Get tested.

Why should I get tested?

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often occur with either few, nonspecific or no symptoms at all. As a result, they often remain undetected for long periods of time and can thus be transmitted unknowingly through (unprotected) sexual contact. Some STIs, if untreated, can lead to grave diseases, permanent damage (e.g. infertility) and even death.

The use of safer sex tools like condoms, internal condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of transmission for most sexually transmitted infections. We also recommended, prior to any first encounter, to talk to one’s potential sexual partner about their testing habits and risk awareness. Testing habits means when has a person been tested for which STI. Risk awareness includes the questions “How many different people has this person had sexual contact with?”, “Were safer sex tools used?” and “What kind of sexual contact took place?”.

When is the right time to get tested?

If you experience symptoms that for example include discharge, itchiness or damaged skin in your genital area, you should absolutely seek advice from a doctor and testing for STIs.

Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, it is still important to get tested for STIs before becoming involved with a new sexual partner and suggest them to get tested too.

Additionally, you should get tested if you risked a potential infection (e.g. through unprotected sex with a person that has an STI) or your sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI.

It is also crucial to keep the waiting period in mind. A transmission of an infection is also possible before a test can even detect the infection. This means that even with a negative test result, you should continue using safer sex methods.

The time period between STI tests depends on various factors such as the number of sexual partners, the risk-promoting behaviour and the incubation times of sexually transmitted infections.

periods of Incubation

Each STI has its own period of incubation. From the incubation times possible test times can be derived.

Where Can I get tested?

The go-to persons for STI tests are your general practitioner and specialists in dermatology & venereology, urology & andrology and gynecology & obstetrics.

The Austrian health insurance covers the costs for STI tests if symptoms are present or an infection is suspected, for example, in case of risk-taking sexual behaviour.

Usually you need a letter of referal to get an appointment or access to STI tests at ambulatories and clinics.

There is a low-threshold and to some extent free offer at the “Aidshilfe” in each federal state to get tested for HIV, Hep B, Hep C and Syphilis.

Otherwise it is possible to get tested at your own expense (aprox. € 150).

On our Sex-Aware-Map Sex-Aware Karte you will find laboratories, ambulatories and clinics as well as other places where you can get tested for STIs. A place is missing? Let us know!

Europe

More Infos on www.sex-positive.com/testing

Austria