If you test positive for a bacterial STI (gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis) in Austria, the pathway to treatment depends on where you tested.
The Treatment Pathway
- Tested at Aids Hilfe: If your result comes back positive from Aids Hilfe (e.g., Aids Hilfe Wien), they will provide post-test counselling. Aids Hilfe itself does not dispense treatment directly. They will refer you to an affiliated doctor, the AKH Infektionsambulanz, or a specialist Wahlarzt. You take your results there, and the doctor prescribes the medication (or administers the injection).
- Tested at a Doctor (Wahlarzt / Kassenarzt): The prescribing doctor handles your treatment directly.
- Cost: Once diagnosed, treatment costs are typically covered under the public health insurance (ÖGK), though you may pay a small prescription fee (Rezeptgebühr) at the pharmacy for oral antibiotics. If visiting a Wahlarzt for the injection, standard reimbursement rules apply.
Partner Notification
Austria does not currently have a centralized, public anonymous notification portal. The most effective route is to ask the clinic or doctor who diagnosed you to assist; many local sexual health units or NGOs can facilitate confidential partner notification on your behalf without revealing your identity. It's always better than silence.