STI testing is simple and confidential.
SHQ clinicians regularly perform STI tests, and are very comfortable seeing clients for this reason. If you are sexually active we recommend you have an STI test once a year, or more frequently if you have a new partner/s or are experiencing any symptoms.
Your clinician will talk you through any tests, and treatment will be prescribed if your test/s comes back positive. Please note, we now offer syphilis treatment.
If you have any symptoms please make an appointment at our clinic so you can be seen by an appropriate health professional. If you don’t have any symptoms you may prefer to come to an STI Same Day Clinic.
If you are diagnosed with an infection, it’s important to let your partner/s know so they can get tested as well. There are ways this can be done confidentially – your health professional can help you with this.
What happens during the test depends on what STIs are being tested for, and if you have any symptoms. The health professional performing the test will usually ask some questions about your sexual history to determine what tests you require, taking into account any unusual symptoms.
Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea involves a urine test or a swab (cotton bud) test which you can take yourself. Sometimes a physical examination is necessary and the health professional may need to take additional swabs.
It is often recommended that you have a blood test to test for other STIs such as HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B. You can also request a blood test if you think there’s a chance you have one of these infections.
HIV home test kits
Home test kits for STIs and HIV provide a good option for people who won’t or can’t attend at a healthcare setting for testing. HIV testing should be followed up by a health care provider. This allows both a greater accuracy in test results, as well as appropriate, immediate referrals to support services if required.
Read the AFAO‘s HIV Self-test Fact Sheet.
If you have any questions about home test kits, please contact our Sexual Health Helpline.
Usually results that are normal (no infection detected) are sent via SMS. But sometimes clients prefer an email, phone call or a letter. The health professional will ask what you prefer.
Results are usually back within 7 days but if you haven’t heard anything after 14 days it’s a good idea to follow up to ensure you know what the results were.
HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B can take up to 12 weeks to come up in a blood test after a risk. The health professional should talk to you about any recent risks and when to repeat any testing if needed.
If someone has symptoms, then sometimes the health professional will want you to return for follow up. This is usually to ensure treatment and management has gone as planned.
To see what it is like to come to SHQ for an STI Test watch the video below.
