Turkey's healthcare system is very decent compared to its neighbors. Despite this however, Turkey is falling behind on subjects such as sexual education and awareness. This has lead to an increase in HIV/AIDS cases in Turkey over the past decade. Therefore, the general knowledge about STIs and STDs are lacking as well. Since people do not know about these issues, the demand and centers for getting tested is rare too. So, what can you do if you want to get tested for STD or STI in Turkey?
You have a few options when it comes to getting tested for STD or STI in Turkey.
1- Public hospitals
You need to make an appointment with one of the public hospitals. You have to provide them with your Turkish ID or Kimlik card. If you do not speak Turkish, you have to have your e-government password too. You can make your appointment by calling 182 if you speak Turkish, or by downloading CDAS app (IOS / Android). The appropriate departments you can choose for STI testing are Women’s Health, Skin and Venereal Diseases, Urology, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, or Family Medicine.
After you made your appointment, go to the hospital on the selected date. Here is a tip: regardless of your reason for taking the test, when the doctor asks you the reason, tell them you had unsafe or risky sex!!! This will ensure you will get tested and not refused by the hospital. You will be tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and Syphilis.
2- Non-profit organizations
Anonymous tests for HIV/AIDS are offered by Pozitif Yaşam Derneği in Turkey. They have locations in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa & Mersin. They are also LGBTQI+ friendly and will provide unbiased testing. You can receive free consultancy and testing service in İstanbul through Beşiktaş and Şişli Municipality Healthy Life Centers on weekdays between 09.30 – 16.00 without giving your identity information.
3- Private Laboratories or Hospitals
These are more expensive options. However, if you do not have a kimlik card, they are your best option. Here are some labs that provide STD/STI tests:
Its important to stay healthy and safe. If you are suspicious of having contracted STD or STI, take advantage of your kimlik card and get tested for free in a public hospital. If not, you can use the services of non-profit organizations, private labs or hospitals as well. Be responsible, enjoy life
You have a few options when it comes to getting tested for STD or STI in Turkey.
1- Public hospitals
You need to make an appointment with one of the public hospitals. You have to provide them with your Turkish ID or Kimlik card. If you do not speak Turkish, you have to have your e-government password too. You can make your appointment by calling 182 if you speak Turkish, or by downloading CDAS app (IOS / Android). The appropriate departments you can choose for STI testing are Women’s Health, Skin and Venereal Diseases, Urology, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, or Family Medicine.
After you made your appointment, go to the hospital on the selected date. Here is a tip: regardless of your reason for taking the test, when the doctor asks you the reason, tell them you had unsafe or risky sex!!! This will ensure you will get tested and not refused by the hospital. You will be tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and Syphilis.
2- Non-profit organizations
Anonymous tests for HIV/AIDS are offered by Pozitif Yaşam Derneği in Turkey. They have locations in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa & Mersin. They are also LGBTQI+ friendly and will provide unbiased testing. You can receive free consultancy and testing service in İstanbul through Beşiktaş and Şişli Municipality Healthy Life Centers on weekdays between 09.30 – 16.00 without giving your identity information.
3- Private Laboratories or Hospitals
These are more expensive options. However, if you do not have a kimlik card, they are your best option. Here are some labs that provide STD/STI tests:
Its important to stay healthy and safe. If you are suspicious of having contracted STD or STI, take advantage of your kimlik card and get tested for free in a public hospital. If not, you can use the services of non-profit organizations, private labs or hospitals as well. Be responsible, enjoy life