Key points at a glance
🩺 Get tested if you have symptoms
If you experience symptoms such as a burning sensation, itching, discharge, blisters or sores, it is advisable to get tested for sexually transmitted infections.
📍 Plenty of opportunities to give it a go
Tests are available from doctors, public health authorities, AIDS support organisations and testing schemes such as Checkpoints, amongst others. Many of these services can be used anonymously.
💬 Inform partners
You can enter a short piece of information here.
💉 Vaccinations can protect you
Vaccination can protect against some sexually transmitted infections – for example, hepatitis A, hepatitis B or HPV.
Sexually transmitted infections are generally easy to treat once they have been diagnosed. That is why it can be a good idea to get tested. Depending on the pathogen and any symptoms, various tests may be carried out – for example, a swab, a urine, stool or blood test, or a visual examination.
Important: Not every sexually transmitted infection causes symptoms. Some infections are therefore only detected when a test is carried out.
When is it advisable to get tested for sexually transmitted infections?
As a general rule, a test is recommended if Symptoms appear. These could include, for example:
- foul-smelling discharge from the urethra, vagina or rectum
- A burning sensation when passing water
- Itching
- Bubbles
- Ulcers in the genital or anal area
It’s also a good idea to get tested if you receive a message saying that one*Sex partners*in has a sexually transmitted disease.
Pregnant women are also advised to have a test for other sexually transmitted infections as well as an HIV test. Some infections can be passed on to the baby during pregnancy or at birth and cause serious illnesses. It can also increase the risk of premature birth.
Regular tests
If you frequent changes of sexual partners* If you have, it may be a good idea to have regular tests for sexually transmitted infections. This applies, for example, to:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
This means that infections can be detected early and the spread of the infection prevented. You can discuss with your doctor or at a counselling centre how often you should get tested.
Don’t forget about HIV either
During a screening for sexually transmitted infections, a HIV test may be advisable. If syphilis is diagnosed, you should definitely consider having an HIV test. It’s best to bring this up during your pre-test counselling session. Regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is also part of this if you HIV-PrEP uses. There are specific testing recommendations for people living with HIV. These should ideally be discussed with HIV specialists.
Where can I get tested?
Tests for sexually transmitted infections can, for example, be carried out in the following cases:
- Dermatologists and venereologists
- Gynaecologists
- Urologists*
- health authorities
- AIDS service organisations
- Pilot projects such as Checkpoints
If you have symptoms or there is a specific suspicion of a sexually transmitted infection – for example, following a tip-off from a sexual partner – the costs can be claimed through your health insurance. Many AIDS support organisations, public health authorities and checkpoints also offer a Test counselling . Some of the tests can be carried out anonymously there.
What about self-tests?
From self-tests for sexually transmitted infections, for which is advertised on the internet, advises Deutsche Aidshilfe. Whilst these tests are legal, they are often very inaccurate. As a result, infections may go undetected. They are then left untreated and can be passed on.
What happens if a sexually transmitted infection is diagnosed?
A diagnosis can be unsettling at first. At the same time, however, it also means: The infection can now be treated and cured. This helps to prevent damage to health and further transmission. If a person is frequently diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections, their risk of HIV may also be increased. In that case, the HIV-PrEP are viable methods for protecting against HIV.
Keep partners informed
If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, you should also Inform any recent sexual partners, as far as you are aware. That way, they too can be examined and, if necessary, receive treatment. This will also help to prevent re-infection.
Remember your vaccinations
A vaccination can protect against some sexually transmitted infections Vaccination protect. These include, for example:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- HPV
During a consultation, you can discuss whether a vaccination or a booster is advisable.
Is there a duty to report?
Certain infections are subject to mandatory reporting. HIV and syphilis are not reported by name to the Robert Koch Institute. In the case of a Viral hepatitis: A to E Even if an acute infection is merely suspected, a report containing the patient’s name is submitted to the public health authority. This information can help to monitor the spread of infection and prevent transmission.
Tests can be part of everyday life
Regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections can be a natural part of looking after your sexual health. IWWIT recommends that gay men get to get tested for sexually transmitted infections once a year.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get tested for sexually transmitted infections?
It is recommended that you get tested if you have symptoms or find out that a sexual partner has a sexually transmitted infection. If you have multiple sexual partners, regular testing may also be advisable.
Do I need to have symptoms for a test to be worthwhile?
No. Sexually transmitted infections do not always cause symptoms, or the symptoms may go unnoticed. That is why a routine test can also be a good idea.
Where can I get tested?
Tests are available, for example, at dermatology and venereology clinics, gynaecological or urological practices, public health authorities, AIDS support organisations and checkpoints. Many of these services can be used anonymously.
What happens if I’m diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection?
The infection can then be treated and cured. This helps to prevent damage to health and further transmission. In addition, recent sexual partners should be informed, where known, so that they too can be tested and treated.
Need someone to talk to?
Whether acute or simply for orientation - sometimes it helps to talk to someone in confidence.
Use the Gay Health Chat - the button at the bottom right will accompany you on the page. There you can chat anonymously and free of charge:
- Personal live advice in the chat
- Help by e-mail or telephone
- Information on health, law, everyday life and more
