A positive result for an STI in Portugal triggers a straightforward pathway, heavily reliant on whether you used community services like GAT or public health centers.
The Treatment Pathway
Testing at GAT / CheckpointLX
If you test positive during a screening at a community centre like CheckpointLX, the process is seamless. They often have doctors on staff or direct referral protocols to SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) hospitals. They will arrange for your confirmatory testing and treatment, minimizing bureaucratic hurdles.
Testing at a Centro de Saúde (Health Center)
If your médico de família ran the tests, they will interpret the results and prescribe the necessary treatment. You will receive a receita (prescription) to take to any farmácia.
Treatment Delivery
- Gonorrhea & Chlamydia: Treated with antibiotics. You'll purchase these at a pharmacy with a prescription (subsidized by the SNS).
- Syphilis: Treated with intramuscular penicillin injections. These are typically administered at the Centro de Saúde by a nurse after your doctor writes the prescription, or at a hospital's infectious diseases department.
Costs
Consultations within the SNS are highly subsidized, often requiring a minimal taxa moderadora (co-pay) or being completely free. The medications at the pharmacy are also heavily subsidized. GAT services are entirely free.
Partner Notification
Portugal features a localized anonymous notification service called CheckOUT, offered by CheckpointLX (checkpointlx.com). If you receive a diagnosis at CheckpointLX, you are given an access code that allows you to send anonymous SMS or email notifications to your partners. If you were diagnosed elsewhere, Portugal 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.