23.01.2026

How often should you get tested? Tips from a gynaecologist on STD checks and protective measures

People with multiple sexual partners should get tested for sexually transmitted diseases regularly. Gynaecologist Dr. Susanne Baer from Ladies Permanence explains when which STD test is important and how best to protect yourself.

Which sexually transmitted diseases are currently on the rise in Switzerland?

Dr Baer Altorfer: In our walk-in practice, we are currently seeing an increase in chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

What are the early symptoms?

Dr Baer Altorfer: In women, the most typical symptoms of chlamydia are initially a watery, then mucous-like yellowish-greenish discharge – in the case of gonorrhoea, the discharge tends to be thicker – itching, burning and, in the later stages of an ascending infection, lower abdominal pain. An ascending infection in the fallopian tubes occurs in about 3.8% of cases, which can lead to an increased risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

Men may also experience discharge and pain when urinating.

Both chlamydia and gonorrhoea are often asymptomatic in the early stages. This can make it difficult to trace the chain of infection.

How often should sexually active people with multiple partners get tested for sexually transmitted diseases?

Dr. Baer Altorfer: To be on the safe side, you should get tested before every unprotected sexual encounter with a new partner. Otherwise, you should always use a condom for protection.

It has to be noted that some experts now advise against testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea as long as the woman or man has no symptoms. The reason for this recommendation is the increasing resistance to antibiotics worldwide: the more antibiotics are prescribed, the more this problem is exacerbated. The prescription of antibiotics should therefore be carefully considered in every case.

What is tested for in an STD test?

Dr Baer Altorfer: An STD test usually includes the most important tests: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium (bacteria) and trichomoniasis (parasite). Blood tests are used to test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.

STD tests for women are carried out using cervical smears and a blood test.

What protective measures – apart from condoms – are effective in reducing the risk of infection?

Dr Baer Altorfer: Condoms remain the most important form of protection during sexual intercourse with multiple partners. Oral sex wipes are also recommended, as they can reduce the risk of infection during oral sex.

Apart from that, testing is important in the event of a symptomatic infection. There are now various walk-in clinics in urban centres, such as our Ladies Permanence clinic right next to Stadelhofen station in Zurich. The Department of Health also offers services. It is essential to take advantage of these options.

About Dr. med. Susanne Baer Altorfer

Dr. Susanne Baer Altorfer is the mother of three grown children and has four grandchildren. She has been working as a gynaecologist for over 42 years. She was one of the first senior physicians at the University Women's Hospital in Zurich and later ran her own practice for 20 years. Today, she is responsible for overall medical management at Ladies Permanence Stadelhofen.