icons / menu

To leave this site quickly, click the Quick Exit button.

icons / cross

Alternatively, hit the escape key.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET TESTED?

It is important to remember that the more sexually active you are the more often you should get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If left untreated some STIs can have serious impacts on your health outcomes. Also, by getting regularly tested, you can get treated and be in charge of your own sexual health and helping to look after the sexual health of your sexual partners. Your doctor will be able to advise you how frequently they think you should be getting tested a year, but all sexually active people are recommended to get tested at least once a year, even if in a monogamous relationship.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GO FOR A TEST?

When you go in for a sexual health check up, and it depends on where you go what the process is, but usually you and the health care professional will have a chat about what sexual activities you have been engaged in, whether you have any symptoms and the frequency of sexual intercourse in conjunction with the number of partners. Remember that they are not being nosy or judgemental, but they need to know all of the information so they can determine what tests to run, and to provide the best medical care for you. In a full sexual health check up, usually a blood and urine sample will be taken, and swabs can be taken from your mouth, penis, anus and vagina.

hearts

Thorne Harbour relies upon your continued support

Donate