If you’re having sex, testing for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is just a normal part of sexual health. STIs often have no symptoms and the only way to know if you’re infected is with a test. Testing at least once a year helps you keep your health in check. Your sex life isn’t over just because you have a positive STI result. STIs are treatable and your healthcare provider can talk to you about how best to protect yourself and your partners going forward.
STI testing is easy and most services are free or low cost. All medical professionals are required by law to keep what you discuss private and this confidentiality can only be broken if there is serious concern for your or someone else’s safety.
For more information on what to expect during a sexual health check-up, click here.
Where to get tested
Finding a place to get tested for STIs is straightforward! Your local GP, sexual health clinic, or Family Planning clinic are all good places for a sexual health check-up.
While STI testing is usually best done in person, there is another option. Online testing allows you to go online, download and print a referral, skip the doctor’s office and go directly to a pathology centre for testing. Once the results are in, you are contacted by the service and referred for treatment if needed.
Some states have their own government supported services that provide chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing for free. Nationally, there are two private services that provide a range of tests at a cost.
One thing to keep in mind when deciding whether to test in person or online is that a sexual health check-up at your local clinic or GP provides you with the opportunity to discuss your health with someone who can answer any questions you might have, assess your risk, and decide the STI tests that are right for you.
Online testing isn’t for you if you have symptoms or have been told by a partner that they have an STI. In those instances, it is best to book in with your GP or a clinic.
Find a clinic or online testing service
Below is a list of services in in and around the ACT. Click on the links below to find a clinic in your area and get it done.
Other ACT health services and resources
Other national health services and resources
Canberra Metro
| Suburb | Contact Information |
| Bruce | headspace Canberra University of Canberra 170 Haydon Drive, Level B, Building 18 Bruce ACT 2601 (02) 6201 5343 headspace.org.au/ |
| Canberra City | Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT Level One, 28 University Avenue Canberra ACT 2601 (02) 6247 3077 www.shfpact.org.au/ shfpact@shfpact.org.au |
| Canberra City | The Junction Youth Health Services Club 12/25, Cnr of Cooyong Street and Scotts Crossing Canberra ACT 2601 (02) 6232 2423 www.anglicare.com.au/services/youth-family/health/#aclxrs junctioninfo@anglicare.com.au |
| Narrabundah | Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service 63 Boolimba Crescent Narrabundah ACT 2604 (02) 6284 6222 www.winnunga.org.au/ |
| Turner | STRIP Clinics AIDS Action Council of the ACT Havelock House 85 Northbourne Avenue Turner ACT 2612 (02) 6257 2855 www.aidsaction.org.au/aids-action-council-services/strip-clinics.html |
| Woden | Canberra Sexual Health Centre Building 5 (North Wing) Canberra Hospital Garran ACT 2605 (02) 6244 2184 www.health.act.gov.au/our-services/canberra-sexual-health-centre |
In and around the ACT
| City | Contact Information |
| Goulburn | Goulburn Community Health Centre 130 Goldsmith Street Goulburn NSW 2580 (02) 4827 3913 |
| Moruya | Moruya Community Health Moruya District Hospital 2 River Street Moruya NSW 2537 (02) 4474 1561 |
| Narooma | Narooma Community Health Centre- Sexual Health 14-28 Graham Street Narooma NSW 2546 (02) 4475 7200 or 1300 139 887 |
| Queanbeyan | Queanbeyan Community Health Centre Queanbeyan District Hospital Cnr Erin Street and Collett Street Queanbeyan NSW 2620 (02) 6150 7150 |
Online Testing
| National | |
| SmartHealth
|
Age: 18+ years old Cost: $55-$95 What they test for: · Chlamydia · Gonorrhoea · Syphilis · Hepatitis B · Hepatitis C · HIV sti.smarthealth.me |
| Stigma Health | Age: 16 + years old Cost: $21.99 for a Personalised Pathology Test Referral What they test for: · Chlamydia · Gonorrhoea · Syphilis · Hepatitis A · Hepatitis B · Hepatitis C · HIV www.stigmahealth.com/ |
Other ACT health services and resources
| Service | Description |
| AIDS Action Council of the ACT |
www.aidsaction.org.au/
AIDS Action Council of the ACT assists people impacted by HIV through a variety of services, education programs and works to raise awareness of HIV, to reduce stigma and educate on the importance of prevention, treatment and testing. |
| Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT |
www.shfpact.org.au
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) is a leader in sexual and reproductive health workforce development, health promotion and clinical service delivery to reduce barriers to improved sexual and reproductive health. |
Other national health services and resources
| Service | Description |
| Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet | www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet makes comprehensive, up–to–date information accessible to people interested in the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians |
| all good | allgood.org.au/
The all good website includes information, resources and service directories on STIs and BBVs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It includes a ‘find a service tab’ to find a local doctor, clinic or a testing centre that provides STI and BBV testing. The website also includes links to local support services. |
| Better to Know | www.bettertoknow.org.au/
‘Better to Know’ is a website for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women. It provides detailed information on STIs and BBVs, and on getting tested– in two sections, Men’s Business and Women’s Business. It can send SMS reminders to have a sexual health check and can also be used to notify recent sex partners anonymously that they need to have a sexual health check. |
| Body Talk | www.bodytalk.org.au/
Info for young people about the body, puberty, relationships and sexual health including STIs and contraception. |
| Family Planning NSW Talkline
|
www.fpnsw.org.au/talkline
Talkline provides free and confidential information, advice and options across a wide range of reproductive and sexual health issues. 1300 658 886 |
| Health Direct | www.healthdirect.gov.au/
healthdirect provides easy access to trusted, quality health information and advice online and over the phone. |
| Marie Stopes Australia | www.mariestopes.org.au/
Marie Stopes provides safe and supportive reproductive health services such as contraception, abortion, vasectomy, STI checks and more. |
| QLife | www.qlife.org.au/
QLife national telephone and web counselling service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, families and friends. |
| Reachout | www.reachout.com/
ReachOut helps under 25s with everyday questions through to tough times. |
| Young Deadly Free | youngdeadlyfree.org.au/
Young Deadly Free is all about raising awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs) affecting young people in regional and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They provide information and resources for young people; elders, parents and other adults; and doctors, nurses and other health workers. |
