What happens when you go for an STI check

For some women, it can feel like an awkward task that can easily slide to the bottom of your to-do list.

To help make the process easier, let's explore what happens in an STI check, step by step. That way you can go into your appointment with information and confidence.

When would you have an STI check?

There are many reasons why an STI check is a good idea:

• You may be worried you have an STI – you may have found out that a current or previous sexual partner has an STI, or you may be experiencing symptoms.
• You may be visiting the doctor for another health issue – for example, for a cervical screening test – and your doctor suggests an STI check.
• You may have a new partner and before having sex you both get tested to make sure you’re free from STIs.
• You may get checked before or during a pregnancy – STIs can impact the health of both mother and baby.
• You may have regular STI checks as part of your health care routine.

If you’re sexually active and you’re not sure when to have STI checks, or how often, talk to your doctor. Everyone’s situation is different and it’s important to get the checks that are right for you.

The process, step by step

First up, when you’re getting an STI check, your doctor will ask you some questions about your general health and sexual history.

Some of these questions can be quite personal, so it’s good to know ahead of time what you may be asked. It’s important to answer as honestly as possible; if you feel unsure or uncomfortable at any time, mention this to your doctor.

Keep in mind, your doctor isn’t asking these questions to be nosy or to judge you – these questions are part of every STI check. Your doctor is simply trying to work out your risk of different STIs and which tests might be needed.

Questions may include:

• Have you had an STI check in the past? When was your last check?
• In the past 6 months, how many people have you had sex with?
• Do you have sex with men? Do you have sex with women? Do you have sex with transgender people?
• Do you have vaginal sex? Do you have oral sex? Do you have anal sex?
• Do you use contraception? How often do you use condoms?
• Do you have any symptoms? (Many STIs don't cause symptoms – but some women can experience painful sex, pain when weeing, a change in vaginal discharge, or bleeding.)
• When was your last period? Was it a normal period?
• Do you inject drugs? Have you injected drugs in the past?
• Do you have any tattoos or body piercings?

The low-down on testing

After these questions and any further discussion, it’s time to collect the samples for testing.

Going for an STI check doesn’t mean you will be tested for all STIs. Your doctor will advise which tests are recommended for you and how the samples will be collected.

An STI check usually involves a vaginal swab. If you don’t have any symptoms, you can collect the sample yourself. If you have symptoms or need to be examined for another reason (for example, a cervical screening test), your doctor may collect the sample as part of a vaginal examination.

A wee (urine) test can also be done but it is less accurate.

If you have had unprotected oral or anal sex, a throat swab or anal swab may be required. Sometimes you can collect the sample yourself – your doctor will advise.

To test for some STIs, such as hepatitis, a sample of blood is needed.

What happens next?

It usually takes between one and 2 weeks for your test results to come back. How you receive your results can vary. Sometimes you may need to make another appointment, other times you can receive your results over the phone or via email.

If you test positive for an STI, you’ll need to return to your doctor to discuss treatment. If you have chlamydia or gonorrhoea – 2 of the most common STIs – treatment is as simple as a course of antibiotics.

Your sexual partners will also need to be tested and treated if needed. Otherwise you could keep re-infecting each other or infecting others.

Finding out you have an STI can be distressing. However, not knowing and possibly infecting other people – as well as putting your long-term health at risk – can cause even more distress. Your doctor will help to guide you through the process.

Still feeling embarrassed or unsure?

Here are some more quick tips that might make getting an STI check easier:

• Make an appointment with your doctor about something else and then bring it up in the opening conversation. For example, you could say, ‘I came to see you because my leg is sore (or I need a new prescription), but I also may need an STI check’
• Remember, STI checks are a normal part of health care – doctors do them all the time. Your medical records and results are private and kept confidential.
• Consider going to a women’s health clinic or sexual health centre instead of your regular doctor. These centres specialise in sexual health care and may help you to feel more comfortable.

Find out more about STIs.