Things to do once you’re sexually active:
Talk to your sexual partners about STIs before having sex
Use a condom or other protection methods
Find an STI testing location
Get tested regularly for STIs
Once you become sexually active, STI testing should become a regular part of your sexual health routine. STIs don’t always have symptoms and the only way to know if you have one is to be tested. Testing regularly is a great way to stay on top of your health and detect an infection early. STIs are treatable and early diagnosis can help you avoid some of the health problems that can result from having an untreated infection. Being diagnosed with an STI isn’t the end of the world. During the check-up, your doctor can give you advice on how to treat the infection and prevent infection for you and your partners in the future.
STI testing is easy, free or low cost. An STI test is 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 under serious circumstances. More information on your healthcare rights is available at ReachOut.
For tips on talking about sexual health with your doctor, click here.
Finding a clinic
Finding a place to get an STI test is easy! Your local doctor, Family Planning or sexual health clinic can offer STI testing.
Additionally, 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 which are private and provide a range of tests at a cost. Find more information about what online testing is and where it’s available here.
Below is a list of sexual health and Family Planning clinics throughout the ACT. Click on one of the links below to find clinics in your area in and around the ACT and check STI testing off your to do list.
Other ACT health services and resources
Other national health services and resources
Canberra Metro
| Suburb | Contact Information |
| Bruce | headspace Canberra University of Canberra 170 Haydon Drive, Level B, Building 18 Bruce ACT 2601 (02) 6201 5343 headspace.org.au/ |
| Canberra City | Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT Level One, 28 University Avenue Canberra ACT 2601 (02) 6247 3077 www.shfpact.org.au/ shfpact@shfpact.org.au |
| Canberra City | The Junction Youth Health Services Club 12/25, Cnr of Cooyong Street and Scotts Crossing Canberra ACT 2601 (02) 6232 2423 www.anglicare.com.au/services/youth-family/health/#aclxrs junctioninfo@anglicare.com.au |
| Garran | Canberra Sexual Health Centre (SCHC) Building 8, Level 4, Canberra Hospital Garran ACT 2605 (02) 5124 2184 https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/canberra-sexual-health-centre-cshc |
| Narrabundah | Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service 63 Boolimba Crescent Narrabundah ACT 2604 (02) 6284 6222 www.winnunga.org.au/ |
| Turner | STRIP Clinic Meridian Havelock House 85 Northbourne Avenue Turner ACT 2612 (02) 6257 2855 https://www.meridianact.org.au/strip |
| Woden | Canberra Sexual Health Centre Building 5 (North Wing) Canberra Hospital Garran ACT 2605 (02) 6244 2184 www.health.act.gov.au/our-services/canberra-sexual-health-centre |
In and around the ACT
| City | Contact Information |
| Goulburn | Goulburn Community Health Centre 130 Goldsmith Street Goulburn NSW 2580 (02) 4827 3913 |
| Moruya | Moruya Community Health Moruya District Hospital 2 River Street Moruya NSW 2537 (02) 4474 1561 |
| Narooma | Narooma Community Health Centre- Sexual Health 14-28 Graham Street Narooma NSW 2546 (02) 4475 7200 or 1300 139 887 |
| Queanbeyan | Queanbeyan Community Health Centre Queanbeyan District Hospital Cnr Erin Street and Collett Street Queanbeyan NSW 2620 (02) 6150 7150 |
Other ACT health services and resources
| Service | Description |
| Meridian | www.meridianact.org.au/
Meridan ACT (formerly AIDS Action Council) provides health and social support services in the ACT region with a strong focus on sexual health services. |
| Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT | www.shfpact.org.au
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) is a leader in sexual and reproductive health workforce development, health promotion and clinical service delivery to reduce barriers to improved sexual and reproductive health. |
Other national health services and resources
| Service | Description |
| Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet | www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet makes comprehensive, up–to–date information accessible to people interested in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians |
| all good | allgood.org.au/
The all good website includes information, resources and service directories on STIs and BBVs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It includes a ‘find a service tab’ to find a local doctor, clinic or a testing centre that provides STI and BBV testing. The website also includes links to local support services. |
| Better to Know | www.bettertoknow.org.au/
‘Better to Know’ is a website for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women. It provides detailed information on STIs and BBVs, and on getting tested– in two sections, Men’s Business and Women’s Business. It can send SMS reminders to have a sexual health check and can also be used to notify recent sex partners anonymously that they need to have a sexual health check. |
| Body Talk | www.bodytalk.org.au/
Info for young people about the body, puberty, relationships and sexual health including STIs and contraception. |
| Family Planning NSW Talkline
|
www.fpnsw.org.au/talkline
Talkline provides free and confidential information, advice and options across a wide range of reproductive and sexual health issues. 1300 658 886 |
| Health Direct | www.healthdirect.gov.au/
healthdirect provides easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice online and over the phone. |
| Marie Stopes Australia | www.mariestopes.org.au/
Marie Stopes provides safe and supportive reproductive health services such as contraception, abortion, vasectomy, STI checks and more. |
| QLife | www.qlife.org.au/
QLife national telephone and web counselling service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, families and friends. |
| Reachout | www.reachout.com/
ReachOut helps under 25s with everyday questions through to tough times. |
| Young Deadly Free | youngdeadlyfree.org.au/
Young Deadly Free is all about raising awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs) affecting young people in regional and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They provide information and resources for young people; elders, parents and other adults; and doctors, nurses and other health workers. |
