What happens during a test?
It can be an embarrassing and stressful time thinking that you have a sexually transmitted infection. Remember, staff who work at sexual health clinics work in sexual health services every day and are non-judgmental and very supportive, take the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have.
If you visit a clinic such as a GUM clinic or family planning clinic the reception staff will give you a form to fill out asking for details such as your name, address and date of birth. All the information you provide is confidential and will not get passed onto your usual doctor.
A doctor, nurse or health adviser will see you for a consultation and they will ask you about your medical history, sexual health and recent sexual activity; they will want to know of any symptoms you may be experiencing and any medicines that you take.
This is so that they can gain an understanding of your sexual health and so that you can agree to the tests that you may need to have.
Taking a Test
There are a number of ways you can be tested for an STI. Depending on what you are being tested for will determine the type of test you need.
Tests may involve one or more of the following:
• Urine test
• Swab taken from the cervix
• Swab taken from the tip of the penis
• Blood test
• Swab taken from the mouth or anus
Test Results
I’m Positive, What Now?
If your test is positive for an STI, try not to worry; in many cases STIs are simple to treat and can be effectively cured by a course of antibiotics.
In some cases when an infection is more serious you may need to receive more intensive treatment.
This will be discussed with you when you receive your results.
If you have tested positive for an STI, it is important that you talk to your current sexual partner and sometimes your previous partners. Ideally they should also be tested. You will be given help and advice on how to talk to them about this.
