Testing for sexually transmitted infections

If an infection may have been transmitted through contact involving the throat or rectum, samples may need to be taken from those sites.

For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, you can often collect a sample yourself using equipment and instructions from healthcare services. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

A home test that provides an immediate result is different. Such rapid self-tests for sexually transmitted infections are not considered reliable. Ask a healthcare professional which tests you need.

A sample taken too early may be negative even if an infection has occurred. Different infections have different testing windows. For self-testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, Sex og samfunn generally recommends waiting 14 days after possible exposure. However, if you have symptoms, contact a healthcare professional now.

Say when the contact occurred and which symptoms you have. You can get advice on testing now and whether another test is needed later. Other infections may require blood samples or different follow-up. A negative result applies only to the specific infections tested for and the time when the sample was taken.

Healthcare professionals have a duty of confidentiality. From age 16, you generally decide about your own healthcare. Before 16, parents usually receive information, but there are exceptions. Some information may still be given to parents until age 18 if necessary for parental responsibilities.

You can ask what may remain confidential before you share further details.

A positive result means you need information and appropriate follow-up, not blame or shame. Ask what the result means, which treatment you need and whether partners should be informed. Healthcare professionals can help with how to do this.

Clarify how long to avoid sexual contact and whether you need another test. Also ask how you will receive your results and whom to contact if you have not heard anything. Advice following treatment differs between infections, so follow the plan you receive.