When testing for STDs, a swab is often taken.
STDs are easily treatable if they are detected. Getting tested can therefore be useful. Depending on the pathogen and symptoms, various methods are used, for example visual diagnosis, a smear test, stool test, urine test or blood test. STDs do not always cause symptoms, or symptoms are not recognized. Therefore, a routine test can also be considered.
When is a test for venereal diseases useful?
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You can find even more information in our brochure on STDs
STDs can usually be treated and cured well if they are diagnosed in time.
Basically for all the recommendation to go to the test when
symptoms present (z. B. foul-smelling discharge from the urethra, vagina, or rectum, burning during urination, itching, blisters, or ulcers in the genital or anal area). 1. I the Notification get that one of your sex partners has an STD has.
Also pregnant women a test for other STDs is recommended in addition to the HIV test. Some infections can be transmitted to the child during pregnancy or birth and cause serious illnesses. It can also increase the risk of premature birth.
Regular tests for venereal diseases
HIV test
During an examination for venereal diseases, an HIV test could also be useful. In case of Syphilis-diagnosis, an HIV test should be considered in any case. It is best to bring up the subject at the test consultation.
For people with frequently changing sex partners can regular tests for STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis may be useful in order to detect infection early and Not to be passed on.
Whether and how often a test is advisable, can be clarified in individual cases with doctors or in a counseling center.
Regular testing for HIV as well as other STDs is also part of the process HIV protection method PrEP Takes.
For People with HIV apply special test recommendations, which they should discuss with the HIV specialist.
Where to get tested?
Tests can be carried out, for example, by doctors for skin and sexually transmitted diseases, gynecology and urology. In case of symptoms or a concrete suspicion of an STD (e.g., a sexually transmitted disease), a test should be carried out. B. (after the sexual partner has been informed), the costs can be paid for by the health insurance company.
In addition, many AIDS centers, public health offices and test projects such as Checkpoints also offer tests for sexually transmitted diseases. The services offered include test counseling. Can be taken anonymously.
Please enter a location to find contact persons in your area.
What about self-testing for STDs??
From Self-tests for STDs, for which advertised on the Internet will, we do not recommend. They are legal, but Often very inaccurate. This means that many infections are overlooked, cannot be treated and are passed on.
s.a.m health
The Project s.a.m health Enables regular testing for HIV, Syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
After registration on the website and a telephone consultation with a s.a.m-Checkpoint you get the tests discreetly by mail to your home. Communication is via sms. The test tubes are then sent to a laboratory in a prepaid envelope. The results will be communicated by sms or by phone.
What if a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed?
If an STD is detected, it is unpleasant, but also good news: now it can be treated and cured. How to avoid damage to health and transmission to others.
If a person is diagnosed with STIs more often, their risk of HIV could also be increased. HIV-PrEP may then be offered as an effective method of protection against HIV. Information about this can be found here.
Vaccinated?
Some sexually transmitted infections can be protected against with a vaccination, for example hepatitis A and B or HPV. It is best to talk about whether a vaccination or booster should be given during the consultation.
Notification of partners
If a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed, one should also inform the partners of the last time, if known. So they can also be examined and treated. This also helps to avoid re-infections.
Is there an obligation to register?
For some diseases Mandatory reporting: In addition to HIV, syphilis is also not reported by name to the Robert Koch Institute. In the case of viral hepatitis (A to E), a report by name to the public health department is made as soon as an acute infection is suspected. The information can help to monitor infection incidences and prevent transmissions.
Tests for sexually transmitted diseases can be part of everyday life
Enrico is a volunteer with our gay prevention campaign I KNOW WHAT I DO. In the video he explains why regular tests for HIV and other STDs are important for him.