Als je een waarschuwing hebt gekregen dat je mogelijk een seksueel overdraagbare aandoening (SOA) zoals chlamydia, gonorroe of hiv hebt opgelopen, is het belangrijk om snel en adequaat te handelen. In dit artikel lees je alles over de stappen die je moet ondernemen om je gezondheid te beschermen.

Stay calm and seek information

Understandably, such a warning causes stress. Still, it is important to stay calm and gather information about next steps. A warning does not always mean you actually have an STD, but it does mean you need to take action.

Where can you go for a test?

Anonymous testing at OneDayClinic

At OneDayClinic, you can always go for an anonymous STD test. This is a great advantage if you want to keep your situation private. OneDayClinic offers fast and reliable testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, among others.

Testing at the GGD - When to test, when not to test?

It is not always possible to get tested at the GGD. You can get tested at the GGD if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You have symptoms that may indicate an STD.
• One of your sexual partners has an STD.
• You are under the age of 25.
• You are a man or trans person and have sex with men.
• Sex is your job.
• You or one of your sexual partners is from a country with a higher risk of STDs (for example, parts of Asia, Africa, South and Central America, Eastern Europe, and Russia).
• You have experienced sexual violence.

Unlike at OneDayClinic, STD tests at the GGD are not 100% anonymous. This may be important to consider when choosing the location for your test.

What happens after the test?

Treatment plan and advice

If the test shows that you have an STD, you will be given an appropriate treatment plan. For chlamydia and gonorrhea, this often means a course of antibiotics, while an HIV diagnosis requires more extensive treatment.

Inform your partners

It is crucial to inform your current and former partners if you have tested positive. While this can be a difficult step, it is essential for the health of these individuals. OneDayClinic can offer advice and support on how best to have this conversation.

An STD diagnosis can be emotionally draining. Take time to process this news and, if necessary, seek support from friends, family or professionals. By following these steps, you can protect your health and help prevent the spread of STDs. Know that you are not alone and that help is available.

Frequently Asked Questions about STD Testing

When should you consider an STD test?

There are several situations in which it is wise to take an STD test:

• If you have symptoms that may indicate an STD, such as itching, pain, or unusual discharge from your penis, vagina, or anus.
• If a sexual partner has told you that he or she has an STD.
• If you have had unprotected sex and are concerned that you may have contracted an STD.
• If you plan to have sex in the future without the use of condoms.

Does an STD test hurt?

An STD test is usually painless. You can often perform the test yourself under the guidance of a doctor who will explain exactly how to do it. In some cases, the doctor will perform the test himself, for example, if there are visible symptoms such as an ulcer. This procedure is also painless. Should you find the examination unpleasant, it is important to indicate this to the doctor.