Sexually transmissible infection (STI) tests help protect you and your partner/s. Many STIs do not have symptoms but can be easily treated. 

WHY DO I NEED TO GET TESTED FOR AN STI?

There are many reasons to test for a sexually transmissible infection (STI).

You can have an STI test any time if you just want to look after yourself and your partner/s.

You should have an STI test at the following times:

• if you and a new partner are beginning a sexual relationship
• if you have had unprotected sex
• if you think you may have an STI
• if you just want a routine sexual health check
• if a condom broke
• if you are pregnant
• if you have symptoms or just feel something is not right.

If you have had sexual intercourse with someone new in the last two weeks, you may choose to go ahead and self-test now but you may need to repeat it in 2 weeks’ time if it is negative.

STI SELF-TESTING

STI self-tests are an option when you do not have any symptoms and only want to be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. 

If you have any of the below symptoms, have oral or anal sex (you may need additional tests) or you want a full STI check that includes blood tests for syphilis and HIV, STI self-tests are NOT an option. Please book in to see one of our nurses or doctors. 

• pain in your testicles (balls), pelvis (lower tummy) or anus (bum/bottom), or when you pee.
• unusual discharge from your vagina, penis or anus (bum/bottom)
• unexpected bleeding from your vagina or any bleeding from your penis or anus, or after sex
• lumps, bumps or rashes on your vagina, penis or anus

Depending where you live, you might be asked to come to the clinic, or we may ask you to go to the collection centre to do the test. 

If you come to the clinic, you'll do the self-test in the clinic bathroom and return the self-testing kit to a receptionist. If you are going to the collection centre, they will give you instructions there. 

In Auckland, testing is done at Labtests

In New Plymouth, testing is done at Taranaki Pathology

In Whanganui and Gisborne, testing is done at Medlab Central 

In Wellington, testing is done at Wellington SCL

In Blenheim and Timaru, testing is done at Medlab South 

In Christchurch and Rangiora, testing is done at Canterbury SCL 

In Dunedin and Invercargill, testing is done at SCL Labs 

A nurse will contact you in five days to let you know your results. This will be done either by text or phone call. If you need treatment, they will help you book an appointment.

STI self-testing is only available to New Zealand residents. 

CAN STIS BE TREATED?

Most STIs are easily treated. Lots of STIs are treated with antibiotics. Other STIs need creams and other tablets.

Some STIs remain in your system for a long time or forever, and their symptoms are managed, for example, herpes.

HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, cannot be cured but it can be controlled by medication.