Sexual Health
Testing

STIs are infections caused by bacteria (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis), viruses (e.g. herpes, HIV, hepatitis B) or a parasite (e.g. trichomoniasis). They are commonly spread through close sexual contact, including vaginal, anal or oral sex. While usually transmitted through sexual activity, some STIs can also be passed through non-sexual means such as contact with contaminated blood or tissues, breastfeeding or childbirth. 

There are more than 20 known STIs. Some may cause noticeable symptoms, while others can be asymptomatic. If you’ve had unprotected genital, anal or oral sex, it’s important to get tested, even if you feel fine.  

Common STIs include: 

• Chlamydia: The most common STI in Australia. It is mostly asymptomatic, with only 10-15% of people showing symptoms such as stinging when urinating, genital discharge and pain during sex. 
• Gonorrhoea: Often asymptomatic in females. Symptoms may include genital discharge and pain when urinating.  
• Syphilis: A bacterial infection that can be easily missed. A painless sore or blister may disappear on its own, but the bacteria can remain transmissible for up to 18 months. 
• Trichomonas: A parasitic infection that may cause stinging during urination and a watery discharge. 
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): May cause genital warts. Some strains are linked to cervical cancer. 
• Genital Herpes: Causes recurrent outbreaks of genital sores. 
• Hepatitis B and C 
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 

Testing for STIs is bulk-billed and confidential (note: private GP consultation fees may apply). To get tested: 

• Book an appointment with your GP to discuss your sexual health, any symptoms and request an STI screen.  
• For asymptomatic testing, your GP will likely order tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis, as recommended by the Australian STI Guidelines.⁴  
• Your GP will also advise how often you should be tested, typically every 3 to 12 months depending on your level of risk.² 

Testing may include: 

• Urine samples or swabs to detect infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas or herpes. These are usually collected at your medical clinic and sent to Clinical Labs for testing. 
• Blood tests to detect antibodies for HIV, hepatitis B & C and syphilis. These can be completed at any Clinical Labs collection centre with a doctor’s referral.  
• HPV screening for women, using the same swab collected for chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing. HPV testing is not currently available for men. 

Regular STI screening is recommended if you’re sexually active and meet any of the following criteria:⁴ 

• Want to get tested 
• Had unprotected sex 
• Have a new sexual partner(s) 
• Have had known exposure to an STI 
• Are aged 15-29 
• Live in or have travelled to areas with high STIs rates in Australia or overseas​ 

• 1 in 6 Australians will contract an STI during their lifetime¹ 
• In 2022, an estimated 1 in 27 females aged 15-29 had chlamydia² 
• Between 2013 and 2023, reported cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis surged by 169%³ 
• In 2023, males accounted for 69% of reported gonorrhoea cases and 78% of syphilis cases³ 
• Despite rising cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, testing has declined significantly since COVID, leading to many undiagnosed STIs in sexually active communities² 

Yes. Many people with common STIs are asymptomatic, especially females.⁴ 

• Chlamydia: 85-90% of people have no symptoms. 
• Gonorrhoea: Up to 70% of women have no symptoms. 
• Syphilis: Around 50% of people have no symptoms. 

Untreated STIs can lead to serious health complications, including: infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy complications, damage to other organs and even cancer.  

Yes. Many STIs can be treated with antibiotics, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. However, untreated infections can result in severe outcomes such as stillbirth, infertility and organ damage. Other STIs, such as herpes, HIV, and hepatitis B, can be managed with antiviral medications.  

Due to rising rates of antibiotic resistance, prevention and early treatment are more important than ever. Clinical Labs is committed to reducing the spread of STIs through increased awareness and encouraging regular testing among those at risk. The best way to protect yourself is to have regular testing, practice safe sex using condoms and get vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B. 

If you’re diagnosed with an STI, your current sexual partner(s) should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection. Avoid sexual activity while you and your partner(s) are undergoing treatment and until symptoms have resolved. 

• STI Patient Brochure    
• Patient Test Instructions – Collection of Urine for Chlamydia and/or Gonorrhoea 
• Patient Test Instructions – Self-Collect Vaginal Swab for Bacterial STIs 
• Patient Test Instructions – Self-Collect Anal/Rectal Swab for Bacterial STIs