When is it advisable to get tested for STIs?

If you are concerned that you may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection through unprotected sex, you should get tested. This is especially important if your sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI. Regular testing is also recommended if you have multiple sexual partners and are sexually active. Sexually transmitted infections often have no symptoms, but you can still pass on the infection even if you have no symptoms. Most sexually transmitted infections can be treated effectively, so avoid undetected infections and possible long-term consequences and get tested regularly!

If you notice any symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

When are the pathogens detectable and when is a test reliable?

The PCR-based testing method used in this test is particularly sensitive, meaning that the bacteria can be detected just a few days after infection. However, there is a residual risk that an emerging infection may not yet be detectable if testing was carried out too early. Therefore, testing carried out 1 to 3 weeks after a possible infection is generally more reliable.

How does a test for sexually transmitted diseases work?

1. Order your test kit, which will be delivered to your home free of charge. The packaging is neutral to protect your privacy.

2. Read the instructions carefully or watch the explanatory video.

3. Collect your sample in a familiar environment.

4. Place your sample in the enclosed sample protection bag and put everything in the addressed, prepaid and neutral return envelope.

5. Ideally, take the box to the post box on the same day.

6. The sample will be processed by our specialist staff immediately upon arrival at our laboratory and the result will be medically validated.

7. You will receive the result 1-2 days after the sample is received by the laboratory. As soon as the result is available, you will be notified by email. You can access the medical laboratory report directly.

8. If an infection has been detected, you will receive a recommendation from our doctors on how to proceed, as well as detailed information about the various treatment methods.

Gonorrhoea (the clap)

What is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is also commonly known as the clap. Alongside chlamydia, gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. The bacterium that causes gonorrhoea is Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus). Gonorrhoea can lead to infections in the intestines, throat, genital tract and urethra.

How is gonorrhoea transmitted?

Gonococci are transmitted almost exclusively through unprotected sexual contact. This includes oral, vaginal or anal intercourse and sharing sex toys. There is no immunity to gonorrhoea, which is why multiple infections are possible. Infants can also be infected with gonorrhoea by their mother during birth. The time between infection with gonorrhoea and the onset of the first symptoms is 1 to 14 days.

Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Germany. It is estimated that there are around 300,000 infections per year in Germany. However, many of these infections are asymptomatic, which can lead to serious complications. When talking about chlamydia in connection with sexually transmitted diseases, we are referring to an infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia can lead to infections in the intestines, throat, genital tract and urethra.

How is a chlamydia infection transmitted?

Chlamydia is transmitted almost exclusively through unprotected sexual contact. This includes oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. There is no immunity to chlamydia, which is why multiple infections are possible. Furthermore, transmission to a newborn during birth is possible if the mother has a vaginal infection with chlamydia. The time between infection with chlamydia and the onset of the first symptoms is 1 to 3 weeks.

Symptoms of chlamydia infection in women

In women, up to 80% of chlamydia infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, but may include:

• Purulent, unpleasant-smelling discharge
• Fever
• Lower abdominal pain
• Heavy menstrual or intermenstrual bleeding
• Diarrhoea-related symptoms

An untreated chlamydia infection can lead to the following long-term conditions:

• Inflammation of the internal genitalia (ovaries and uterus)
• Infertility
• Ectopic pregnancies
• Chronic lower abdominal pain
• Inflammation in the liver, diaphragm and pelvis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome)

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in women

Gonorrhoea infections in women are often asymptomatic, which makes early treatment difficult and increases the risk of long-term consequences. Possible symptoms include:

• Unusual discharge
• Pain when urinating
• Lower abdominal pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or intermenstrual bleeding
• Diarrhoea-related symptoms and anal itching (in the case of anal infection)
• Sore throat (in the case of throat infection)

Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to the following long-term conditions:

• Inflammation of the internal genitals (ovaries and uterus)
• Ectopic pregnancies
• Infertility
• Inflammation throughout the pelvic area
• Chronic lower abdominal pain

Symptoms of chlamydia infection in men

Unlike chlamydia infection in women, up to 70% of men show symptoms of the disease. The most common symptoms in men are:

• Itching and burning in the urethra (e.g. when urinating)
• Whitish to greenish urethral discharge
• Pain in the testicles

An untreated chlamydia infection can lead to the following conditions:

• Painful swelling or inflammatory disease of the prostate
• Epididymitis or testicular inflammation
• Infertility
• Urethral stricture

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in men

Asymptomatic infections are less common in men than in women. The most common symptoms are:

• Burning sensation in the urethra (e.g. when urinating)
• Purulent discharge from the urethra
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pain in the epididymis

Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to the following long-term conditions:

• Painful swelling of the prostate
• Inflammation of the seminal vesicle and spermatic cord
• Inflammation of the epididymis

How do I receive my test result?

As soon as the test results are available, we will inform you via email. You can access the results immediately.

How quickly will I receive my test result?

The medical laboratory report will be ready for you 1-2 days after the sample arrives at the laboratory.

What does a negative test result mean?

The requested pathogens were not detected in the sample you collected. Please note the connection between the time of infection and the time of testing. Under certain circumstances, it may be advisable to repeat the test after an appropriate period of time.

What does a positive test result mean?

One or more pathogens causing sexually transmitted diseases have been detected in the sample you collected. In order to avoid long-term consequences for you and to prevent the infection from spreading further, appropriate treatment is usually necessary. It is advisable to seek medical treatment quickly. It is also important to inform all sexual partners from the last 2 months so that they can be examined and, if necessary, treated as well.

How can chlamydia and gonorrhoea be treated?

First, a positive test result is required to confirm infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (for example, with our two-pathogen test chlamydia and gonorrhoea). A positive chlamydia or gonorrhoea result should always be checked by a doctor to avoid long-term consequences. Chlamydia can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics. The same applies to gonorrhoea. However, with the development of increasing antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae infections, additional antibiotic treatment may be necessary after consultation with a doctor.

Risk of infection with other pathogens

A chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection increases the risk of contracting HIV if no protective measures are taken. Inflammation makes it easier for HIV to enter the body. Conversely, chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections are usually more severe in people with untreated HIV infection.

Gonorrhoea often leads to co-infections with chlamydia, which are difficult to distinguish from each other based on symptoms alone. It is therefore advisable to use an STI test that tests for both pathogens.