The type of test or tests you have will depend on if you have symptoms at the time and, the type of sexual activity you have been involved in.

For girls, a sexually transmissible infection (STI) test usually includes samples of vaginal secretions, taken with what looks like a long cotton bud. This can be done at the same time as a Pap smear. In some situations a urine test may be needed.

Guys who have no STI symptoms will have a urine test. Where a guy has symptoms such as discharge from the penis or pain or swelling in the testicles, swabs are taken from the opening at the end of the penis.

If you have had anal or oral sex, your doctor may also recommend testing these areas. If you have an ulcer in the mouth or genital area which could be caused by an STI, samples might be taken directly from the ulcer itself.

Test results usually take about a week to come back. If results show you have an infection, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated, otherwise reinfection can occur.

Avoid having unsafe sex while you or your partner are taking the treatment. You could infect each other again.

Don’t drink alcohol while taking the treatment. The alcohol will reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You might also forget about having safe sex.

Where can you get a test for STIs?

A test is available at most GPs. However there are a number of other places that you can go to get a test, if for any reason you do not feel comfortable seeing a GP. Other places to get a test are:

FPWA Sexual Health Services
70 Roe Street Northbridge WA 6003 (08) 9227 6177

Quarry Health Centre (Under 25’s)
Rear, 7 Quarry Street Fremantle (08) 9430 4544

Infectious Diseases Department, Fremantle Hospital
Alma Street, Fremantle (08) 9431 2149

Sexual Health Department (Clinic), Royal Perth Hospital
Murray Street, Perth (08) 9224 2178

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service
156 Wittenoom Street , Perth
Telephone: (08) 9421 3888

For further info please call or visit:
 
AIDSline: 9482 0044

FPWA Sexual Health Services
www.fpwa.org.au
Sexual Health Helpline:
9227 6178 (metro)
1800 198 205 (regional)

Regional Population Health Units
Albany (08) 9842 7500
Broome (08) 9194 1630
Bunbury (08) 9781 2350
Carnarvon (08) 9941 0560
Geraldton (08) 9956 1985
Kalgoorlie-Boulder (08) 9080 8200
Northam (08) 9622 4320
South Hedland (08) 9172 8333