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Getting an STI test
http://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/2/51/1/getting_an_sti_test.pm
An STI test is to check if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is quick and painless. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about other aspects of sexual health. It's really important to have an STI test even if you don't have any symptoms.
Who should have an STI test?
If you are having sex, then you need to think about when to have an STI test. If you have any symptoms or worries about your sexual health, then arrange a test straightaway with your doctor or sexual health clinic.
It's a good idea to have an STI test if:
· You think you might have an STI.
· You have had unprotected sex, that is, without a condom ordam - including vaginal, oral anal sex.
· You have had a condom break or if it falls off during sex (also see emergency contraception).
· Your partner has another sexual partner or has had previous sexual partners.
· You have shared injecting equipment.
· You are starting a new sexual relationship.
If you are unsure whether you need an STI test, phone the Sexual Health Helpline on 9227 6178 (Perth metropolitan callers) or 1800 198 205 (country callers).
Do I need a Medicare card?
Some clinics require a Medicare card, others don't. When making an appointment, check whether they require a Medicare card. A person 15 years and over can get their own Medicare card. You will need to go to a Medicare office with identification and complete a form.
What happens during an STI test?
You will be seen by a qualified health professional, like a doctor or nurse, and they usually begin by asking you about your sexual history. Some of these questions may seem quite personal, such as:
· Your sexual orientation (e.g. straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual).
· Number of sexual partners.
· Sexual practices.
· Whether you have any symptoms.
· Whether you have injected drugs.
· Whether you have tattoos or body piercing.
This information is kept confidential and it is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions about your sexual health that might have been worrying you.
After taking a history of your sexual activity the doctor or nurse will perform an examination. This means that the health professional will look at your external genital area and maybe inside your mouth, vagina or anus for any signs of STIs.
The following tests might be done for males:
· Taking a urine sample.
The following tests might be done for females:
Vaginal swabs. A long cotton bud takes a sample of vaginal secretions. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can do this yourself.
· Sometimes taking a urine sample.
Some STIs, such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV, require a sample of blood taken from the arm.
Getting the results
Test results normally take about one week to come back. If your result is positive, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated. This is called contact tracing. Otherwise you could keep re-infecting each other. But someone with symptoms of an STI could be treated before getting the test results back. Finding out that you have an STI can feel isolating, but remember that it's not the end of the world. Talking to a parent or trusted friend can help.
Pap smears
A Pap smear tests for early changes in the cells of the cervix. Every woman should have a Pap smear two years after becoming sexually active. Pap smears can be done at the same time as an STI test, when the vaginal swab is taken.
http://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/2/51/1/getting_an_sti_test.pm
An STI test is to check if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is quick and painless. It also gives you a chance to ask questions about other aspects of sexual health. It's really important to have an STI test even if you don't have any symptoms.
Who should have an STI test?
If you are having sex, then you need to think about when to have an STI test. If you have any symptoms or worries about your sexual health, then arrange a test straightaway with your doctor or sexual health clinic.
It's a good idea to have an STI test if:
· You think you might have an STI.
· You have had unprotected sex, that is, without a condom ordam - including vaginal, oral anal sex.
· You have had a condom break or if it falls off during sex (also see emergency contraception).
· Your partner has another sexual partner or has had previous sexual partners.
· You have shared injecting equipment.
· You are starting a new sexual relationship.
If you are unsure whether you need an STI test, phone the Sexual Health Helpline on 9227 6178 (Perth metropolitan callers) or 1800 198 205 (country callers).
Do I need a Medicare card?
Some clinics require a Medicare card, others don't. When making an appointment, check whether they require a Medicare card. A person 15 years and over can get their own Medicare card. You will need to go to a Medicare office with identification and complete a form.
What happens during an STI test?
You will be seen by a qualified health professional, like a doctor or nurse, and they usually begin by asking you about your sexual history. Some of these questions may seem quite personal, such as:
· Your sexual orientation (e.g. straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual).
· Number of sexual partners.
· Sexual practices.
· Whether you have any symptoms.
· Whether you have injected drugs.
· Whether you have tattoos or body piercing.
This information is kept confidential and it is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions about your sexual health that might have been worrying you.
After taking a history of your sexual activity the doctor or nurse will perform an examination. This means that the health professional will look at your external genital area and maybe inside your mouth, vagina or anus for any signs of STIs.
The following tests might be done for males:
· Taking a urine sample.
The following tests might be done for females:
Vaginal swabs. A long cotton bud takes a sample of vaginal secretions. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can do this yourself.
· Sometimes taking a urine sample.
Some STIs, such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV, require a sample of blood taken from the arm.
Getting the results
Test results normally take about one week to come back. If your result is positive, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated. This is called contact tracing. Otherwise you could keep re-infecting each other. But someone with symptoms of an STI could be treated before getting the test results back. Finding out that you have an STI can feel isolating, but remember that it's not the end of the world. Talking to a parent or trusted friend can help.
Pap smears
A Pap smear tests for early changes in the cells of the cervix. Every woman should have a Pap smear two years after becoming sexually active. Pap smears can be done at the same time as an STI test, when the vaginal swab is taken.
She also said that she tests some w/l's regularly and has never had a positive STI come back with a w/l only guys. Still, I think everyone should get tested regularly.
