STI testing and treatment

STI tests are done by taking samples from the parts of your body you use when you have sex. The samples are taken with a swab — basically a long cotton bud. 

Either you, or a nurse or doctor, will take these samples.

If you use your penis for sex, you will be asked for a urine/mimi sample — so it’s important not to mimi before your appointment.

Sometimes, you may also need to get an external, or internal, examination to see if there are visible signs of an infection. Your nurse or doctor will also swab any sores, ulcers, or discharge that you have. 

Your test samples will be sent to a laboratory for testing. You should be contacted with your test results in 10 days. Call us if you haven't heard from us after 10 days.

You can do STI self-testing if you have no signs of infection.

You can't do an STI self test if you have any symptoms listed below, have oral or anal sex (you may need additional tests), or you want a full STI check that includes blood tests for syphilis and HIV. 

• 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

All our clinics offer STI self-testing. When you come to a clinic you won't need to see a doctor or nurse before completing the test.

You will need to answer a few questions to check the STI self-test is right for you. If it is:

• You can do the self-test — either taking a swab and/or a urine sample — in the privacy of our clinic bathroom

• You return the self-testing kit to the medical receptionist

• We will contact you in 10 days to let you know your results. Call us if you haven't heard from us after 10 days

• If you need treatment, we will help you book an appointment

If you would prefer to see a nurse for an STI test, you can still do this by making a regular appointment at one of our clinics. 

STI self-testing is not available for non-residents. If you're not a New Zealand resident, book an appointment instead.

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.