It is common to feel embarrassment, shame or fear when
talking about sexual health. However, these feelings should not stop you from
getting help.
Doctors and nurses are trained to look after our
health and they deal with sexual health matters all the time. If you talk to a
doctor or nurse about your health, it will remain private and confidential.
Sexual health tests are free, painless and confidential.
who should get a sexual
health test?
- Someone
who is starting a sexual relationship
- Someone
who is or was sexually active and
has not been tested
- Someone
who is or was injecting drugs and
has not been tested
- Someone
who thinks they may have received non-tested
blood products or had non-sterile
injections or medical procedures
in Australia
or overseas
why get tested?
A lot of
infections are easily treated - the sooner a person finds out they are
infected, the sooner they can begin treatment.
Many
infections can cause you a lot of harm if they are not treated. Again, the
sooner you find out the less harm will be done.
what does the test involve?
Testing for
HIV and hepatitis involves blood samples. Testing for STIs can involve swabs or
urine samples. Results from the tests can take one to two weeks.
what happens afterwards?
People
experience different reactions when they receive test results. People who find
out they have infections can experience shock, relief, anger, shame, fear or
sadness.
No matter
what the result on your test, you can receive counselling from the person who
does the testing, to make sure you understand the results and that you have
support.
where can I get tested?
You can get
tested at your local community health centre or general practitioner.
You can
also get tested at the Melbourne Sexual
Health Centre, on Swanston
Street in Melbourne city.
Call them on (03) 9347 0244 or
visit www.mshc.org.au