Where and what can I get tested for STD/STI when I have no symptom?
Men can get tested at a urology clinic and women can do at a gynecologist. Common STD/STI tests are as follows and available to get tested.
HIV
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Candida
Trichomoniasis
Hepatitis B and C
Syphilis
Genital Herpes may not be able to get tested when you have no symptoms. Read the reasons from the CDC link here.
Genital herpes is common. Why doesn’t CDC recommend testing everyone for this STD?
HPV test is available for women. Read Pap Smear Test page for details. There is currently no approved test for Genital Warts (HPV) in men, for details read CDC link HPV and men.
How much is the screening test?
Japanese Health Insurance does not cover STD test for a screening purpose (screening test: you have no symptom but just want to get tested). This means that you will be expected to pay the full costs. Each item is at least a few thousand yen. The comprehensive screening test will be around 20,000-30,000 yen. You are also asked to go back to the clinic/hospital in person to get the result about a week later.
How long does it take to get the result?
Usually a week. Some clinics provide the same-day HIV testing but the availability is not many.
Home Testing
JHI can send a home testing kit for your convenience. The total cost is not much different to going to a clinic and the same lab doctors use does the testing. We can email you the test result. Read Home Testing Kit for details.
Free HIV Test
Free HIV testing is available at local public health centers. There are some criteria to be eligible for this service like below. Free tests are not available at general hospitals or clinics.
-It has to be 3 months after the exposure
-Many centers request intermediate level Japanese speaking ability
-Tests are done a few times a month,usually midday on a weekday. Limited availability at night or on a weekend
-Need to return the center one or two week later to get the result in person
Other STD tests are often not available
We can find information of free centers near you. Please note this service is not free and some fees (1100-2200 yen) will be charged for our service. Contact us by email.