Once you become sexually active, testing for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is just a regular part of keeping healthy.
Here’s why. STIs don’t care what your background is, who you have sex with, or where you’re from.
STIs are common, especially among young people and some STIs are more common in regional, remote, and isolated communities.
STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, herpes, HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.
STIs don’t always have symptoms and the only way to know if you have one is to be tested. Testing at least once a year helps keep you healthy and shows respect for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
STIs are treatable and finding out early can help you avoid some of the health problems that can result from having an untreated infection.
STI testing is easy, free or low cost. It’s confidential and all health professionals are required by law to keep what you discuss private, no matter how old you are. This confidentiality can only be broken if they are concerned about your or someone else’s safety.
For tips on talking about sexual health with your doctor, click here.
Where to get tested
Finding a place to get tested for STIs is easy! Your local doctor, Aboriginal Medical Service, health clinic, sexual health clinic, or Family Planning clinic offer STI testing. Click here to find a testing location near you.
Some states—South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, and Victoria—have their own government supported, online testing services which provide chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing for free. There are also two national services that provide a range of tests at a cost. For more information about what online testing is, where it’s available and whether it’s right for you, click here.
