Getting tested for STIs is a responsible choice. It says nothing about you as a person, except that you take good care of yourself and others. With many different STIs, tests and testing windows, it can feel overwhelming. This guide gives you a clear and complete overview so you know exactly what you need and when.
Why get tested?
Many STIs cause few or no symptoms, especially early on. You can carry an STI without knowing and pass it on unintentionally. Regular testing is important for your own health and that of your partner(s). Testing is normal: hundreds of thousands of tests are taken every year. It is simply part of looking after yourself, like a periodic health check or a dental visit. Early detection also matters because some STIs can cause long-term complications if left untreated: chlamydia may affect fertility, HIV responds best to early treatment, and syphilis can cause serious organ damage if caught late. The number of diagnosed STIs in the Netherlands is still rising (RIVM).
Overview per STI
When you can reliably test and which method is used differs per STI. The Dutch GP guideline on the STI consult describes these testing methods (NHG).
Chlamydia
The most common STI. About 70% of women and 50% of men show no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include unusual discharge, burning during urination, or lower abdominal pain. Testable after 2 weeks via urine or swab (PCR test). Fully curable with antibiotics (azithromycin or doxycycline). Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems in women, or epididymitis in men.
Gonorrhoea
Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with symptoms similar to chlamydia. Growing antibiotic resistance is a major concern, often requiring combination therapy. Can also infect the throat and rectum depending on the type of sexual contact. Always mention all types of contact when testing so the right sites are checked. Testable after 2 weeks via PCR.
Syphilis
Progresses in stages. Stage one: a painless sore (chancre) at the infection site, which heals on its own but the infection continues. Stage two: rash, fever, fatigue. Then a latent phase without symptoms that can last years. Untreated, stage three can affect the heart, brain and nerves. Testable after 4 weeks via blood test for antibodies. Fully curable with penicillin when caught early. Syphilis has been increasing in recent years across Western countries.
HIV
A virus attacking CD4 immune cells. With modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV live normal, healthy lives with normal life expectancy. Successful treatment makes the virus undetectable and untransmittable (U=U). A 4th generation test detects both p24 antigen (a viral protein appearing early) and antibodies, reliable after 4 weeks and definitive after 12 weeks. If you have had a high-risk exposure, contact a doctor within 72 hours about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
Hepatitis B
A virus affecting the liver, transmitted through blood and sexual contact. Considerably more infectious than HIV. An effective vaccine exists and is part of the Dutch national immunisation programme for children born after 2011. Testable after 6 weeks. Acute infection clears on its own in 95% of adults; the chronic form (5%) may require antiviral medication. Vaccination is still possible and effective later in life.
Mycoplasma genitalium
A relatively newly discovered STI (identified in 1980) with rapidly increasing antibiotic resistance. Symptoms resemble chlamydia but standard chlamydia treatment does not always work. Testable after 2-3 weeks via PCR, sometimes combined with resistance testing to guide antibiotic choice.
Trichomonas
Caused by a parasite, often overlooked but globally one of the most common STIs. May cause yellow-green, frothy discharge and itching in women; usually asymptomatic in men. Testable after 1-2 weeks. Fully curable with metronidazole. Both partners must be treated simultaneously. Not always included in standard STI panels, so ask specifically if you have matching symptoms.
When to test
- After unprotected contact - full STI panel after 2-4 weeks, HIV retest at 12 weeks. For high-risk HIV exposure, ask about PEP within 72 hours
- With symptoms - targeted testing based on complaints. Do not wait for symptoms to disappear: some STIs become asymptomatic while the infection continues
- New relationship - both partners test before having unprotected sex. Not a sign of distrust, but of mutual care
- Annually with changing partners - at minimum yearly, every 3-6 months at higher risk
Window periods explained
The window period is the time between possible infection and when a test can reliably detect it. During this period your body is infected but has not produced enough antibodies or viral material for detection. Testing too early may produce a false negative.
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: 2 weeks (PCR detects bacterial DNA)
- Syphilis: 4 weeks (antibody blood test)
- HIV (4th gen): 4 weeks (reliable), 12 weeks (definitive)
- Hepatitis B: 6 weeks
- Mycoplasma genitalium: 2-3 weeks
- Trichomonas: 1-2 weeks
If in doubt: test at 2-4 weeks for most STIs and repeat the HIV test at 12 weeks for complete certainty. Soa Aids Nederland describes the testing moments per STI in detail (soaaids.nl).
How does discreet testing work?
We understand privacy matters to you. The testing process is designed to protect your anonymity:
- Order online from home at your own pace, without questions or judgement
- Choose between a professional testing location or home collection
- Discreet packaging with no recognisable labels or brand names
- Results delivered in a secure online environment, accessible only with your personal login
- Not automatically shared with your GP, employer or health insurer. You decide who knows
Ready to get started? A full STD screen covers the most common STIs in one go, at home or at a testing location.
More on STI testing
Want to go deeper on a topic? These articles help you further.
- STI test at home: reliable and anonymous testing
- STI test cost: what you pay and reimbursement
- STI test without symptoms: is it worthwhile?
- STI test results: how long do you wait?
- STD or UTI? How to tell the difference
- Why regular STI screening matters
- Understanding hepatitis screening
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I test after unprotected contact?
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea after 2 weeks (PCR test), syphilis and HIV after 4 weeks (4th generation test). A full STI panel at 4 weeks covers most STIs. For definitive HIV exclusion, retest at 12 weeks. If you are concerned about HIV from a high-risk situation, contact a doctor within 72 hours about PEP.
Is an STI test painful?
No. Most tests involve a urine sample (simply filling a cup) or a small blood sample via finger prick or venepuncture (a needle in the arm). A swab may feel slightly uncomfortable but is not painful and takes seconds. The entire process usually takes 10-15 minutes. Most first-time testers report it was much less of a deal than they expected.
What if the test is positive?
A positive result may feel alarming, and that is a completely normal reaction. The most important thing to know: almost all STIs are highly treatable. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomonas are fully curable with antibiotics. HIV is excellently manageable with modern medication, offering normal life expectancy and the ability to reach undetectable (and thus untransmittable) status. You will receive clear guidance on next steps and treatment options. It is also important to inform recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated, preventing reinfection and further spread.
Will it appear in my medical records?
When you test through us, results are not automatically shared with your GP, employer or health insurer. You have full control over who knows. If you choose to visit your GP for treatment, the diagnosis will be noted in your GP file as it is medically relevant for future care, but it is protected by medical confidentiality. Your health insurer receives billing information only, not diagnostic details.
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