All STIs are treatable, most are curable, and many have no symptoms at all — so the only way to know for sure is to get tested. Getting tested means you can get the right care and can stay on top of your sexual health.

How often should I get an STI test?

Most sexually active people should get tested at least once a year, but it depends on a few things.

You’ll want to get tested more often (every 3-6 months) or have another check-up if:

• You’re having sex with someone new
• If someone you have sex with has recently tested positive for an STI
• You’re noticing unusual symptoms around your mouth, genitals or anus

People who have multiple sexual partners, sex workers, trans and gender diverse people, and people taking PrEP are recommended to test as often as every 3 months.

There are other reasons why you might want to test more often, but it’s best to chat with your doctor about this so you can get the right info for you.

Talking with your provider

First things first, you’ll have a chat with your healthcare provider (a doctor or nurse) about your sexual history, partners and what kind of sex you’ve been having. This helps them understand what to test for.

You might be asked questions like

• When was the last time you had sex?
• Who have you had sex with in the last 3 months?  Other than your regular partner, is there anyone else that you have had sex with?
• You can get STIs in your throat, rectum or genitals. Do you think we should test any of these areas?
• Have you had sex with people with a penis, a vagina or both?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with (or thought you had) an STI?

It’s a good idea to see a clinician that you trust and can feel comfortable talking to about your relationships, lifestyle and any questions that might come up for you. Someone who respects your pronouns and preferred language for your body parts.

Visit Sexual Health Victoria for Rainbow Tick-accredited services.

You can also request to see a doctor or nurse of your preferred gender, if that helps you feel more comfortable.

It’s important to know that wherever you get tested, your health information will always be kept private.

What will I be tested for?

If you don’t have symptoms, a standard STI test will test for:

• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Hepatitis B, if you haven’t been vaccinated

Your doctor might run other tests depending on your symptoms (if any) or if you’ve recently had sex with someone who tested positive for a particular STI.

An STI test can involve:

• Urine test: Pee in a cup
• Swabs: From your vagina/front hole, throat, or rectum. These can sometimes be self-collected.
• Blood test: From your arm or finger
• Physical exam (optional): A clinician might check visible symptoms. While this might be uncomfortable for some people (and always up to you whether you go ahead with it), it can be a valuable part of an STI check-up to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Making the test quick and easy

• Ask about self-collection: Depending on your symptoms, you might be able to do your own swabs.
• Queer-affirming care: Rainbow Tick–accredited services (like Sexual Health Victoria) are a great option.
• Testing during your period: If you get periods, you might want to avoid doing your test during the heaviest part of your cycle. This is because high vaginal swabs for BV, trichomoniasis and candida can be affected by heavy bleeding. Urine and blood tests, on the other hand, won’t be affected by your menstrual cycle.

How much does an STI test cost?

If you have a Medicare card, testing is often free. It’s always worth calling ahead to check costs, but you’re likely to be able to access free or low cost testing from these places:

• Bulk-billing GPs: Many general practitioners (GPs) who bulk-bill will provide STI testing at no cost. If you see a GP who doesn’t bulk-bill, you might have to pay a consultation fee, even if the pathology tests are bulk-billed.
• Sexual Health Clinics
• Aboriginal Medical Services

Without Medicare:

• Some clinics charge fees, but some services like the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre offer free or low-cost testing for everyone.
• If you study in Australia, student health centres might offer free or more affordable testing
• Check if you’re covered under private health insurance, a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement or Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC/OSHC).

While you’re there…

It’s a good idea to make sure you’re up to date with:

• Vaccines: Check if you’re up to date with HPV and hepatitis B. For some people, the mpox and hepatitis B vaccine might be relevant too.
• Cervical Screening: If you have a cervix and are over 25, check your test status.

What do I do if I test positive?

Remember, STIs are common. They’re a part of life for sexually active people. The good news is, now you know, you can do something about it.

Start treatment as soon as you can.

Let your partner/s know so they can test & treat too.

Retest if your provider recommends it to make sure that the treatment was effective