Where to get FREE or affordable STI tests in Berlin?
Where to get FREE or affordable STI tests in Berlin?
Ten Health Facilities Our Amazing IWB Community Recommends
Statistics show that STIs are on the rise in Germany, showing higher numbers than they have in a very long time, and yet according to many women living in Germany, testing still seems to be very difficult to come by. Evidence suggests that these statistics may be related, showing that lower test rates correlate with higher infection rates; the fewer people are able to get tested, the higher the rate of infection, which is unsurprising.
Many women posting on the International Women in Berlin group had the same problem - they wished to seek out an STI test, but could not access the information about where to get one or whether or not they had to pay. The answer to this question is not straightforward; some places will offer an STI test for free on your insurance, and some will not. Many women have reported that Gynecologists will not carry out an STI test unless you have symptoms, others reported that they will carry out the test without symptoms, but the patient has to pay upfront.
The general rule of thumb with GPs and Gynecologists seems to be that you can have the test, but if symptomless you will have to pay for it. Many women in the group posted that they felt this sent the message that having a responsible sex life comes at a high price, which is unfair. It is highly normal to need an STI test at some point, it is simply a part of having a sex life, so it makes little sense that a routine checkup should cost money.
There is a workaround that many women claim to have tried, in order to avoid paying for the test, which is to google the symptoms of a common STI (itching, pain, etc) and tell your doctor that you have those symptoms so that you can have a free test, this works as long as you have insurance.
This article will cover a list of places all around Berlin which will offer STI tests, alongside their policies and how much they charge (if anything). The object of this is so that women know what their options are, regardless of their situations.
Places to obtain an STI test
Many women have reported that Gesundheitsamt all over the city are offering to test either cheaper than a GP/Gynecologist, so keep in mind that this could be an option for you.
👉 Counselling Center for Sexual Health: This practice provides free STI tests for low-income individuals. If you're not eligible, the HIV test costs 10 euros, with other tests free. They don't offer full STI screening, only testing for common STIs.
👉 Novopraxis: The practice, highly recommended by many women in Berlin, offers specialized sexual health services free of charge. Appointments can be made online. They provide comprehensive checks for all STIs.
👉 Centrum für Sexualwissenschaft: This practice provides free testing services and covers checks for all STIs.
👉 Checkpoint BLN: This queer and trans sexual health center offers tests and treatment for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Hepatitis C. They charge between €5–25 depending on your choice of tests, but a free HIV/STI test is available to anyone with a low income.
👉 Test It Berlin: This location provides full STI tests free of charge, in a queer and trans-friendly space.
👉 Center for Sexual Health and Family Planning (Various Locations): These centers in Berlin offer anonymous HIV and STI testing services. While HIV testing costs 10 euros, it is free for students or people with lower incomes. They support various languages including German, English, Bulgarian, Romanian, Turkish, and Arabic. Locations include Berlin-Mitte (Tiergarten), Kreuzberg Friedrichshain, and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.
👉 Mann O Meter: This facility provides services for gay/bisexual men, including counseling, anonymous STI testing, and Hepatitis A vaccination. HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C tests can be combined for a total cost of 15 euros. HIV consultation is offered in English, and appointments with an interpreter are available for refugees.
👉 Praxis Prenzlauerberg: They offer consultations for HIV-PrEP, STI testing, anonymous HIV testing, and HIV and Hepatitis treatment. Note that consultations for HIV-PrEP are not covered by German health insurance.
👉 Berliner Aids Hilfe: They offer testing, counseling in many languages, telephone or online anonymous support, and support in other areas of life. Testing for HIV and syphilis cost 15 euros together.
👉 VIRO Praxis: They offer comprehensive care for STIs, including consultations, diagnostics, and therapy. The practice supports sexual health for sex workers and provides Trans*medicine services. They also address issues related to chemsex, providing informed guidance and support.
Living with STIs
Of course, it is important to obtain a test and be treated if you do have an STI, but it is also important to remember that if you do have one it is not the end of the world. STIs are highly stigmatized, but we must remember that they are simply a part of having a sex life, and the majority of people will need to have a test in their lifetime - it is nothing to be ashamed of.
The most important thing is that you take care of your health and ensure that you are using protection when having sex. If you have a regular sexual partner, ensure that you both get tested before having unprotected sex for the first time, through the means discussed in this article!
If you have an STI and feel like you would benefit from speaking with / hearing from others in the same situation, then there are many support groups you can join, as well as online influencers who speak openly and positively about living with STIs:
- Herpes Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/419446731769988/
- STI Awareness + Positivity:https://www.instagram.com/laureenhd/?igshid=1wfnpfibou6v0&fbclid=IwAR32fptVKRB4sB2MpCjD2aPKkVt9j0mPW2XyDoguArVWp6SstYttVxmJIFQ
- Sexual health counseling: https://www.berlin-aidshilfe.de/sprachen/english
