What is STD testing, and when should you get tested in Europe?

STD testing explained: sexually transmitted infections (STIs), PCR swabs, blood tests, window periods, and clinical assessment.

In this episode, we outline how STD testing works under EU medical guidance and how doctors determine which tests are appropriate based on exposure risk.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between bacterial STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis) and viral STIs (HIV, herpes, HPV)

• When urine tests, genital swabs, throat swabs, or rectal swabs are required

• What blood tests detect (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C)

• The importance of window periods after exposure

• When routine screening is recommended

• The role of partner notification and retesting

• Situations where treatment requests may be declined pending laboratory confirmation

We explain how doctors assess recent exposure, condom use, symptoms, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, and vaccination history during an online consultation in the EU. Accurate diagnosis requires appropriate testing before prescribing antibiotics or antivirals.

This episode reflects the clinical standards used by Mobi Doctor, where sexual health consultations are reviewed by a registered physician in line with EU medical guidance.

Read the full guide and transcript here:

https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/std-testing