STI testing is quick, easy and a normal part of taking care of your health. STIs don't always have symptoms which is why getting tested regularly is so important.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and can affect anyone who's ever had oral, vaginal or anal sex. STIs often don't have any symptoms but if left untreated can have long-term health impacts. It is important that you find a doctor you feel comfortable with to discuss your sexual health concerns. Find out more about visiting a doctor for a sexual health check-up.
No matter who you are, where you live, or what your sexual health needs are, there's an STI testing service for you. Use Playsafe's STI testing service finder to locate a NSW testing service near you.
General practitioners (GPs) are medical doctors who most people see to get an STI test. GPs are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues, including STIs and can connect you to specialised services and counselling if needed.
NSW sexual health clinics are government funded specialist services caring for vulnerable populations, which can include people of diverse sexualities and genders, sex workers, people living with HIV, and Aboriginal people. Appointments are free of charge - no Medicare card or GP referral is required. For opening hours or to book an appointment visit NSW sexual health clinics.
You can also call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL) on 1800 451 624 (9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday) to find your nearest sexual health clinic and for support to book an appointment.
Aboriginal Medical Services provide a range of services for Aboriginal people including sexual health check-ups, GP clinics, and sexual and reproductive health care. For locations visit the AH&MRC service locator or the NSW Sexual Health Clinics map.
Online and telehealth STI testing is a way to find out if you have an STI without needing to visit a doctor or sexual health clinic in person. Online and telehealth STI tests are generally reliable when provided by a reputable service and accredited pathology laboratory. In NSW, this type of testing usually involves requesting an STI test online, receiving a pathology referral and taking that referral to a pathology collection centre of your choosing to get tested. Results are usually provided in a few days, online or over the phone, which makes the whole process quick, discreet, and convenient. Always check the total cost, as some services charge separately for each STI they test for, including infections that are not recommended by sexual health doctors.
a[TEST] is a fast, free and confidential rapid HIV and STI testing service for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, regardless of HIV status. Appointments only take around 30 minutes, including getting the result of your rapid HIV test. You can find a[TEST] in three locations across Sydney: Oxford St (Darlinghurst), Surry Hills, and Newtown.
There are easy ways to test for HIV with a self-test kit. The free MyTest HIV self-test kit gives you results in just 15 minutes. Kits can be collected from vending machines across NSW. Order online for postal delivery by visiting HIV Self-Testing Australia, or purchase a HIV self-test kit from selected pharmacies across NSW.
Many STIs can be treated effectively with medication, including antibiotics for bacterial infections (like Chlamydia, Syphilis and Gonorrhoea) and antiviral drugs to help manage viral infections (like Genital Herpes). Treatment can help alleviate symptoms, prevent the spread of infection to others, and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.
It's important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
If you're diagnosed with an STI, you should:
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