In case you’ve ever had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, or you’re experiencing any indications of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) (burning pains, odd discharge, or lumps and bumps around your genital area), you should obtain a STI test. This may be daunting if you’ve never had it done, but it’s not that bad.

Free STI testing is widely available, and most STIs are simply treated. The treatment is quick, straightforward, and painless. STIs aren’t a cause for fear. Even if you don’t have symptoms, every sexually active individual should be checked periodically. If you’re still afraid, invite a friend along for moral support.

What to Expect When You Arrive?

It’s better to check the clinic’s website or phone beforehand to see whether walk-ins are accepted. When you arrive, you’ll be assigned a number. Your personal and contact information will be requested on a form. It’s vital that you complete this area accurately since your findings may be sent to you.

Doctor/Nurse Consultation

When you see the doctor or nurse, they will inquire about your sexual and overall health. They’ll inquire about your recent sexual history and the nature of it (vaginal, anal, oral). Remember, this is a health expert who is used to hearing about such things. They’ll select what tests you need to take based on your responses. Then comes the exam. Remember that if you’ve just had unprotected intercourse, you may have a STI that hasn’t yet been detected. So, 5-8 weeks later, schedule a follow-up test. The STI clinic Cairns personnel will be able to counsel you better.

What Will Happen on the Test?

• For Men

First, you can’t pee for an hour before testing. You may be asked to show your genitals for examination for rashes, lumps, and discharge.

Depending on the sex, a swab may be collected from your penis, anus, or throat. It won’t damage you. Some clinics will provide you with a kit to take a swab yourself. HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis testing may require a urine sample and blood draw.

• For Women

They can check for rashes, lumps, and bumps. Some women under the age of 25 may need to have a Pap test. Some clinics will provide you with a kit to take a swab yourself. A blood test for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis may be provided. A urine sample is sometimes obtained.

• Results

Most clinics will provide your results in 1-2 weeks. Other facilities provide same-day testing, although this isn’t accessible everywhere. The clinic personnel will be able to tell you when and how to expect your findings.

• Treatment

If you test positive for any of the findings on the day, you’ll meet with a clinic employee. They will give you antibiotics or other medication. Many infections clear up fast with treatment, so it may be finished soon. If you go to a free clinic, the treatment is likewise free. The nurse or doctor may also advise you on future sex safety. Any favourable results in the full results you’ll obtain in two weeks will welcome you back to the clinic for treatment or medication. If symptoms linger following therapy, return to the clinic for a check-up. Some clinics have counsellors accessible for pre-test counselling and safer sex education.