The Short Version
Sweden has some of the best sexual health infrastructure for gay and bisexual men in Europe. In Stockholm, Venhälsan at Södersjukhuset is world-class — free, specifically for gay and bisexual men and trans people, and staffed by people who understand the community. RFSL's testing points offer rapid anonymous testing in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Thanks to the Smittskyddslagen (Communicable Diseases Act), all testing for HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis is free by law.
The main catch is the Personnummer. Without a Swedish personal identity number, booking through 1177.se is difficult. See the vocabulary guide for options.
Venhälsan (Stockholm)
Address: Södersjukhuset (SÖS), Stockholm — Building 11, entrance from Sjukhusbacken Website: 1177.se → search "Venhälsan" / or via södersjukhuset.se Phone: 08-616 37 20 For: Gay and bisexual men, trans people, and others who have sex with men Cost: Free (Smittskyddslagen) Booking: Via 1177.se (requires BankID for self-booking) or by phone
Venhälsan ("Venereological Health") is arguably the finest specialist sexual health clinic for gay and bisexual men in the Nordic countries. Services include:
- Full STI panel: HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, hepatitis
- Three-site swab testing (svalgsekret, rektalodling, uretraprov — throat, rectal, urethral)
- PrEP prescribing and monitoring
- PEP consultations and referrals
- Mpox and Hep B vaccination
- Psychosexual counselling
- Chemsex support services
Staff are trained and experienced in gay and bisexual men's health. The clinic tone is non-judgmental and affirming.
The Three-Site Requirement
At Venhälsan, three-site swab testing is standard for gay and bisexual men — they will offer this routinely. If you go to a general sexual health clinic (Sesam mottagning) or GP, you may need to request it explicitly:
- Svalgsekret / svalgutstrykning — throat swab
- Rektalodling / rektal provtagning — rectal swab
- Uretraprov — urethral swab
Throat and rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia are almost always asymptomatic. At Venhälsan you will be asked about your sexual practices and offered the relevant tests — answer honestly.
RFSL Testpoint
Organisation: RFSL — Riksförbundet för homosexuellas, bisexuellas, transpersoners, queeras och intersexpersoners rättigheter Website: rfsl.se
RFSL runs rapid anonymous testing points in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Services typically include:
- Rapid HIV test
- Rapid syphilis test
- Anonymous — no Personnummer required
- Free or low-cost
- Community atmosphere
RFSL Testpoint is ideal if you want rapid testing without navigating the formal healthcare booking system, or if you are a visitor without a Personnummer. Check rfsl.se for current locations, hours, and booking procedures — these change seasonally.
Sesam Mottagning (Sexual Health Clinics)
Most Swedish regions have dedicated sexual health clinics (Sesam mottagning or Könsmottagning) at larger hospitals, such as Karolinska in Stockholm. These are excellent and free under Smittskyddslagen for the covered conditions. They serve a broader population than Venhälsan but are well-equipped.
At a Sesam clinic, you may need to specifically request three-site swab testing and clarify your sexual practices to ensure you get the appropriate tests.
1177.se — The Booking Portal
1177.se is the national healthcare booking portal and advice line. Most clinic appointments, including at Venhälsan, are booked here. Full functionality requires Swedish BankID (linked to a Personnummer).
If you do not have a Personnummer:
- Call the clinic directly (Venhälsan: 08-616 37 20) — phone booking is possible
- RFSL Testpoint does not require Personnummer
- For urgent needs, walk-in is possible at some clinics
Practical Summary
Specialist care for gay/bisexual men: Venhälsan — Södersjukhuset, Stockholm Rapid anonymous testing: RFSL Testpoint — rfsl.se General sexual health: Sesam mottagning at regional hospitals All legally mandated STI testing: Free under Smittskyddslagen
See also: Swedish vocabulary | PrEP access