Where to get
an STI test

STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is quick, easy, and confidential. Most STI tests only require a blood test and a urine sample but may also involve getting swabs taken of certain parts of the body such as the throat and genitals.

STIs are very common and can affect anyone who’s ever had oral, vaginal or anal sex. Many STIs have no symptoms and if left untreated can cause long-term health impacts. That’ why it’s so important to get tested, because you may not even know you have one.

We typically suggest getting an STI test every 6-12 months, but this will depend on a number of things including how many sexual partners you have, what kind of sex you have, your sexual health history, what medication you take (e.g. PrEP), if you are pregnant, or looking to become pregnant, and more.

That’s why it’s important to be honest about your sexual history with your doctor or nurse so they can give you the best advice. You can also speak to a sexual health nurse over the phone for free via our confidential Sexual Health Infolink service.

If you have a Medicare card and visit a bulk-billing GP, Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) or sexual health clinic, your STI test should be free.

If you have a Medicare card and get tested at a non bulk-billing or part bulk-billing location, like a private doctors office, the pathology (tests) will be bulk-billed (free), but there may be a cost to see the doctor to get the test.

If you don’t have a Medicare card, you have the option to pay out of pocket but you can also explore whether you may be covered under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

STI testing is widely available across NSW and can be done through a number of different services, including:

• General practitioners (GPs) / doctors
• Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs)
• Sexual health clinics and testing locations
• LGBTQIA+ sexual health centres
• Family planning services
• Selected youth centres (some Headspace locations)
• Urgent care clinics (if you have symptoms)

No matter who you are, where you live, or what your sexual health needs are, there’s an STI testing service for you. When choosing an STI testing service it’s a good idea to consider the following:

• Your location
• Your budget
• Where you feel safe
• Whether you have symptoms or not
• Your accessibility needs
• Your schedule

Read more about choosing the right STI testing service for you here.

It can sometimes feel a little awkward to bring up the topic of sex and sexual health with someone you don’t know very well, but we can almost guarantee your doctor has heard it all before. As hard as it may seem, it is super important that you talk to your doctor about your sexual health to keep you and your partner/s safe. Check out our top tips to make that conversation a whole lot easier.

During a sexual health check-up or STI test, you will be asked questions relating to your sexual health that may feel a little embarrassing. These are standard questions that your doctor should ask every patient. While many of these questions are quite personal, it’s important to answer as honestly as you can so that your doctor can better support your health needs. You can skip any questions you prefer not to answer. Here are some questions you might be asked along with general questions about your overall health and lifestyle:

• Are you sexually active?
• What is the gender identity of the person/people you have had sex with?
• Do you have oral sex, vaginal sex and/or anal sex?
  What medication do you take?
• Do you have any symptoms that you are concerned about?
  When was the last time you had sex?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with (or thought you had) an STI?
• Have you had a new partner recently?
• Do you use any contraception/condoms?

Remember, if during your appointment you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any way, you can ask to end the appointment and visit another sexual health service.