Glossary
STI test
The test that checks whether you have an STI, even when you feel no symptoms.
What is an STI test?
An STI test checks whether you have an STI, a sexually transmitted infection. Because an STI often causes no symptoms, testing is the only way to know for sure. You get tested at your GP or a Sexual Health Center run by the GGD, the Dutch public-health service.
| Dutch term | soa-test |
| Why | an STI often causes no symptoms, testing gives certainty |
| Where | your GP or a Sexual Health Center run by the GGD |
| When without symptoms | from 2 weeks after sex without a condom |
| HIV | test at 4 weeks, and after a negative result test again at 3 months |
| Falls under | safer sex |
How and when you get tested
Timing matters. According to Thuisarts.nl you test right away if you have symptoms, and without symptoms you wait until two weeks after the last time you had sex without a condom, because an infection needs time to become detectable. For HIV the rule is a test at four weeks, and after a negative result a follow-up at three months. You can test at your GP or at the GGD; self-tests from the drugstore are not recommended because the result is not reliable.
Why an STI test is worth it
The gain is certainty and early treatment. According to Thuisarts.nl, the rule is that the sooner you treat an STI, the better, because that prevents serious consequences and passing it on to someone else. For you, testing means peace of mind instead of worrying. For a partner, it means you pass nothing on unnoticed. What it is not: this is a glossary page, not medical advice. For the test itself, the result, and treatment you go to your GP or a Sexual Health Center.
Where this fits on this site
I do not sell tests and I do not give medical advice. What I do is work in a way where protection is a given. If you are unsure whether you were at risk, go to your GP or an STI clinic. If you are curious how a safe, discreet meeting goes, take a look at my services. Talking always comes first, and it commits you to nothing.
Sources
- I want to get tested for STIs. Thuisarts.nl. Gives that you test right away with symptoms and without symptoms wait until two weeks after sex without a condom, that HIV is tested at four weeks and again at three months, that you can go to your GP or the GGD, and that drugstore self-tests are not recommended.
- STI. RIVM. Gives that an STI often causes no symptoms, and that people at increased risk can get tested at the Sexual Health Centers run by the GGD.
Related terms
- STI. What an STI test detects, and why testing without symptoms counts.
- Safer sex. Testing is part of the broader practice of handling sex safely.
- Condom. Lowers the chance of an STI, but does not replace testing.
- Window period. The time an infection needs to become detectable.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this term
What is an STI test?
An STI test is a check that finds out whether you have a sexually transmitted infection. Because an STI often causes no symptoms, testing is the only way to know for sure. You get tested at your GP or a Sexual Health Center run by the GGD; drugstore self-tests are not recommended because the result is not reliable.
When should you do an STI test?
If you have symptoms, test right away. Without symptoms you wait until two weeks after the last time you had sex without a condom, because an infection needs time to become detectable. For HIV the rule is a test at four weeks, and after a negative result a follow-up at three months.
Who can you ask about an STI test?
For an STI test you go to your GP or a Sexual Health Center run by the GGD. I’m Victor, a gigolo, not a doctor, but safer sex is standard with me and you can just ask your questions. About a safe, discreet meeting I’m glad to talk, with no obligation or through free chat.
Learn more
Still have questions about the STI test?
I'm Victor, a gigolo, not a doctor. For the test itself your GP and the STI clinic are the right address, but safer sex is standard with me and you can just ask your questions. Curious how a discreet meeting goes? Go ahead and ask, I'll answer honestly.