The STD consultation

Safe sexual contact is sex with your regular partner. At the beginning of your relationship you both have been tested for STD’s, each with your own GP. You never have sex with someone else and can trust each other.

STD’s or sexually transmitted diseases develop after unsafe sexual contact. This can be after unsafe vaginal, anal or oral sex or through the use of infected sex toys.

Condoms and lubricants help to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, but can not prevent the full 100%. HPV infection can also be transmitted through skin to skin via virus transfer, even if you use a condom. You can also not avoid Herpes infection by using a condom. There is a vaccination available against HPV infection.

Many STD infections are caused during the use of alcohol or drugs. Not daring to talk about STD’s and condoms with your partner or the unjust feeling that you both do not have STD’s increases the risk.

When do you want to test for STD’s?

– You immediately test when:

  • You have a relationship for several months and you want to stop using condoms
  • You have disease complaints, genital blisters, excretion, genital warts or flu 2 weeks after an unsafe contact
  • You have been informed by a former partner that he or she has an STD
  • You have had a “needle accident” at work (contact your occupational physician at work immediately)
  • You have had sex without your given permission

– You let yourself be tested 3 weeks after your last unsafe contact

Three weeks after your last unsafe contact a first blood test can be done with testing for HIV and Syphilis. Both tests must be repeated 4 to 6 months after the last unsafe contact. You can also have a blood sample tested for Hepatitis B and C. With a urine sample or a vaginal swab you can be tested for Chlamydia and Gonococci. Depending on your symptoms, you can also have yourself tested on Trichomonas or Herpes.

Unfortunately, we can not test males for HPV infection yet. Men who are infected and have developped warts can be diagnosed by visually examinating the warts, but not all infected men suffer from warts.

We can test women on HPV by taking a smear test. For this smear test you must book a separate appointment in the online agenda

– You let yourself be tested 4 to 6 months after your last unsafe contact (repeat of your HIV and Syphilis test)

The HIV test

If a blood sample test is done where HIV is also tested, I will ask you to come back to consult a week later to get your results personally. If you are a minor, bring someone you can trust, a good friend or a family member. I never give results of an HIV test over the phone, not if you test negative and not if you test positive.

If you test positive, you will be referred to the HIV consultation at UZ Leuven. The sooner you start with the inhibiting medication prescribed there, the easier the treatment will be. Treatment is lifelong.