Questions and answers
about Get Checked STI test
Get-Checked offers easy access (mostly walk in) and confidential counseling and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It offers STI testing for asymptomatic persons for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis at certified pharmacies and medical practices. The costs are typically covered by the individual, and the results are communicated directly to the client. If treatment is required, we offer advice to visit associated health professionals.
What are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are usually caused by viruses or bacteria and are widespread. The number of chlamydia infections, genital warts and herpes, as well as gonorrhea and syphilis, have increased slightly in recent years in Switzerland.
The term “sexually transmitted infections” indicates that the pathogens are primarily transmitted sexually, most frequently during vaginal and anal intercourse as well as oral sex. The majority of pathogens can be transmitted to the partner during skin contact even if there is no penetrative vaginal or anal intercourse.
How can I protect myself?
Condoms and femidoms protect against sexual transmission of HIV and reduce the risk of transmission of other sexually transmitted infections but do not completely protect. Vaccination offers the best protection against hepatitis A and B and HPV.
As there are often no symptoms or symptoms are not noticed, it is important to be tested and, if necessary, treated before changing partners or after having unprotected sex with casual partners. If an infection is diagnosed, it makes sense to inform your partners so that they can also be treated to prevent further transmission and long term complications.
How can STIs be treated?
Most STIs can be treated well and thus be cured. Bacterial STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis are treated with antibiotics. Drugs are also available for viral diseases, in particular for HIV, where a lifelong effective therapy leads to the fact that people with HIV do not transmit HIV further. A cured sexually transmitted infection does not protect against re-infection (exceptions are Hepatitis A and B).
What complaints do STIs cause?
Sexually transmitted infections can often remain completely asymptomatic. This is when you can get checked in one of our test centers.
STI s can be also associated with a wide variety of symptoms:
- Discharge from the urethra/vagina or anus
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- In women: Intermenstrual bleeding
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Ulcers, blisters, nodules, plaques or warts on the genitals, on lips or in the mouth, in the anal region
- Itching or burning in the genital area
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Non-specific symptoms such as persistent fatigue, fever of unknown cause or a general feeling of illness are also possible.
How do I find out if I am infected? How long does it take?
It is advisable to visit a get checked testing center when you do not have symptoms or a doctor who is familiar with the topic of STI when you have any complaints or symptoms . Usually, a swab from the vagina or urethra (possibly from the anus) and from the throat, as well as a blood sample, are needed to carry out the most important tests. The test result is available in 2-3 days.
Which STIs are tested at get-checked?
In asymtomatic persons we recommend the following tests:
A swab (throat, genital /anal)
1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
A blood sample
3. HIV
4. Syphilis
5. Hepatitis B (if not vaccinated)
Additional tests depending on the individual situation
– Hepatitis C
– Hepatitis A