🔒 Discreet & simple
You can be tested anonymously.
🧪 Wide range of test types. Depending on the infection, blood tests, urine tests, smear tests or rapid tests may be used.
✅ Clarity for all
STI tests provide certainty and protect you and others.
💬 Counselling without hurdles
Contact centres, HIV specialist practices and online services can help you quickly and confidentially.
What is an STI test?
A STI test checks whether you are infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis or HIV have been infected. Various test methods are used for this: blood tests, urine tests, swabs or rapid tests. The aim is to recognise infections early and treat them in good time - before they cause symptoms or are passed on.
When and after which risk contact to test for STI?
A test is useful if you have had unprotected sex, notice symptoms or want to take regular precautions. It is particularly advisable to Test with Burning, discharge, itching or skin changes. If you have frequently changing sexual partners, regular STI tests can be useful. This way, infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis can be detected and treated early - even if you don't notice anything.
Where can I take an STI test?
You have several options:
- Health department: In many cities you can be tested anonymously and often free of charge.
- General practitioner: A test for sexually transmitted diseases is also possible here. The health insurance company will pay if there is a suspicion or symptoms.
- Specialised practices (HIV focus practices) or test centres: Here you will receive counselling, various types of tests and anonymous tests on request.
- Self-tests: We do not recommend STI self-tests from the internet. Many of them are not particularly reliable. The problem: infections can be overlooked, remain untreated and can be passed on unnoticed.
Comparison of test procedures
- Blood test: For example, for HIV, syphilis or hepatitis.
- Smear: Depending on the infection, e.g. from the urethra, throat, anal area or vagina, for example in the case of chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
- Urine: Especially for the detection of chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
- Quick test: Result often after 15 to 30 minutes, e.g. in the case of HIV or syphilis.
- PCR test / NAT: Detects pathogens directly in the laboratory, e.g. chlamydia or gonococci.
Which procedure makes sense depends on the suspected infection, the risk contact, possible symptoms and the range of tests available.
Self-tests for at home
HIV self-tests can be a practical way to test for HIV at home. It is important to only purchase the test from reputable sources such as pharmacies or trustworthy specialist retailers. When purchasing, make sure that the self-test bears a CE mark and is authorised for use as an HIV self-test. A reliable result is only possible after the time window specified by the test. If the test shows a reactive result, it must always be confirmed in a practice or test centre.
STI test procedure
During the self-test:
Pay attention to the recommended time window after the risk contact. Read the instructions carefully, work cleanly and hygienically and carry out the test step by step. Depending on the test, you will receive the result after about 15-30 minutes. Have every positive or unclear result confirmed by specialised personnel.
In practice or test centre:
After a brief consultation, blood, urine or swabs are taken, depending on the infection. Many results are available after a few days, some rapid tests directly on site. If the results are positive, you will receive support and access to the appropriate treatment.
Costs & reimbursement
- Health department: Usually free or very cheap, especially for anonymous tests.
- General practitioner or specialised practice: The health insurance company will cover the costs if there are symptoms or a concrete suspicion. Anyone taking PrEP is also entitled to regular examinations and STI tests as part of their medical monitoring.
- Test centres or self-tests: The prices vary. However, many counselling centres offer free or low-cost services.
Frequently asked questions about the STI test (FAQ)
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about the STI test - about test types, costs, reliability and self-tests. You will find out when a test is worthwhile, how it works and where you can take it.
Doctors or specialists take blood, urine or swabs to look for pathogens. Some tests, such as rapid HIV tests, provide a result in 15-30 minutes. Self-tests work in a similar way, except that you carry them out yourself.
Laboratory tests are very reliable. Rapid tests and self-tests provide good guidance and should be confirmed in the laboratory if the result is positive or unclear.
Many health authorities offer free tests. In the case of GPs, health insurance companies cover the costs if there is a suspicion.
Yes, you can get tested anonymously and often free of charge at health centres or checkpoints.
An STI test can detect infections such as HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Which tests are useful depends on your risk.
Yes, for HIV, syphilis or chlamydia. Look out for tested products with the CE mark and German instructions. Always have a positive or unclear reactive result confirmed in the laboratory.
