If you receive a positive result for an STI in Sweden, the process is straightforward and protected by law.
Free Treatment
Under the Smittskyddslagen (Communicable Diseases Act), certain infections are classified as a danger to public health. This includes:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis (A, B, C)
If you test positive for any of these, all treatment and follow-up care is completely free of charge, regardless of your residency status or if you have a Personnummer.
Partner Notification (Smittspårning)
If you test positive for a Smittskyddslagen-listed infection, you are legally required to participate in contact tracing (smittspårning). You will speak with a specialized nurse or doctor who will ask about your recent sexual partners. You are legally required to provide whatever identifying information you have about your partners.
Sweden 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.
Where to Get Treated
If you tested at Venhälsan or another specialized sexual health clinic, they will handle your treatment directly. If you tested via a home kit or a general GP and need specialized care, they will refer you to the appropriate könsmottagning (STI clinic) or infektionsmottagning.
Remember to abstain from sex until you and your partners have completed treatment and any required follow-up tests have confirmed you are clear.