Getting tested for HIV and STDs

STDs and HIV
testbuisjes

You can do it with your GP or at the GGD

  • Do you have sex with different partners? Get tested for STDs 2 times a year
  • Get tested again if you have symptoms. Or if someone tells you they had an STD 
  • You can get tested with your GP, or at the GGD for free
  • Some GGDs also work with Testlab. In this case, you can do the test yourself at a testing centre
  • You can also do a use a home testing kit. Not all of them are reliable
  • Usually, you will receive the test results within a week 

Click here to test with a Testlab

Click here if you are looking for an STD clinic

testbuisjes

When should you get tested for STDs?

Do you have no symptoms? You could still have an STD. That’s why you should get an STD test twice a year. If you take PrEP, it’s a good idea to get tested 4 times a year.  

You should also get tested: 

Do you have an STD? If so, you will get medication. This way you won’t get symptoms. After treatment, wait 7 days before having sex again. After that time, you won’t be able to pass on the STD. 

Where can you get tested for STDs? 

You can get tested for STDs at the following locations: 

  • Your GP
  • GGD's STD clinic
  • GGD's Testlab locations
  • At home, with a home testing kit or self-test 

STD testing with your GP

You can also go see your GP for an STD test. The advantage is that usually they are a person you know better. Plus, your doctor can help you if you don’t know whether your symptoms are caused by an STD. Your health insurance will charge you for testing with your GP.  

STD test at the GGD

You can get tested for STDs and HIV for free through the GGD’s STD clinic.  

Find a GGD clinic in your area

STD testing with Testlab

You can also visit a Testlab location for an STD/HIV test. Usually they can help you sooner. And in most cases, they are closer to your home.  

More about Testlab

Self-testing for STDs

Would you rather not go see a doctor? Then you can use a home testing kit. You can buy this online and do it yourself. When you’re done, you send it to the lab. They will check if you have an STD. You will get the results online. Not all home testing kits are reliable. 

How is the STD test done? 

First, you have a conversation with your doctor, who will ask you questions about your symptoms and your sex life. Do you have symptoms? If so, the doctor will examine your body. 

This is how the test is done:  

  • You hand in a urine sample/sample of your pee  
  • The doctor uses a needle to take a blood sample from your arm 
  • The doctor takes a sample from your throat with a cotton swab. 
  • You do the anal swab test yourself 
  • Are you a trans man or a trans woman? In some cases, an STD test can differ 

The lab will check if you have HIV or another STD. Usually, you will get your result within a week.

What should you do if you have an STD? 

Is the test result positive?  

  • Then you will get medication from your doctor. This will make the STD pass quickly. Read more about STDs and treatments 
  • Tell the people you had sex with that you have an STD. Is this difficult/awkward for you? You can also let them know anonymously through Partnerwaarschuwing. You can also ask your doctor about this

Rapid HIV test 

Do you want to know quickly if you have HIV? You can also get a rapid HIV test. You will get the result within 1 hour. A rapid HIV test is only reliable 3-6 months after the moment you could have gotten HIV. Read more about the rapid HIV test and where you can buy it 

 

Should you get tested?

Een koppel dat in het gras ligt samen. Foto van rawpixel

Do you have symptoms that could be caused by an STI? Check whether you need to get tested for STIs.

Do the Risk-check!
Een koppel dat in het gras ligt samen. Foto van rawpixel

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