If you don't know which STI test suits your risk, follow the STI Test Guide. By answering a few questions, you'll be shown which STI tests fit your risk and when you can reliably take the tests.

Every STI has its own window period. The window period is the time it takes until the STI can be detected by a laboratory test. Check the window period for each STI test.

Would you like to speak with an STI nurse in more detail? Book an E-consult.

Yes you can. Having your period / menstrual blood does not affect the results of your lab test. If you have a tampon inserted, please remove this before collecting your sample.

We recommend a vaginal self-sample using a cotton swab.

Have you been prescribed a course of antibiotics for another non-STI related condition? Wait 2 weeks after taking the last antibiotic tablet before testing for chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. A blood test can be done reliably without waiting.

If the self sampling fails, contact Soapoli-online customer service for advice. It is also possible to visit a clinic to assist you with taking blood samples.

Yes you can. Keep your urine in the refrigerator until you're ready to send it.

Don't wait, get tested for STIs as soon as possible. 

Check if your symptoms could be an STI by using the STI symptom guide 

You can  visit your family doctor or another service, such as the Public Health Service, or order a home test from Soapoli-online.

You can also ask questions or discuss your situation with an E-consult.

Do not test earlier than 4 weeks after completing your chlamydia treatment. Testing earlier than this may give a false positive result.

How you collect your sample depends on the type of test. How to do this is explained in the instructions. with your test or can be viewed in our video instructions.

The test kit has a shelf life of several months. You can find the expiration date on the outside of your collection kit.

At Soapoli-online, we know that anonymity is very important to our customers. So we strive to offer everything as discreetly as possible. The packages are sent in a plain box. There is no logo or company name on it, just your name and address information.   
  

Yes, you can have your package delivered to:

1.  A PostNL or DHL- pickup location.

Note: To pick up your package at a PostNL of DHL- pickup location, the counter clerk will ask to see your identification; so the name you provide when ordering your test must match the name on your identification. Your package must be picked up within 7 days otherwise PostNL or DHL will return your order to us.

2. Or buy your test from one of our points of sale.

Once we have shipped your package, you'll get an email from us with the track and trace information for your package. On weekdays, orders placed before 10.45 pm will be shipped the same day. If you have not received your track and trace email, please check your spam folder or contact our customer service team.

We recommend that you send your sample from Monday to Thursday before that day's mailbox collection.

Click on Medical mailbox PostNL to find a mailbox near you that is emptied on Sundays.

Instructions: first fill in the place, then under 'what do you want to do' choose post letter, then select 'medical'.

If the outside temperature is 0 degrees or lower, we recommend that you do not send the return envelope with your sample through an outside mailbox. Instead, send it by mailbag at a PostNL service counter.

If the outside temperature is higher than 25 degrees, we recommend that you do not send the return envelope with your sample through an outside mailbox. Instead, send it by mailbag at a PostNL service counter.

Your test code can be found on the card with the QR-code which is in the productbox.
 

Scan the QR-code (you will find this on the card in your productbox) and fill in your date of birth and your gender. If your results are not available yet, you can leave your email address and we will send you a message when your results are ready.
 

If your lab results show you have an STI, you will get your test results from us in simple terms.
Your result has a clear explanation of the steps to take in response. STI treatment can be arranged through Soapoli-online, you can also choose to download your lab result and take it to your primary care doctor for treatment.

You certainly can! You can email us, see contact

Once your sample arrives at the lab, your results will be ready within 2 working days.

Scan your QR-code, fill in your date of birth and gender, indicate that you're not a robot, and press login/activate. You now come to a screen where you can enter your email address. Confirmation that your code has been properly activated will appear on your screen immediately.
   

At Soapoli-online, we know that anonymity is very important to our customers. We ask for the minimum required information, including: your name, date of birth, gender, mailing address (so we can send your test kit), and your email address and phone number to confirm your order.

We use this information only to send your order. Your data will be kept for 6 months after your order and then deleted. We never send unsolicited mail, invoices and never share data without your express permission.

We use self-sampling tests for STI testing. If you follow the instructions for use carefully and do not take the test before the window period indicated, the result you receive from us is very reliable. To ensure reliable results, we work with an ISO-accredited laboratory to test your samples. The reliability of the test results is equal to the reliability of a test done at your family doctor or a public health service clinic.

There is no difference in quality between an STI test from the GGD or family doctor and an STI test from Soapoli-online. We use the same laboratory tests. With Soapoli-online you don't need a consultation if you don't want one. You order the test online, take it at home and send it to our laboratory yourself.

You often get the results from Soapoli-online sooner than testing through the GGD or family doctor.

Testing through Soapoli-online is cheaper than testing through your GP. At the GP you pay the NZa rate and additional testing costs. At Soapoli-online you only pay the price you see in the webshop.

Self-read tests have the advantage of giving immediate results, but have the major disadvantage that they are often a lot less reliable. The test can miss STIs or give the wrong result. Currently there are no reliable self-read tests that can detect an STI. However, a reliable self-read HIV test is available to buy.

So the advice from agencies such as Soaaids Netherlands is to take an STI test that is analyzed in a lab. You take our STI tests yourself and send them to the lab. You will get the results within 2 working days. If you have an STI, we will also help you get treatment.

Read the current advice about home testing from Soaaids Netherlands.

Our preference is to write a prescription by name. It's important for your own health to be prescribed the correct medication. The pharmacy monitors this process.
 

If you don't want your parents (or anyone else who can see your health insurance policy) to know you received STI treatment, you can choose to get your prescription through My Pharmacy. This can dispense medication at your request without the information going into your healthcare record. You can request this in the comments field when ordering the medication.

If you tested positive for chlamydia with a Soapoli-online test, the cost of chlamydia treatment is 15 euros. This includes delivery costs to a home address or PostNL pickup point.

The pharmacy delivers the medication in a discreet package to the address you provide. From the outside, you cannot see what is in the package.

My Pharmacy discreetly sends your medication to your home address or a PostNL pickup point.

Yes. My Pharmacy, the online pharmacy we work with, can send medication to Belgium.
 

We are only allowed to treat people who have been tested and diagnosed with an STI through our service. If your partner has not been tested through us, we cannot treat them. Your partner can get tested through us or contact his or her doctor.

As well as treating your STI, it's important to tell your sexual partners. By telling them to get tested and treated you'll prevent further spread of STIs. Soapoli-online partners with Partnerwarning.com. Through the Soapoli-online results portal you can request a login code for www.partnerwaarschuwing.nl. You can log in using the code and anonymously notify your sexual partner(s).

If you have tested positive through Soapoli-online and want to be treated by Soapoli-online we can write a prescription for you. We will not inform your doctor about the treatment if you tell us not to. If you do not want to share this information with your doctor, please make this wish known to My Pharmacy. Soapoli-online never shares unsolicited information with third parties.

Did you test positive for chlamydia? You'll find clear instructions on how to request treatment immediately through Soapoli-online. First, fill out the health questionnaire in the results portal truthfully and send it to us. You will receive a payment request of 15 Euros for the medication. After payment, our doctor reviews your questionnaire. If everything is approved, the doctor writes a prescription and this is sent to the National Pharmacy. The National Pharmacy sends the medication to you.

Turnaround time for requesting medication from Soapoli-online: 1 business day on average.

Did you test positive for gonorrhea? You'll find clear instructions on how to request treatment immediately. Gonorrhea is treated with an injection. You can contact your primary care doctor to arrange a treatment appointment.

Did you test positive for trichomonas? Then you can request treatment through Soapoli-online. Fill in the health questionnaire in the results portal truthfully and submit it. The link to the health questionnaire can be found with your test results. We will process your prescription request as soon as possible. We work only with the National Pharmacy to send medication to you. 

Cost: 0.00 (we help you get treatment free of charge)

Turnaround time for requesting medication from Soapoli-online: 1 business day on average.

Did you test positive for syphilis, hepatitis B/C or HIV? Then we offer you support to get treatment through your GP or GGD. 
 

We only treat customers who have been tested through Soapoli-online and have a positive test result. You're welcome to discuss your concerns with us, so we can discuss the options with you.

How to start PrEP
2 tablets at once, 24 to 2 hours before potential HIV exposure. Or 1 tablet daily for 5 days.

How do you safely restart after a break?
With intermittent use, if no TDF/ FTC has been taken for one day then take 2 tablets again 24 to 2 hours before the next possible HIV exposure, followed by 1 tablet 24 hours and 48 hours after the possible exposure.


 

How do women with a (neo)vagina start PrEP safely?
Women and transgender women with vaginal contact start 7 days in advance with 1 tablet daily.
 

Are you at risk yourself or is your sexual partner more at risk for HIV? Here is some more about what to consider. 

The schedule for people with a (neo)vagina is different from the schedule for people with a penis.
You start by taking 1 pill every day for 7 days before sex. If you want to stop again, make sure you still take 1 pill daily for 7 days after your most recent sex.

This is because PrEP takes longer to penetrate the vaginal wall.

Anal sex

Do you have a vagina but only have anal sex? Then you can use PrEP according to this schedule.
Option 1: 1 pill every day
Option 2: Taking PrEP before and after sex

To stop taking PrEP, you should take 2 more tablets (at 24-hour intervals, consistent with normal use) after your last risk. It's a good idea to discuss reasons for stopping and the various alternative ways to prevent HIV.

How do women and trans people having vaginal sex stop PrEP? 
Women and trans people having vaginal sex take 1 tablet daily for 7 days after last possible exposure to HIV.


 

Safety and side effects of PrEP (TDF/FTC)

PrEP (TDF/FTC) has been prescribed for HIV prevention for over 10 years. Serious side effects are rare.

About 10% of users experience mild side effects, which are often temporary. These may include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (such as nausea or an upset stomach)

• Headache

• Weight loss

• Vivid dreams

Reversible kidney impairment occurs in less than 1% of users.
Mild, reversible loss of bone density (osteoporosis) may also occur. Routine pre-screening for osteoporosis is not necessary.

For individuals with existing, treated osteoporosis, consultation with an HIV treatment provider is recommended.

There is currently insufficient official evidence to determine whether people using intermittent (event-driven) PrEP experience temporary side effects each time they restart PrEP. However, based on observations from the AmPrEP study, this does not appear to be the case. If side effects do recur, switching to daily PrEP may be considered.

 

Forgot PrEP, now what?

What to do if you forgot to take your PrEP depends on the time and how you are taking PrEP.

You use PrEP daily

• Has it been less than 12 hours since you should have taken PrEP? Take the pill now.
• If you are more than 12 hours late, skip the pill and continue at the regular time the next day. You don't need to take 2 pills. With daily PrEP, forgetting 1 pill has no effect on your protection.
• If you have forgotten more than 1 pill, you may not be adequately protected against HIV. If so, contact your doctor.

You use PrEP around sex

• Forgot pills before sex:
  • If you forgot to take 1 or 2 pills before sex, you are not protected against HIV.
  • If you did take 2 pills, but had sex earlier than 2 hours, then you are not protected against HIV.
• Forgetting pills after sex:
  • Has it been less than 12 hours since you should have taken PrEP? Take the pill now.
  • Are you more than 12 hours late? Or did you forget your PrEP on both days? Then you are not protected against HIV.

Had sex without PrEP? Or taken PrEP incorrectly? And had anal sex without a condom with someone whose HIV status you don't know, or who is HIV positive and not receiving treatment? If so, contact us as soon as possible. You may need PEP. This is a 4-week course of treatment that you should start within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.

 
 

Vomiting after taking a pill
 
If the pill was taken on an empty stomach, take the pill again if vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking it.
If the pill was taken with food, then take the pill again if vomiting occurs within 3 hours of taking it.
If you can see any part of the pill in the vomit always take another pill.
 
Diarrhea after taking a pill
 
If you have diarrhea, it's not necessary to take another pill and your usual schedule can be continued. If you have persistent or watery diarrhea, or have a chronic intestinal infection, it's advisable to consult with an HIV specialist.

For anal sex, a person is protected from HIV 5 to 7 days after starting daily PrEP. If a person wants to be protected immediately, they can start with two pills at the same time in the same way as if they were starting PrEP around sex (intermittent PrEP). Starting with two pills at the same time, a person is protected as early as 2 hours after taking them.

For vaginal sex, daily PrEP should be started at least 7 days before sex, because PrEP takes longer to penetrate the vaginal wall. This also applies to trans men who have vaginal sex.

To stop safely, the advice is to continue taking PrEP for at least 2 days after anal sex. After vaginal sex, take PrEP for at least 7 days.