What happens during a sexual health check-up

A sexual health check-up usually involves these 3 steps:

Step 1 – Checking your sexual health history

First, your health professional will ask about your sexual health history. This will help them work out what STI tests you may need.

This is a good time to talk about any sexual health concerns you have, and for them to give useful information for what's going on. Anything you talk about and any information you give is confidential and stays between you and the clinician.

It may seem a bit personal, but it’s an important part in making sure you get the right tests and support you need.

Step 2 – Doing the tests

Based on your sexual health history, your health professional will explain which tests you should have. Most of them involve peeing in a cup, getting a blood test, or taking a swab in the vagina, anus or throat. You may be able to collect some of the swabs yourself.

People with a cervix may also need a cervical examination to look for signs of an STI. You may also be offered a Cervical Screening Test if you're due for one. Your clinician will discuss this with you first, so you know what you're being tested for.

Step 3 – Getting your test results

During the appointment, the clinician will tell you how they will contact you with the results – these can take a couple of days to come through.

If your test comes back positive, they will get in touch with you to organise treatment. Most STIs can be treated quickly and easily, especially when you're diagnosed early.

If you feel uncomfortable

It can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing getting a sexual health check, but just remember that health professionals do them every day.

Let the clinician know if you feel uncomfortable answering any of the questions. If you’re feeling too uncomfortable to continue the appointment, you have the right to ask to see someone else.

Book an STI test

Getting tested for STIs is a normal part of a healthy sex life. STI tests are quick, easy, confidential and often free.

Find a GP or local health service

Visiting a sexual health clinic

Watch these short videos to find out more about visiting a sexual health clinic.

Duration: 3:05

Show transcript

Sexual health checks are available to everyone and should be part of a general health routine for all sexually active people. Some sexually transmissible infections, or STIs, are quite common, and they can cause long term health issues if left untreated.

Across Australia, clinicians and health workers see people every day about their concerns and questions regarding sexual health.

Some of the reasons you might want a sexual health check include if you are sexually active, you would like to learn about contraception, you need sexual health advice, a partner has suggested you need a check, or you just have questions about your sexuality.

Sexual health checks are available from GPs, sexual health clinics, reproductive health services and men’s and women’s health staff in remote clinics.

Before you decide where to get your sexual health check, there are a few things to consider:

GP clinics are usually the best place to get a check if you have no symptoms , or just have some questions. Some will bulk bill which means your appointment will be free. Other GPs will charge you a fee, so you may want to check first.

Sexual health clinics are run by Queensland Health and provide free services.

Reproductive health services are run by non-government organisations and may also provide free services for eligible people.

In some cases you will need a Medicare Card and to call and make an appointment beforehand.

When you visit a health service for the first time, you are usually asked to fill in a form with your name and contact details.

You will then speak with a clinician or health worker. This is your time to ask questions regarding your sexual health.

Some of the things you might want to talk about include contraception, your sexuality, STIs, if you’re at risk of HIV infection, using condoms, and your sexual relationships.

During your visit, the clinician or health worker might want to learn a few things about you.

They might ask you when you last had sex, if you have sex with men, women or both, when you last changed your sexual partner, if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex, if you use condoms, if you have symptoms or if you’ve ever injected drugs.

You might feel uncomfortable if some of the questions asked are personal. But remember the clinician is used to having these conversations so don’t feel embarrassed.

Providing accurate information also means that you will get the best advice and treatment if needed.

During your appointment It might also be necessary to take some tests. The clinician might want to swab your mouth, anus or genitals or any sores or blisters you have. You might also be asked to provide a urine or blood sample.

Although it can feel overwhelming to have a sexual health check, you are protecting your health and the health of others.

Duration: 3:15

Show transcript

Sexual health checks are available to everyone and should be part of a general health routine for all sexually active people. Some sexually transmissible infections, or STIs, are quite common and they can cause long-term health issues if left untreated. Across Australia, clinicians and health workers see people every day about their concerns and questions regarding sexual health. Some of the reasons you might want a sexual health check include if you are sexually active, if you would like to learn about contraception, if you need sexual health advice, a partner has suggested you need a check, or you just have questions about your sexuality.

Sexual health checks are available from GP clinics, sexual health clinics, reproductive health services, and men's and women's health staff in remote clinics. Before you decide where to get your sexual health check, there are a few things to consider. GP clinics are usually the best place to get a check if you have no symptoms or just have some questions. Some will bulk bill, which means your appointment will be free. Other GPs will charge you a fee, so you may want to check first.

Sexual health clinics are run by Queensland Health and provide free services. Reproductive health services are run by non-government organizations and may also provide free services for eligible people. In some cases, you will need a Medicare card and to call and make an appointment beforehand. When you visit a health service for the first time, you are usually asked to fill in a form with your name and contact details. You will then speak with a clinician or health worker. This is your time to ask questions regarding your sexual health.

Some of the things you might want to ask about include types of contraception, STIs, pregnancy, periods, and cervical screening. You might also talk about things like your sexuality, if you're at risk of HIV infection, and sexual relationships. During your visit, the clinician or health worker might want to learn a few things about you. They might ask you when you last had sex, if you have sex with men, women, or both, when you last changed your sexual partner, if you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex, if you use condoms, if you have symptoms, or if you've ever injected drugs.

You might feel uncomfortable, especially if some of the questions asked are personal, but remember the clinician is used to having these conversations, so don't feel embarrassed. Providing accurate information also means that you will get the best advice. Some STIs can lead to serious long-term health problems if not treated. During your appointment, it might also be necessary to take some tests. The clinician might want to swab your mouth, anus, or genitals, or any sores or blisters you have. You might also be asked to provide a urine or blood sample. Although it can feel overwhelming to have a sexual health check, you are protecting your health and the health of others.