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.

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 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

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 pathogen was 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?

The pathogen responsible for chlamydia infection has 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 be treated?

First, a positive test result is required to confirm infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (for example, with our individual chlamydia test). A positive chlamydia result should always be checked by a doctor to avoid long-term consequences. Chlamydia can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics.

If you have a steady partner, they should also be treated. Otherwise, the pathogens could keep going back and forth, leading to a recurring infection. This is known as a ping-pong infection.

Risk of infection with other pathogens

A chlamydia 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 infections are usually more severe in people with untreated HIV infection.

Chlamydia often leads to co-infections with gonorrhoea, 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.