STI Testing
Identify Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs – formerly STDs) can be difficult to discuss, both with your partner and with your doctor. Consequently, they spread very easily and can go undiagnosed for too long. Even when simple STI testing can identify these infections.
Things to Know:

  • Symptoms can resemble urinary tract infections,
  • Not everyone will experience symptoms,
  • Untreated STIs can cause infertility,
  • Pregnancy and birth can be complicated by STIs,
  • Chronic pain and physical limitations (impotence) can result from STIs,
  • Sexual health checks before starting intimate relationships can prevent the spread of STIs while also protecting you and your new partner.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to an STI, or would just like some peace of mind, book a sexual health check.

STI Testing

A sexual health check or STI testing is simple and bulk billed at the Brisbane Centre for Sexual Health. A sexual health check can include:

  • A discussion about your lifestyle and any concerns you have,
  • A urine test to detect bacterial infections like Chlamydia,
  • A blood test to check for viral infections like Hepatitis,
  • A physical examination and swab test if discharge or sores are present.

*Test results can take a couple of days to be returned. So you will need a follow-up appointment

Treatment

When STI testing returns a positive result for an infection you will need to return for a follow-up. The treatment options vary and depend on the infection detected. Some infections can be cured, while others are life-long and require long term management. Treatments can include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Penicillin Injections
  • Antiretroviral drugs

Your practitioner will discuss the treatment with you at your follow-up appointment. It is important that you follow the instructions for treatment. You may also be asked to repeat the STI test following treatment.

Notifiable Communicable Diseases

Several sexually transmitted infections are considered notifiable communicable diseases. Therefore, any diagnosis of these STIs will be reported by the pathology laboratories to various Australian health organisations including Queensland Health. The information sent is not identifiable in order to protect your privacy. It is simply used to track the prevalence of these infections within the population.
For more information on the notifiable conditions visit the Queensland Health website.

What are you looking for?

Sexual Health Check List

If you tick one or more of the points below, you might want to consider a sexual health check.

  • Do you think you might have an STI?
  • Are you starting a new sexual relationship?
  • Do you have more than one sexual partner?
  • Does your partner have more than one sexual partner?
  • Have you had unsafe sex?
  • Do you/have you ever shared injecting equipment?
  • Are you concerned about the tattooing or body piercing equipment used on you?

*The frequency of these health checks depends on your lifestyle and sexual activity. The above points are provided as a guide only. Always speak to your health provider if you have concerns regarding your sexual health.

STI Fact Sheets