Getting tested for HIV/STDs
You may be wondering what happens when you get tested. The answer is that testing for STIs is quick and easy. The test itself depends on what is being tested and how you have had sex. However, the test rarely takes more than about 15 minutes. You have the right to free testing and free treatment for the STDs covered by the Swedish Infectious Diseases Act. This applies to chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are transmitted through mucous membranes found in the urethra, under the edge of the glans, on the inside of the foreskin (if present), and in the anus and throat, for example. It is important that you tell us where you need to be tested (but you don't have to tell us how you had sex if you don't want to!)
To find out if you have gonorrhea or chlamydia in your throat, the tester will take a swab from the back of your mouth.
The test for chlamydia and gonorrhea in the cock or pussy is the easiest - often you just need to pee in a plastic cup! Just make sure you don't pee just before the test! Sometimes staff can test for chlamydia or gonorrhea in the pussy with a swab instead, if you have symptoms. You may feel it a little, but it only lasts a second or so. And the swab is actually quite small - despite the rumors!
To test for gonorrhea or chlamydia in the ass, a cotton swab is rolled against the inside.
HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C
When you get tested for HIV, syphilis or hepatitis C, you provide a blood sample. Once the samples are taken, they are sent for analysis, and you will usually receive the results within 7 days. You can talk to the clinic about how to get the results, but they usually prefer to call you if the results are positive for any infection. If you feel uncomfortable with this, ask to make an appointment to get the results in person.
In the case of HIV, there is also a rapid test that can give a result within 1-15 minutes, depending on the brand. Remember that there is an initial period during which HIV cannot be detected, often called the window period. For the laboratory test, the guideline in Sweden is 6 weeks, and for the rapid test it is 8 weeks. For syphilis, the window period is up to 3 months. For both infections, they can be detected much earlier than that, but to get a reliable negative result, the follow-up period must be taken into account.
Can I remain anonymous?
There may be many reasons why you want to remain anonymous during testing, such as not wanting to run into someone you know in the testing room. You may find it embarrassing to meet the same staff repeatedly. Or you may have failed to use a condom outside your open relationship where it is a requirement. Others want to know their status, but feel that it is something they only know about themselves.
When you are tested for STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, it is not possible to remain anonymous. However, you always have the right to remain anonymous during an HIV test, whether it is a rapid HIV test or a conventional test. Different clinics may do this in different ways, but usually you will be given a number tag that is linked to you and your test. In the case of a rapid test, you will receive your result in connection with the test, but in the case of a conventional test, a return visit is booked at the same time as the test is taken. You will then give your number that you received on the first occasion.
If the test turns out to be positive, the person giving you the message will ask for your personal data. This also applies to testing for hepatitis C. The reason for this is related to the Infection Control Act and the fact that the Infection Control Service is tasked with tracing your partners so that they can be tested. (Read more about the Infection Control Act here)
(There are several STDs covered by the Communicable Diseases Act and testing and treatment for these diseases is free. If you test positive for one of the diseases covered by the Infectious Diseases Act, you must tell us who you have had sex with in the last 6-12 months. This is called contact tracing. These people will be contacted by phone or letter and told that they need to get tested. This process is done discreetly, so you cannot find out who gave your name. If this happens to you, the healthcare professional will also not give your name in case of partner tracing).
If you find sitting in a test room and risking running into people you know a hassle - make an appointment! The vast majority of places offer appointments for the various tests. This way you can keep track of your status on a regular basis and avoid sitting in a room where old flames can drop in.
Home tester
For a few years now, it has been possible to order home sampling kits for testing at home. Tests for chlamydia, mycoplasma and gonorrhea can be ordered from Apoteket. Some county councils offer free home tests for chlamydia. What these tests have in common is that you can only be tested in the genital area. If you have had oral sex or anal sex, you need to go to a clinic to do these tests. The tests are free via Vårdguiden, but you must log in with your personal details. You do not have to meet people in the waiting room, but you are not completely anonymous if that is a must.
Home testing allows you to decide how often you want to be tested and is a convenient system. However, you miss out on an opportunity for questions and advice from trained staff.
