Sometimes you may not have any symptoms, while other times you might.  The only way to be sure is to have a sexual health check with you Doctor.

Of course.

Regardless of how you identify, we welcome everyone to get tested regulary.

The regularity of STI screening will vary from person to person.  Depending on the frequency, type and number of sexual partners you have will mean different testing timeframes.

Some patients are tested monthly while others every 12 months.  The most common frequency of testing is every 3 months for our patients.

Your Doctor can guide you on the frequency of STI testing for your situation.  The final decision is always your choice.

An STI screening at Stonewall will vary from patient to patient.  A number of factors will be considered for your STI screen.  The amount of sex, frequency and type of sex will be part of the discussion.

Our STI screening may include some or all of the following:

• swabs of the throat and rectum
• urine sample &
• blood sample

We respect your right to privacy and choice and want you to feel comfortable.

You have the final say on all of the following:

• what ways we collect samples
• what parts of your body samples are collected from
• if a physical examination is required or not

Stonewall is a sex positive environment and you should not feel worried about discussing all things sex with your Doctor.

Smptoms of STIs vary.  Common syptoms include:

• discharge from the penins, vagina or rectum
• pain or burning feeling when urinating
• itching around the genitals
• bleeding between periods in women
• swollen or tender testicles or scrotum
• sores, blisters or warts around the genitals
• fatigue, diarrohea or fever
• rash
• swollen lymph nodes

If you have symptoms, please let our reception team know when calling.  Most days we can get you in the same day.

Depending on what tests are done will determine how long before you have results.  Some tests come back the next day while others can take up to a week.

Speak with your Doctor during your consult and they will give you the expected timeframe for your results to be available.

Some times you are able to call our reception team and they will give you your results over the phone.  Other times we may call you to discuss your result.

Stonewall respects the privacy of all who attend the Practice.  With that in mind some patients prefer to be tested under a pseudonym (fake name) or anonymously.

We are happy to work with everyone when it comes to individual needs within the limits of the law.  For instance, we cannot bulk bill your STI testing to Medicare if you do not provide your Medicare details.

If you’re wanting to have your testing done anonymously, we will discuss the testing costs prior to sending your samples to the pathology lab.

Your STI results will not be released to anyone without your prior consent.  This is regardless of if you use a pseudonym or not.

Make an appointment with your Doctor and get tested.  This is the only way to know for sure if you have it too.

No.

If you have recently been diagnosed with an STI, contact tracing involves contacting your previous sexual partners who may have been exposed or exposed you to an STI.  Contact tracing is important to help stop the spread of STIs.

Stonewall offers a safe space that values the privacy and choice of all who attend.

Contact tracing can be done in a number of ways. Some people choose to contact partners directly.  Others choose to use an online contact tracing service that can send the partner an SMS or email.

www.letthemknow.org.au

https://www.thedramadownunder.info/

If you feel uncomfortable contact tracing ,  speak with your Doctor or our Practice Nurse as they may be able to do it for you.

Check out our HIV PEP & PrEP page.

Check out our HIV PEP & PrEP page.