Sexually transmitted infections can be fatal if they are not detected and treated in a timely manner. The sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis.
To treat an infection, you first need to know that you have it. Since many people feel uncomfortable getting tested for sexually transmitted infections at their local doctor’s office, the Salzgitter Public Health Department offers testing and counseling for HIV and syphilis that are free and anonymous.
The Salzgitter Public Health Department uses what’s known as a rapid test: a sample of blood from a fingertip can detect a possible infection within a maximum of 30 minutes. Important: In general, however, the test is only reliable if the risk (unprotected sex, used needles, etc.) occurred several weeks ago. This is because, following infection with pathogens, the immune system takes a certain amount of time to produce sufficient detectable antibodies.
The counseling center’s team provides information on this topic, as well as on protection against sexually transmitted infections, safer sex, possible routes of transmission, medical and psychosocial issues related to sexual health, and much more. The team is bound by confidentiality and data protection regulations.