Am I at risk?
When should I have a sexual health check?
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If you have had unsafe sex
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If you have started a new relationship, and haven't been using condoms
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If you have recently ended a relationship
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If you have genital symptoms such as pain, discharge, itching, etc
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If you think you might have an STI
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If your partner has recently had an STI
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If you want information about contraception
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If you have frequent changes in sexual partners
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If you have sex with people outside your relationship
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If you are concerned about any aspect of your sexual health
What does an STI test involve?
The type of test or tests you have will depend on if you have symptoms at the time and the type of sexual activity you have been involved in. For women, a sexually transmissible infection (STI) test usually includes samples of vaginal secretions, taken with what looks like a long cotton bud. This can be done at the same time as a Pap smear. In some situations a urine test may be needed for women.
Men who have no STI symptoms will have a urine test. Where a man has symptoms such as discharge from the penis or pain or swelling in the testicles, swabs are taken from the opening at the end of the penis. If you have had anal or oral sex, your doctor may also recommend testing these areas. If you have an ulcer in the mouth or genital area which could be caused by an STI, samples might be taken directly from the ulcer itself. Test results usually take about a week to come back. If results show you have an infection, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated, otherwise reinfection can occur.
If you have any questions that you would like to discuss don't hesitate to contact NTAHC and speak to one of our workers.