Are you worried that you might have a sexually transmissible infection (STI), but more worried about getting tested?

Does talking to a complete stranger about your sexual health hold you back?

We’ve put together our top five things you need to know about STI testing. We hope this will make you feel much more comfortable about coming to see us for a test.

1. Our nurses and doctors test people every day for STIs, so there is no need to feel embarrassed.

Our nurses and doctors listen, they’re compassionate and they take confidentiality seriously. And, there’s nothing they haven’t seen or heard before.  Helping people with their worries about their sexual health is what our nurses and doctors come to work for every day, so you can be confident you are in good hands.

2. You can get an STI test done at any time, even if you do not have any symptoms.

Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. If they go undiagnosed and untreated there can be long-term consequences, such as infertility and long-term pain. If there is a chance you might have  an STI it is always best to get tested so you can know for sure and can get treated if needed.

Another good time to get tested is when you’re starting a new relationship. Until you’ve both been tested and you’ve confirmed your relationship is exclusive, then you should continue to use condoms and oral dams.

3. STI tests are fast and easy.

When you have an appointment with one of our nurses for an STI test, they will ask you some questions to help them decide what kind of test(s) you need. It’s likely that you’ll need to give a urine sample for testing – and for many STIs that’s all that’s needed. Other times the nurse may need to examine you and take a swab.   A nurse will contact you in 5 days to let you know your results either by text or phone call.

4. You may be able to take your own test

If you don’t have any signs of an infection, you might be able to do the STI test yourself at one of our clinics. You will receive a form from the receptionist to fill in. Your answers help us decide if self-testing is right for you. If it is, you can do the test in the clinic bathroom (either taking a swab and/or a urine sample) and return it to the receptionist when you are done. Just like other STI tests, you will be contacted by a nurse within 5 days and If you need treatment, they will help you book an appointment.

5. Getting tested at a Family Planning clinic is very affordable.

It is really affordable to get an STI test at Family Planning – if you’re under 22 it won’t cost you a thing. Check out our website here for our services and fees.

Buy or download our new sexually transmissible infection pamphlet.