Advice on sexual health

Person mit Cappy und Regenbogenfahne

You can obtain anonymous and free advice on the topic of sexual health (on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, on pregnancy and contraception, for example) from public health offices and/or HIV/AIDS service organizations.

Public health offices (“Gesundheitsamt”)

In many towns and cities there are public health offices. Sometimes they have a different name such as “specialist health service” (“Fachdienst Gesundheit”). They are part of the government's health service. It is not necessary for you to provide your name and the employees are bound to confidentiality, which means that they are prohibited from telling anyone what you have told them. Even if you do not have any health insurance, you can still talk with the public health office to get assistance.

Many public health offices provide vaccinations and pregnancy check-ups. You can go there to be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. An HIV test is either free of charge or will cost between 10 and 15 euros.

Tip: In many public health offices there are members of staff who speak additional languages other than German – you can ask for them if you like. 

HIV/AIDS service organizations

If you would like to obtain information on HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases or if you are HIV-positive, you can go to an HIV/AIDS service organization or an HIV/AIDS counselling center near you or give them a call; addresses can be found here. 

Some HIV/AIDS service organizations also offer HIV tests and tests for sexually transmitted diseases – you can ask for them if you like.

There are HIV/AIDS service organizations in all big towns and also in many smaller ones. HIV/AIDS service organizations are not run by the state. These organizations can also help with finding a doctor, a self-help group or groups that assist people without valid residence documents. It is not necessary for you to provide your name and the employees are bound to confidentiality, which means that they are prohibited from telling anyone what you have told them.

Tip: In many HIV/AIDS service organizations there are members of staff who speak languages other than German – you can ask for them if you like.