STI testing and treatment
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STI tests are a fast and easy way to check if you have a sexually transmissible infection (STI).
STI testing is all about keeping you — and the people you have sex with — safe. If you've had sex, or you’re planning to have sex, it’s a good idea to get tested for sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Lots of people get regular STI tests, just to be safe. If you're worried that you might have an STI, get an STI test.
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Getting an STI test
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Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa can help you test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. There are two ways to get an STI test:
- Make an appointment
- Do an STI self-test
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Should I make an appointment?
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You should make an appointment to see a nurse or doctor if:
- You have STI symptoms
- You have any questions about STIs or the tests you need
- You need treatment for an STI
- You’ve had sex with someone who’s tested positive for syphilis or HIV
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What are STI symptoms?
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STI symptoms include:
- Unusual discharge from your vagina, penis, or anus
- Pain when peeing
- Lumps or skin growths around your genitals or anus
- A rash
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Itchy genitals or anus
- Blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
If you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see a nurse or doctor.
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Should I do an STI self-test?
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An STI self-test is for people who don’t have symptoms.
STI self-tests are only available for people who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you're not eligible, book an appointment instead.
What if I've had sex with someone with an STI?
You can do a self-test if you’ve had sex with someone with chlamydia or gonorrhoea so long as you don’t have symptoms. Make sure you read the information on when you should take an STI self-test.
If you’ve had sex with someone with HIV or syphilis, you should make an appointment to see a nurse or doctor, even if you don’t have symptoms.
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When should I take an STI self-test?
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To test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
It can take up to two weeks after sex for chlamydia and gonorrhoea to show up on an STI test. If you test sooner than that, you may need to take another test to be sure of your results.
To test for syphilis and HIV
It can take up to three months after sex for HIV and syphilis to show up on an STI test. If you test sooner than that, you may need to do another test to be sure of your results.
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What do I need to do for an STI self-test?
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Different body parts are tested differently. You can test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea with vaginal swabs, throat swabs, anal (rectal) swabs, or urine samples – or a combination of these. You'll fill out an STI test selection form to make sure you get the right test kit.
The best way to test for HIV and syphilis is with a blood test at a laboratory. We’ll send you a text when you can go to the laboratory to do your blood test. It’s important you wait until you get this message before you go to the lab.
Everyone that does an STI self-test with us will be given a kit to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the clinic, and will be referred to a laboratory for HIV and syphilis tests. Some laboratories might also test for trichomoniasis when they test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
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How an STI self-test works
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First, fill out the STI test selection form and give it to the medical receptionist. This makes sure you get the right test kit. Everyone will be given a kit to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the clinic, and will be referred to a laboratory for HIV and syphilis tests.
Different laboratories around Aotearoa have different processes for testing your samples. Some laboratories might also test for trichomoniasis when they test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea tests
Do your swabs and/or urine sample in the clinic bathroom.
Return the test kit to the medical receptionist.
HIV and syphilis tests
Wait for us to text to you and let you know the laboratory is ready for your blood test.
Go to the lab and do your blood test.
Results
We’ll send you a text within 10 days to let you know if your results are normal or if you need to book an appointment. If you haven’t heard from us after 10 days, call us on 07 810 6610.
If you need an appointment, call our contact centre on 07 810 6610 to book. You’ll usually be able to see someone within 1 or 2 days of calling. At this appointment, we’ll talk about your results and offer treatment if needed. Normal fees will apply for this appointment.
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What does an appointment cost?
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Our appointments are free for New Zealand residents under 22 years old. If you are 22 years, or older, you’ll pay our standard appointment fees – unless you have a Community Services Card.
If you’re not a New Zealand resident, you’ll need to pay non-resident fees. Note that STI self-testing is not available for non-residents.
Check out our fees page for more details.
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