ASK AND GET ANSWERS

Our team is here to answer your questions about sexuality, concerns or practices. Here we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that we receive on a regular basis.

We have also put together a list of links to other websites for you, that provide a wealth of information on sexual health and sexually transmitted infections.

Of course, we are always available to listen to you personally and to answer your specific questions. We respect every individual’s sexuality, so just get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

Counselling - Advice

At our facility, you remain completely anonymous during your visit and if you wish, you have the option of staying anonymous throughout the consultation, testing and treatment as well.

With us, there are no forbidden questions. We provide comprehensive advice on all topics, from sexuality and chemsex to specific questions about sexually transmitted infections. We listen and respect every individual's sexuality.

We offer our consultations in various languages. Please send us an email at kontakt@checkpoint-moin.de and let us know the language(s) in which you would like the consultation to take place. We will then schedule an individual appointment with an advisor in your language where possible.

We offer consultations in the following languages on a regular basis: English, Georgian, Russian, Spanish or Ukrainian.

English, Georgian, Russian, Spanish or Ukrainian. Simply send us an email with your request for a consultation in another language to: kontakt@checkpoint-moin.de.

Yes, we offer alternatives as well. Please contact us via email at kontakt@checkpoint-moin.de to arrange an appointment.

Generally, there are no long waiting times with us. Since we operate without fixed appointments, depending on how busy we are, there may be a short wait. For this, we have set up a separate room for you, where you can refresh yourself with free coffee and water.

PrEP (short for 'Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis'): With PrEP, people at high risk of HIV take HIV medications as a preventive measure to protect themselves from infection. You can find more information about PrEP here (liebesleben.de).

PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, as it can happen that something goes wrong when protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (such as a condom breaking or spontaneous sex without a condom). PEP must be started as soon as possible after the risk incident, ideally within two hours, but no later than 72 hours. You can find more information about PEP here .

IMPORTANT: In Lübeck, you can get PEP 24/7 at the emergency department of the UKSH.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium. The disease progresses in several stages and if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems.

Syphilis can be effectively treated at all stages with antibiotics, usually penicillin. The treatment stops the progression of the disease but cannot reverse the damage already caused, especially in the tertiary stage. Early detection and treatment are therefore crucial.

New syphilis infections in Germany nearly quadrupled from 2001 to 2019.

There are more and more cases of Syphilis. This is because Syphilis can also be transmitted through kissing. In the beginning, there is a sore at the site of the infection, usually in the genital or anal area, or even in the mouth and throat. However, it doesn’t hurt, which is why people rarely go to the doctor. As the disease progresses, which can take years, various often very non-specific symptoms can occur, ranging from skin rashes to damage to the nervous system.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). In some people, the virus can remain in the body and cause chronic Hepatitis B, which can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer in the long term. Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids.

A vaccine against Hepatitis B is the most effective protection against infection and is routinely offered. For more information click here

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This infection primarily affects the liver and can be both acute and chronic. Many people with Hepatitis C initially develop no symptoms, which often leads to the disease being detected at a later stage. Hepatitis C is now highly treatable. Modern antiviral medications can cure the infection in most cases, especially if treatment is started early.

For more information click here

Testing - Procedure

Consultants + Doctors = Super Team

We test for STIs and treat them directly on-site, which is very rare outside of regular clinics in Germany. In addition, we provide comprehensive advice on all topics related to your sexual health.

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be asymptomatic, meaning you can be infected without realising it. By getting tested regularly, you can ensure that you're healthy and not unknowingly passing infections on to others.

You can find our price list here. The HIV test is always free.

The HIV test is always free at our checkpoint. Thanks to the generous support of ViiV

Thanks to the support of our sponsors, our prices are already significantly reduced.

However, we do offer further discounts in special circumstances. Feel free to reach out to us in advance or ask our team for more info during your visit.

With us, everyone can remain anonymous – not only during testing but also during the consultation and treatment. To receive your test results, you will receive an individual identification code to access your results.

The timing depends on the specific infection, as different sexually transmitted infections (STIs) require different periods to become detectable in tests:

HIV: An HIV test is generally reliable about 6 weeks after the risk exposure, and for rapid tests (from capillary blood), it is reliable about 12 weeks after the risk exposure.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (Tripper): These can be tested as early as 1 to 2 weeks after exposure.
Syphilis: A test for syphilis is recommended about 2 to 4 weeks after contact.
Hepatitis B and C: These can be tested after about 1 to 4 months.

If you have symptoms, testing earlier is also advisable. Tests conducted too early can yield inaccurate results. During our consultation, we gather this information and put together the appropriate tests based on your individual needs.

Yes, you can also get tested for STIs during your period. In most cases, menstruation does not affect the test results.

It’s completely normal to be afraid of having blood test done. Let our lab staff know that you’re scared. They are trained to handle such situations and can proceed to make you as comfortable as possible.

If your fears are very strong, we offer alternative testing methods, such as tests from capillary blood. These tests are done by gently pricking your fingertip.

Some infections, such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea (Tripper), can only be detected through a swab or urine test. A swab can be taken from different parts of the body, depending on which areas may be affected (throat, urethra, vagina, anus).

The swabs are performed by our trained staff or independently by yourself under their guidance.

Testing - Results

The test results are usually available after 3-5 business days. We receive them anonymously via the individual test code from an external lab.

We will inform you via email or phone — as previously agreed with you.

Positive: A positive test result means that the presence of the tested infection has been confirmed.

Negative: A negative test result means that no signs of the tested infection were found in your sample. Provided that the test was conducted within the appropriate time frame after the risk contact.

If you have questions about your test result, we are happy to provide you with further information during a consultation.

If you receive a positive test result for an STI, it means you are infected with the relevant infection. Here are the steps that typically follow:

1. Counselling: First, you will be informed about your test result. Our team will thoroughly explain what the infection means, how it can be treated and what you should do next.

2. Treatment: Depending on the type of infection, you will receive treatment. This may involve taking antibiotics, antiviral medications or other treatments. Our doctors will explain the exact treatment plan to you. It is important to know that your treatment can take place on-site at the MOIN Checkpoint if you wish.

3. Notification of Sexual Partners: It is important that you inform your current and former sexual partners, so they can also get tested.

4. Follow-up Care: After treatment, a follow-up examination is usually conducted to ensure that the infection has completely healed.

5. Prevention: You will be advised on how to protect yourself from further infections in the future. It is important to act quickly to avoid complications and prevent the spread of the infection.

No, if you get tested anonymously, your family doctor will not be automatically informed of the positive STI results. This information will only be communicated to you. It is entirely up to you whether you like to inform your family doctor or not.

No, if you get tested anonymously, your partner will not be automatically informed of your positive STI results. It is your responsibility to inform your partner, so they can also get tested as well. This is important to prevent possible further spread of the infection and to ensure that they receive treatment they need if necessary.

Treatment - Procedure

Depending on the type of infection, you will receive treatment from us. This may include taking antibiotics, antiviral medications, a short intravenous infusion or an injection. Our doctors will explain the exact treatment plan to you. It’s important to know that the therapy can take place on-site at the MOIN Checkpoint.

If an infection is detected, the initial treatment can be carried out on-site by our experienced doctors. Our facilities are equipped to administer infusion or injection treatments. We can also prescribe the necessary medications via a health insurance prescription, e-prescription or private prescription.

If a long-term treatment is needed, we will ensure that you are referred to the appropriate institution (clinic, practice, etc.) and assist you with scheduling an appointment.

The treatment can be paid by your regular health insurance, but if you wish to remain anonymous, you also have the option to cover the treatment costs yourself.

If you don't have health insurance and need treatment, we will always offer support. Feel free to talk to us about it in advance, and together we will look for suitable solutions for you. It's important to us that every infection is detected and treated in a timely manner.

Consultations are always free with us, as well as the HIV test.

More Info

STIs or sexually transmitted infections, are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal and oral sex. STIs are usually caused by bacteria and viruses. Some of the most common STIs are:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea (also known as 'Tripper')
Syphilis
HIV
Hepatitis
Genital Herpes
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) or warts

STIs can often be asymptomatic, meaning you can be infected without knowing it.

Tripper is the colloquial term for Gonorrhea.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea (Tripper) mainly include a burning sensation when urinating, a purulent discharge from the urethra (often yellowish or greenish), rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding.

In the case of an infection in the throat (from oral sex), a sore throat can occur, often without other symptoms. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. You can find more information here.

Gonorrhea is colloquially known as Tripper.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea (Tripper) mainly include a burning sensation when urinating, a purulent discharge from the urethra (often yellowish or greenish), rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. In the case of an infection in the throat (through oral sex), a sore throat can occur, often without other symptoms. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics.

For more information about the infection visit liebesleben.de

A Chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, including in Germany. Symptoms include pain, unusual discharge or bleeding. Often an infection occurs without any symptoms. If left untreated, a Chlamydia infection can lead to chronic inflammation, which can also cause infertility.

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. For more information about the infection visit liebesleben.de

Yes, HIV still exists in Germany. The number of people receiving a new HIV diagnosis has increased, according to the latest report from the RKI.

HIV can affect anyone, especially people in the more sexually active age group between 30 and 40 years. Heterosexuals living with HIV and who are at a higher risk of infection are often found in rural areas and smaller towns. This group has often less access to testing facilities and in part, is less aware of their risk to infection than people living in big cities.

Thanks to modern medical treatments, HIV no longer leads to AIDS or death in most cases, which is why the number of people living with HIV is steadily increasing.