also need evaluation, testing or treatment. Partner care helps reduce ongoing transmission and reinfection. The appropriate approach depends on the infection and applicable local clinical guidance.

Referral to another specialist

Referral may be appropriate when a patient needs:

• Gynaecological assessment
• Urological assessment
• Infectious-disease or HIV care
• Pregnancy-related care
• Cervical screening
• Surgical or biopsy assessment
• Emergency management
• Sexual-assault care and support

What does the patient journey look like?

1. Appointment request: Choose the Kathmandu or Lalitpur practice.
2. Initial consultation: Discuss symptoms, exposure and medical history.
3. Examination: Performed only when clinically relevant and with explanation.
4. Testing decision: Select tests based on the clinical situation.
5. Results and interpretation: Review what the result means and its limitations.
6. Treatment or referral: Begin the appropriate care pathway.
7. Partner discussion: Determine whether a partner needs evaluation.
8. Follow-up: Review symptoms, treatment response and repeat-test needs.
9. Prevention planning: Discuss ways to reduce reinfection or future exposure.

Benefits and limitations of specialist evaluation

Potential benefits

Specialist evaluation may help:

• Distinguish an STI from another genital condition
• Select appropriate tests
• Avoid unnecessary medication
• Identify complications
• Coordinate partner evaluation
• Establish a follow-up plan
• Provide referral when another specialty is needed

Important limitations

• A consultation cannot guarantee that one visit will establish every diagnosis.
• Some infections have no symptoms.
• A test may be negative when performed too early.
• One sample site may not detect an infection at another exposed site.
• Treatment cannot reverse every complication that developed before diagnosis.
• Viral infections may require long-term management.
• Reinfection can occur if an exposed partner is not evaluated or treated.

Risks and possible complications

The consultation itself is generally low risk, but individual tests or treatments may involve:

• Temporary discomfort during sample collection
• Bruising after a blood sample
• Medication side effects
• Allergic reactions
• Interaction with other medicines
• Incomplete response
• Recurrence or reinfection
• A false-negative or inconclusive result
• Need for additional testing or referral

The doctor should explain treatment-specific risks before prescribing medication or performing a procedure.

What are the alternatives?

Depending on the concern, alternatives may include:

• Observation when examination indicates a harmless, self-limiting condition
• Referral to gynaecology or urology
• Referral to an infectious-disease or HIV service
• Biopsy for an uncertain lesion
• Repeat testing after an appropriate interval
• Preventive vaccination advice
• Counselling and partner services

Home remedies and unverified pharmacy treatment should not replace assessment when symptoms persist, recur or follow a possible STI exposure.

Follow-up and prevention

Follow-up may be required to:

• Confirm symptom improvement
• Review laboratory results
• Check for side effects
• Repeat testing
• Reassess an uncertain lesion
• Review partner evaluation
• Discuss recurrence prevention
• Arrange further specialist care

Patients should follow the doctor’s advice about sexual contact during treatment. Some infections require both the patient and relevant partner or partners to complete evaluation or treatment before sexual contact resumes.

Why consult Dr. Parash Shrestha?

Dr. Parash Shrestha is verified by B&B Hospital as a Consultant Dermatologist and Venereologist with MBBS, MD and FAM qualifications and NMC No. 7527. B&B Hospital also maintains a Department of Dermatology and Venereology that publicly lists consultations for sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Parash years of experience as a Dermatologist STD specialist in Nepal, makes him one of the best Venereologist in Kathmandu.

Dr. Parash is available in following locations:

• Nava Derma Skin & Laser Clinic, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu
• B&B Hospital, Gwarko, Lalitpur

For more information about his professional profile, visit Dr. Parash Shrestha’s qualifications and services.

What affects consultation and testing cost?

The total cost may depend on:

• Consultation location
• Number and type of tests
• Sample sites
• Laboratory provider
• Need for repeat testing
• Prescription medicines
• Wart or lesion procedures
• Biopsy or pathology
• Partner assessment
• Follow-up consultation
• Referral to another department

An accurate estimate should be provided after the clinic confirms which services are required. Do not publish a fixed package price unless its inclusions, exclusions and verification date are documented.

When should urgent medical care be sought?

Do not wait for a routine appointment when there is:

• Possible HIV exposure during the previous 72 hours
• Sudden or severe testicular pain
• Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain with fever
• Pregnancy with significant symptoms or possible exposure
• Inability to pass urine
• Rapidly increasing genital swelling
• Severe illness, widespread rash or neurological symptoms
• Sexual assault requiring urgent medical care and support

HIV post-exposure prophylaxis must be considered urgently and is most effective when started as soon as possible, no later than 72 hours after a qualifying exposure.

Questions to ask the doctor

• Which conditions could be causing my symptoms?
• Which tests are appropriate for the exposure I had?
• Is this the correct time to test?
• Could medication I already took affect the result?
• Does my partner need assessment?
• When should sexual contact be avoided?
• Will I need repeat testing?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• Which symptoms require urgent care?
• How will my records and results be communicated?
• Is another specialist or department needed?

Book a venereology consultation

For symptoms, possible exposure, genital skin concerns or STI-related questions, request an assessment with STI doctor Dr. Parash Shrestha.

New Baneshwor, Kathmandu:
Nava Derma — +977-9851145556

Gwarko, Lalitpur:
B&B Hospital — 01-5970999
Online booking pathway available through B&B Hospital.