STI Tests

If you are having sex, then you should have regular STI tests.

If you have any symptoms or are worried about your sexual health, then arrange a test straight away with your doctor or sexual health clinic.

• you think you might have an STI
• you have had unprotected sex, that is, sex without a condom or dam, including vaginal, oral or anal sex
• you have had a condom break or it has fallen off during sex (also see emergency contraception)
• your partner has another sexual partner or has had previous sexual partners
• you have shared injecting equipment
• you are starting a new sexual relationship.

If you are unsure whether you need an STI test, phone the Sexual Health Helpline on 9227 6178 (Perth metropolitan callers) or 1800 198 205 (country callers).

Some clinics require a Medicare card, others don't. When making an appointment, check whether they require a Medicare card.

A person 15 years and over can get their own Medicare card. To get one go to a Medicare office with identification and complete a form.

You will be seen by a qualified health professional, like a doctor or nurse, and they usually begin by asking you about your sexual history. Some of these questions may seem quite personal, such as:

• your sexual orientation (e.g. straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual)
• number of sexual partners
• sexual practices
• whether you have any symptoms
• whether you have injected drugs
• whether you have any tattoos or body piercings.

This information is kept confidential.
This is also a good opportunity for you to ask any questions about sexual health.

After taking a history of your sexual activity the doctor or nurse will perform an examination. This means that the health professional will look at your external genital area and maybe inside your mouth, vagina or anus for any signs of STIs.

The following tests might be done for males:

• Taking a urine sample.

The following tests might be done for females:

• Vaginal swabs. A long cotton bud takes a sample of vaginal secretions. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can do this yourself.
• Sometimes taking a urine sample.

Some STIs, such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV, require a sample of blood taken from the arm. If you have had unprotected oral or anal sex, a throat swab or self-collected anal swab may be required.

Test results normally take about one week. If your result is positive, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated. This is called contact tracing. Otherwise you could keep re-infecting each other. People with symptoms of an STI may be treated before the test results are back.

Finding out that you have an STI can feel isolating, but remember that it's not the end of the world, and it’s far better to know. Talking to a parent or trusted friend can help.