The fun stuff
Taking the test…
By getting tested for an STI you’re showing that you care about your health and wellbeing. It gives you a huge advantage and is the responsible thing to do. The good news is that most STIs can be easily treated so don’t stress. So you see the myths around testing couldn’t be more wrong!
The thing is, it only takes having sex with one person to get an STI and most STIs don’t have symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Even if you’ve been using condoms it’s smart to get tested at least once a year.
Honestly, there’s nothing to be shy about. GPs and sexual health clinics do this stuff every day – it’s as easy as saying “I want an STI test please.” Taking the test is even easier, the most common way for young people to get tested is to pee in a cup. However, if you need to, take a friend for a bit of moral support. I took my best friend and she sat in the waiting room for me and then afterwards we went out for lunch. Looking back, I can’t believe all the fuss I made.
Remember:
So, if you think it’s time to get tested after schoolies or just as part of a general check-up, go to your GP and talk to them about it. You can also find some local alternatives on the Play Safe website by asking Nurse Nettie or the ‘Where can I get tested?’ button on the home page
Be smart, and play safe.
– Grace
(Past Unleashed Travel Grad Tripper)
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work and recognise their ongoing connection to land, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
