STI testing and safer sex: what official bodies in Germany and Switzerland recommend

Talking openly about safer sex is one of the most important agreements for a couple, at home or on the road. This guide summarises what health authorities in Germany and Switzerland say about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), protection and testing, and where to find advice in practice. It does not replace medical advice. Everything rests on the pages linked below (accessed 7 November 2026); details can change.

What counts as an STI

The German Federal Ministry of Health lists on its STI page syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia (bacterial); HIV, hepatitis B, herpes, HPV and mpox (viral); and also fungal infections, trichomoniasis, pubic lice and scabies. Many of these cause no symptoms, so waiting to notice something is not enough.

Protection: more than condoms

According to the ministry, condoms protect against HIV and lower the risk of other STIs but do not offer 100 % protection. It also mentions:

• Vaccines against hepatitis B, mpox and HPV. For HPV the vaccination committee (STIKO) recommends vaccinating at ages 9 to 14, with catch-up possible until 18. Ask your GP what suits you.
• PrEP, a daily HIV medication for HIV-negative people at higher risk, and PEP, a four-week course after a risk contact. These are medical decisions; PEP depends on acting fast, so it is worth knowing in advance where you would go.

The ministry advises seeing a doctor straight away if you suspect an STI, even without symptoms. Among statutory-insurance benefits it lists an annual chlamydia test for sexually active women under 25 and a one-off hepatitis B and C test in the "Check-up 35". When and how often to test beyond that depends on your situation; a general schedule can only be set by a professional.

Where to get advice: Germany

The ministry points to your doctor, the health-prevention helpline ((030) 340 60 66-03), the federal agency's portal liebesleben.de (now BIÖG), the Deutsche Aidshilfe, and the Robert Koch Institute and STIKO. Many local Aidshilfe groups run "Checkpoints". What is on offer differs by city: Aidshilfe Hannover, for example, offers its STI check after a counselling session and by appointment. Check your local organisation's site for hours, procedure and cost. Deutsche Aidshilfe also offers a home test kit through "s.a.m health"; check price and contents before ordering.

Switzerland: the Safer Sex Check

The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) builds its LOVE LIFE campaign around the "Safer Sex Check", which helps you assess your personal situation and gives tailored recommendations on protection and testing. Instead of one set of rules for everyone, the campaign favours individual advice; condoms remain central but are not the only option. Testing is advised after a risk situation or when symptoms appear. lovelife.ch has information on protection, symptoms and tests, and lists counselling centres. Aids-Hilfe Schweiz's "Check at Home" service was marked as temporarily suspended when we looked; check its status at aids.ch.

Austria

We reviewed no official Austrian page for this article, so we make no claims about specific services. Talk to your doctor or the regional Aids-Hilfe organisations and check what is currently offered.

How to talk about it as a couple

1. Timing: talk beforehand and calmly, not in the moment.
2. Your own rules: decide what protection you use and what happens if an agreement is broken.
3. Testing rhythm: agree when you will seek advice or test, and share results honestly.
4. After a risk: ask a doctor or counselling centre which time windows apply; not every test is conclusive straight away.
5. No blame: an infection is a medical matter, not a verdict on character.

More ideas in our guide to sexual health in the lifestyle.

Quick checklist

• Condoms and other measures discussed
• Vaccination status (hepatitis B, HPV, mpox) checked with your doctor
• Where to go for PEP in an emergency known
• Testing rhythm and conversation rules agreed

Sources (accessed 7 November 2026): German Federal Ministry of Health, "Sexuell übertragbare Infektionen (STI)"; Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, LOVE LIFE campaign; Aids-Hilfe Schweiz, Check at Home; Aidshilfe Hannover, STI check.