STI test

Why an STI test? 

The only way to be sure about whether or not you have an STI is to get tested. Not all STIs have signs or symptoms. The consequences of an STI can be serious. And you can pass it on to others. It is therefore important for you to know whether you should take an STI test. And to get yourself tested if necessary.

Should you get tested?

Anonymous and personalised advice

You think you might have an STI? And you need some advice about getting tested or not?

Do the STI check

When should you get tested for STIs?

Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. Sometimes they only appear after a long period of time. Not experiencing any symptoms therefore does not mean that you do not need to get tested. In the following cases, it is advisable to get tested for 1 or multiple STIs:

  1. You have symptoms that may indicate an STI. Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. 
  2. Someone you had sex with has an STI
  3. You have had sex without a condom

Should I get an STI test?

Are you wondering whether or not you should have yourself tested for STIs? Contact our info line.

When should you go to your GP’s office or an STI Outpatient Clinic as soon as possible?

Sometimes you should go to your GP’s office or an STI Outpatient Clinic as soon as possible:

  • You have symptoms on or in your body that could indicate an STI. For example: blisters, warts, or discharge from the vagina, penis or anus. Or if you have a stomach ache.
  • You have symptoms that could indicate an acute HIV or syphilis infection.
  • You are a man who has sex with men. And you have symptoms that could indicate an STI. 
  • You have been raped or sexually assaulted. Get in touch with your GP as soon as possible for help. Or with the Sexual Assault Center. You might get a PEP treatment. This is to prevent you from getting HIV. You may also receive a vaccination for Hepatitis B. Are you not using any birth control methods? You can get a morning-after pill to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
  • You are pregnant and your partner has an STI. Or you have been exposed to the risk of contracting an STI. 

When can you get tested?

Is there a possibility that you may have contracted an STI? It can take a few days, weeks or months after exposure before a test can determine whether you have an STI. This depends on the type of STI. Your GP or the STI Outpatient Clinic knows exactly how that works. It is therefore best to get yourself tested at your GP’s office or an STI Outpatient Clinic.

Do you need to wait to get tested? Or for the result? Make sure you use a condom when having sex at least until you find out the result. This prevents you from passing on the STI.
 

Information and tailor-made advice

Had sex with someone with an STI?

Get yourself tested as soon as possible

Did you have sex with someone with an STI? Get yourself tested as soon as possible at your GP’s office or at an STI Outpatient Clinic.

Did you receive a text message or email from the STI Outpatient Clinic? Fill in the code on partnerwaarschuwing.nl. There you will find information about the type of STI. And what to do.

Fill in your code

Where can you get tested for STIs?

You can get yourself tested at your GP’s office or at an STI Outpatient Clinic. We do not recommend getting tested at a commercial clinic. You can also use a self-test kit. Most self-test kits are not reliable.

At your GP’s office

Getting tested at your GP’s office is quick and easy. There might be costs involved. The visit to your GP is free (covered by your basic health insurance). An STI test usually needs to be paid from your deductible for healthcare costs (in Dutch: eigen risico).

At the STI clinic

Some people have more chances of contracting an STI. These people can get tested free of charge and anonymously at the STI Outpatient Clinic.

Home test kit

It is best to go to your GP or an Outpatient STI Clinic to get yourself tested for STIs. Are you not willing or able to go there? Then you can use an STI home test kit. You can order it online. Not all home test kits are reliable. And taking an STI test yourself does not always provide a reliable result.

We recommend these 2 websites where you can order reliable STI test kits:

The websites are in Dutch only.

Living at an asylum seekers’ centre

Do you live at an asylum seekers’ centre (AZC)? Then you can get tested for free at the Health Service team at the asylum seekers’ centre. For help with translations, visit zanzu.nl. On this website you will also find information in many languages about sex, STIs, relationships and pregnancy. 

Free testing at the STI clinic

Some people are at greater risk of contracting an STI. These people can get tested free of charge and anonymously at the STI Outpatient Clinic. You can get yourself tested at the STI Outpatient Clinic if you:

  • Have symptoms that could indicate an STI
  • Received a warning about an STI
  • Are under the age of 25
  • Are a man who has sex with men 
  • Are a sex worker
  • Are from a country where STIs are prevalent. Or if you have (had) sex with someone from a country where STIs are prevalent. This especially concerns countries in Asia, Africa, parts of South and Central America, Eastern Europe and Russia. Go to zanzu.nl for help with translations.

Sometimes there is a waiting list. Is that case the STI clinic might refer you to your GP. So you can get tested sooner.

Where can I find an STI Outpatient Clinic?

The STI Outpatient Clinics of the Municipal Health Service (GGD) can be found throughout the Netherlands. Find the nearest clinic and make an appointment for an STI test. Enter your postal code below.

How much does an STI test cost?

It is best to go to your GP or an Outpatient STI Clinic to get yourself tested for STIs. The costs may vary depending on the number of STIs that you need to be tested for.

Cost of an STI test at your GP’s office

The doctor will first have a conversation with you to determine whether you need to get tested. If so, you may have to pay for the STI test. The amount depends on the number of STIs you must be tested for. These costs will need to be paid up to the amount of your deductible for healthcare costs (in Dutch: eigen risico). Have you already paid your deductible? Then the insurance company will reimburse any further costs. 

Costs of an STI test at the STI Outpatient Clinic

Some people are at greater risk of contracting an STI. These people can get tested free of charge and anonymously at the STI Outpatient Clinic.

What is the order of events at the STI Outpatient Clinic?

Do you think you might have an STI? You can always go to your GP’s office for an appointment. Sometimes you can go to the STI Outpatient Clinic. 

During the appointment, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your sex life. This can be distressing. It is important to give honest answers to the questions. Do you have symptoms on or in your body? These may be caused by an STI. The doctor or nurse will perform a physical exam. Most STIs have no signs or symptoms. After the interview and possible physical exam, the doctor or nurse will know whether an STI test is necessary. And which STI tests are needed

What does an STI test entail?

Is a test required? Then you will get a smear, urine or blood test. Sometimes all three are needed. You can usually take the smear of your vagina, anus and urine yourself. The nurse will take a smear of your throat. The same goes for blood tests. The doctor or nurse then sends it to a laboratory. You will get the result after about a week.

How often should you get tested?

Some people are at greater risk of contracting an STI. It is advisable for these people to get tested on a regular basis. This also applies to you if you:

  • Have sex regularly with different people. This has happened 3 times or more in the last 6 months. Or if you have 2 or more partners at the same time.
  • Are a man who has sex with men. Get yourself tested twice a year.
  • Make money with sex. Get yourself tested twice a year.

Questions about STIs?

Monday to Friday:
13:30 to 17:30 

You can also call:
0900 - 204 2040
Mon - Wed: 9:30 to 15:30 
Thu - Fri: 13:30 to 15:30 
10 cents p.m. plus applicable fees charged by your phone provider
 

Or send your question to: infolijn@soaaids.nl.
You will receive an answer within 2 working days.

Soa Aids Nederland helps the public and professionals to prevent, detect and treat HIV and other STIs. We offer reliable information that is tailored to each audience. Soa Aids Nederland receives funding from the RIVM.