What is a rapid test for venereal diseases?
Venereal diseases are often associated with shame for those affected and so it is difficult to consult a doctor if such a disease is suspected. On the Internet a variety of rapid tests for different sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis or chlamydia are offered. These tests promise with the help of a small drop of blood either to get a result immediately or to send the sample to a laboratory and get a result a few days later.
However, the reliability of these self-tests is still very controversial. The Robert Koch Institute for Infectious Diseases has evaluated the majority of these tests as unreliable and advises against them. Instead, a physician should be consulted when symptoms occur, as he or she can perform precise examinations and can then initiate the right therapy.
Since 2018, there have been a number of pilot projects, e.g. by the German Aids Federation, in which test packages against HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are handed out. However, people who want to carry out these tests have to go to a counselling session once. These tests are evaluated in a laboratory and the results are then communicated by telephone. Since autumn 2018, HIV self-tests have been sold in pharmacies and drugstores. They are considered relatively safe, but can also give a false positive result.
Indications for a rapid test for venereal diseases
There are many signs of a venereal disease. Often a rash appears in the genital area, usually accompanied by redness and itching. Pain or a burning sensation when urinating can also be a sign of a venereal disease.
Other signs are unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, intercourse bleeding in women and pain during intercourse. Venereal diseases can also manifest themselves in general symptoms such as fever, headache and aching limbs or vomiting and diarrhoea. If there is a suspicion of an STD, a doctor should be consulted rather than a self-test. This is often unpleasant for the person affected, but the examinations are quite normal for the doctor and the costs are usually covered by the health insurance company.
All articles in this series:
