STI Testing

Where to Get an STI Test:

Both PRONTO! in Abbotsford and the Centre Clinic in St Kilda offer STI tests. It's easy to make an appointment and it's free for most people.

How Often Should I Get an STI Test?

It is important to remember that the more sexually active you are the more often you should get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most people should get a sexual health test every three months.

If left untreated some STIs can have serious impacts on your health. Also, by getting regularly tested, you can get treated and be in charge of your own sexual health and helping to look after the sexual health of your sexual partners. Your doctor will be able to advise you how frequently they think you should be getting tested a year, but all sexually active people are recommended to get tested at least once a year, even if in a monogamous relationship.

What Happens When I Get an STI Test?

In general, when you go in for a sexual health check up you and the health care professional will have a chat about what sexual activities you have been engaged in, whether you have any symptoms and the frequency of sexual intercourse in conjunction with the number of partners.

Remember that they are not being nosy or judgemental, but they need to know all of the information so they can determine what tests to run, and to provide the best medical care for you. In a full sexual health check up, usually a blood and urine sample will be taken, and swabs can be taken from your mouth, penis, anus and vagina.

Preventing STIs:

Whilst some STIs can be vaccinated against, such as Hepatitis A and B or the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), others can be difficult to avoid. Over time there has been a significant increase in the amount of STIs being diagnosed, and amongst most populations (i.e., gay men and both heterosexual men and women). The best way to prevent contracting an STI is to use condoms and water based lube when having sex, and to get a regular sexual health check up. This may not prevent everything, but at least you will know and get treated easily. Get tested, get treated, no drama!

For more information about particular STIs, in terms of how they are transmitted, diagnosed, treated and prevented, check out The Drama Downunder.