We are getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases more often again after the corona years, in which care and sexual contact were scaled down. Infectious disease control doctor Hannelore Götz explains how such an STD test works, what you pay for it and how anonymous it is.
Can I catch an STD without having sexual intercourse?
Venereal diseases are diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact, i.e. through the genitals. The most common are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Those are bacterial STIs, just like syphilis.
Other venereal diseases are caused by a virus, such as genital warts, genital herpes, hepatitis B and HIV. If you’re sleeping with someone, using condoms is the only way to prevent STDs.
A misunderstanding is that you can only contract such an infection through penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus, says Götz.
“A venereal disease is transmitted through the mucous membranes in the genitals. You can also get an STI through oral sex. Blowjobs are the most risky. Transmission can also be done through the use of sex toys and the fingers. So always clean toys well after use and also if you use them with multiple partners.”
Should I be naked with my buttocks?
No, only in case of complaints. “Men are often afraid that someone will come and stir the penis with a stick, but an STD test is not performed like that,” says Götz. “The client comes to the appointment and gets a bag with cotton swabs and jars, and then goes to the toilet.”
“Nothing needs to go into the penis, urine is enough. The client can do an anal swab and women can take material from the vagina themselves. It doesn’t have to be deep.”
Your medical file is confidential. You can give a pseudonym to the GGD when you get tested.
Hannelore Götz, infectious disease control physician
In case of complaints, a physical examination is done. The doctor then examines the skin, wounds and secretions near the penis, anus or vagina.
GGDs also send home tests. Then you take the samples yourself at home and send the material back in a well-sealed envelope. The samples are then tested in the laboratory.
To the doctor, GGD or just the Kruidvat?
Two thirds of STI tests are carried out by the general practitioner. Those who do not have that option or do not want to can contact the Center for Sexual Health of the GGD.
There isn’t room right there. These groups are given priority at an appointment: people who have heard from an (ex) partner that they have an STI, people who already experience symptoms, men who have sex with men, sex workers and young people.
The GGD centers also provide an additional consultation. In addition, people can express their questions and concerns about sex and contraception.
Then there are also commercial agencies that offer quick STD tests. They are reliable, says Götz. The agencies work together with recognized laboratories. The GGD doctor does not recommend a home test that you buy from the Kruidvat, because they are not reliable.
If you have had unprotected sex, it is wise to test. Don’t do that right away, but only two weeks after sex.
Hannelore Götz, infectious disease control physician
I don’t want anyone to find out I got tested
Your medical file is confidential and will not be shared. In addition, you can give a pseudonym to the GGD if you get tested, says Götz.
“Always the same one, because we then create a file under that name. This happens, for example, with men who are married to a woman, but who also have sex with other men and do not want to tell. We have no link with regular care and your doctor will not find out either. We never send a message to the doctor without permission,” she says.
“We strongly recommend that if someone turns out to have syphilis or HIV. These diseases remain visible in the blood.”
If someone subsequently needs to be treated for HIV, for example, then this must be done under their real name. “We also ask that bed partners be informed so that the contamination does not spread further.”
Which complaints should I contact for a test?
This can be done with painful discharge and pus from the penis or if the discharge from the vagina smells or looks different. Complaints such as irritation or pain when urinating or redness around the urethra or glans are also grounds for a test.
If you have had unprotected sex, it is also wise to test. Don’t do that right away, but only two weeks after sex. This questionnaire from Soa Aids Nederland advises you which test applies to you and where you can have it performed.
What does an STD test cost?
Your health insurance reimburses STD tests. If you have the test taken at the doctor’s office, you first pay the deductible yourself. These tests are free at the GGD. Partly because of this, you cannot always go there immediately, because there are many requests.
Finally, Götz recommends that in case of complaints, concerns or questions, you should look up reliable information that has been checked by doctors. That information can be found here, among others .
