Lithuania has a small but functional set of testing options for gay and bisexual men. Demetra in Vilnius is the primary community resource — free, anonymous, and specifically oriented toward this community. The public Santaros Klinikos handles more complex diagnostics. Here's how to get a complete screen.
Demetra — VšĮ Demetra
Address: Kauno g. 6, Vilnius Web: demetra.lt
Demetra is a non-governmental health organisation providing low-threshold HIV and sexual health services in Lithuania. For gay and bisexual men, this is the safest and most accessible testing environment in Vilnius.
What they test:
- Rapid HIV test (results within 20–30 minutes)
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis C
- Counselling alongside testing
Cost: Free or very low fee. Anonymous — no national insurance (draudimas) required.
Limitation: Demetra's rapid panel focuses on blood-borne infections. For a complete three-swab STI panel (throat, rectal, urethral), you'll need to complement this with a hospital or private lab visit.
LGL — Lithuanian Gay League
Web: lgl.lt
LGL (Lietuvos gėjų lyga) is Lithuania's main LGBTQ+ rights and community organisation, based in Vilnius. They organise community testing events in partnership with Demetra and other providers, and can navigate you to appropriate services. If you're new to Lithuania or uncertain where to go, contact LGL first — they speak English and understand the specific terrain gay and bisexual men navigate here.
Three-Site Testing: Throat, Rectal, Urethral
The most commonly missed element of STI screening. A full STI screen for gay and bisexual men requires swabs from three separate sites: tepinėlis iš gerklės (throat swab), tepinėlis iš tiesiosios žarnos (rectal swab), and tepinėlis iš šlaplės (urethral swab) — plus blood tests. Most infections at the throat and rectum cause no symptoms at all.
For a complete panel in Vilnius:
Santaros Klinikos — Infectious Diseases (Infektologijos centras) Santariškių g. 14, Vilnius The main university hospital's infectious disease unit can arrange comprehensive STI testing with a referral (siuntimas) from a GP, or directly for a fee. This is also where PrEP is prescribed and where PEP is available.
Private labs — Antėja / Medicina Practica Both operate private laboratory networks across Lithuania. HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, and STI panels available without referral, paid privately. Faster than the public route for routine monitoring. Approximately €40–80 for a comprehensive panel.
Testing Frequency
Every 3 months if you're sexually active with multiple partners. After a higher-risk encounter, test sooner. Demetra provides a non-judgmental environment for regular attendees — you won't be made to feel judged for coming back quarterly.
After a Positive Result
HIV reactive at Demetra: Confirmatory testing arranged, and you'll be connected to the Santaros Klinikos infectious disease team for treatment initiation. HIV treatment in Lithuania is fully funded by the state. LGL can provide peer support through the process.
Other STIs: Antibiotic treatment through Santaros or a private doctor. Most bacterial STIs are straightforward to treat when caught.