Sexual Health Testing

Throughout this website, we present information that is specific and descriptive about body parts and potential risks, but we avoid describing the genders of people to whom this information might apply. We use medical terms such as “vagina”, “anus”, and “penis” to describe relevant body parts. However, we encourage you to use the language that feels most comfortable for you when talking about yourself or being referred to by others. When interacting with health providers, partners, and sexual connections, we encourage you to request the language that is most affirming and appropriate for you.

Regular sexual health testing is a part of having a healthy sex life. It’s an important way to keep yourself and your sexual connections healthier. Getting a sexual health test is part of keeping your overall body healthy, just like keeping hydrated, eating fresh food, and being physically active.

What is a sexual health test?

A sexual health test is a medical checkup that looks to see if you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or Blood Borne Virus (BBV). The test will usually involve a pee (urine) and blood sample and could also involve a swab of your genitals, anus or throat/mouth.

Where can I get an STI test?

You can get an STI test at any GP, sexual health centre, and some other health services. Some services are free/low cost, and some do not require a Medicare card. Find a service that’s close to you here.

How often should I get tested?

It’s recommended that folks get tested every three months if they’re having sex with more than one person. If you’re monogamous, get tested once a year. If you’re somewhere in between, get tested between partners, or stick with it every three months. Chat to your healthcare practitioner about what kind of frequency will suit you best.

What should I say to my doctor?

Not everyone feels confident talking about sexual health. Asking for an STI test may feel scary, or you might just not know what to say! That’s ok, we are here to help!

Firstly, you need to make an appointment. Some people like to go to their regular GP because they feel comfortable with them. Others prefer clinics like dedicated sexual health services for more specialist knowledge around sex. Others might want to go somewhere that they can stay relatively anonymous. If you are unsure where you can get a STI test, visit here.

Here’s how you can ask for a sexual health test if you don’t have any symptoms:

‘I would like to get an STI and BBV test please. I would like the test to include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis A, B and C.’

If you have symptoms, you can say the same thing, and include that you’re experiencing symptoms of an STI and what you’re experiencing.

Your healthcare practitioner might ask you why you think you need these tests. They may also ask you questions about your sex life to determine what sexual health care you need. This includes your sexual history and some lifestyle questions including drug use and travel. This is to determine your risk of certain STIs and BBVs. It’s best to be as honest as possible so that your healthcare clinician can work with the information you give them. However, if you’re uncomfortable, you don’t need to answer these questions to get a test. If you feel like your clinician is unsure, you can direct them here for more information on current STI testing guidelines.

The practitioner will then print out a pathology form and you need to take that form to a lab or pathology service to get your testing done. Or, they will complete the test themselves.

What to expect during the test?

When you go to have your STI test there are a few things that will happen.

If you are being tested for chlamydia or gonorrhoea, you will be provided with a small cup that you will need to pee into, this will then be sent away to be tested.

The pee will be collected in a small jar that looks similar to this:

If you are being tested for syphilis, HIV, or hepatitis A, B, or C, you will also be asked to provide a blood sample. The pathologist will put a needle in your arm and draw blood in a vial that will be sent away for collection. 

The vial will look similar to this:

You may also be asked to provide a swab sample. This could be for your throat, penis/external genitals, anus, or vagina/front hole, to test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea or other relevant infections. You will be provided a different swab for each of the different areas of your body. It’s likely that you will do this swab test yourself while in a bathroom. It’s important to take your time, there is no rush. It’s better for you to be comfortable and confident and take a little longer to make sure you get an accurate sample.

If you need to provide a swab you will be given a swab that looks like this:

Once you’ve collected all your samples, you can go ahead and wash your hands and return the samples for testing.

Self care and safety for STI testing

We know that for some folks, interacting and engaging with health services or STI testing can be a tricky thing to do. It can feel scary and induce some feelings of fear, anxiety and even dysphoria. Head to our Medical Safety, Rights & Self Care page for tips on looking after yourself before, during and after your appointment. 

When should I expect my results?

Some samples may be back within 24 hours, while others can take a week or sometimes more. If you test positive for something, a healthcare practitioner will contact you to start treatment. Treatment could include pills, injections, or topical medications, depending on what you need treatment for. You might also be contacted if the test shows that you don’t have immunity to things like hepatitis B.

What do I do if I test positive? 

If you test positive to an STI the steps you’ll need to follow after the diagnosis will largely depend on what STI you have. For some folks, the treatment will be to take a course of medication. The medication can vary but could include topical creams or ointments, a course of antibiotics, an injection, or a mixture of all of the above!

You may also need to let your sexual partners know. This can feel a little scary, so we have outlined a few tips to support:

  • Let people know right away – the longer you wait. the harder it can be! Plus, it’s important that they can access the care they need as soon as they can, so they can keep safe too. 
  • Plan what you’ll say ahead of time.
  • Have some additional information ready for them if they have any questions. Having a website or information sheet available will help you feel like you don’t have to know all the answers.
  • Check in with the person before you tell them. Ask them if they have space to have a conversation.
  • Try to not use language that implies blame or fault, for example you could say “I’ve tested positive”, or “I’ve been diagnosed with…”.  Remember, STIs are very common, and they can happen to anyone.

There are also websites that can help you tell others anonymously. If you feel like you will be unable to personally let your sexual connections know of your diagnosis – head over to Let Them Know or The Drama Downunder. Both websites provide anonymous SMS and email notification options. 

If you have recently been diagnosed with an STI or BBV, please know that there is nothing for you to be ashamed or embarrassed of. Many people get diagnosed every year and by being brave enough to tell your sexual connections and practicing safer sex practices, you are doing all you can to ensure that your community stays safe – we commend you!