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 Tasmania. Click on the links below to find a clinic in your area and get it done.
Other Tasmania health services and resources
Other national health services and resources
Burnie
| City | Contact Information |
| Burnie | Sexual Health Service Tasmania 11 Jones Street Burnie TAS 7320 (03) 6434 6315 |
| Upper Burnie | Family Planning Tasmania 1 Pine Avenue Upper Burnie TAS 7320 (03) 6431 7692 www.fpt.asn.au burnie@fpt.asn.au |
Devonport
| City | Contact Information |
| Devonport | Sexual Health Service Tasmania 23 Steele Street Devonport TAS 7310 (03) 6421 7759 |
Hobart
| City | Contact Information |
| Gleanorchy | Family Planning Tasmania 421 Main Road Glenorchy TAS 7010 (03) 6273 9117 www.fpt.asn.au info@fpt.asn.au |
| Hobart | Sexual Health Service Tasmania 60 Collins Street Hobart TAS 7000 (03) 6233 3557 |
| Hobart
|
Clinic 319 TasCAHRD 319 Liverpool Street Hobart TAS 7000 (03) 6234 1242 www.tascahrd.org.au mail@tascahrd.org.au |
Launceston
| City | Contact Information |
| Launceston | Sexual Health Service Tasmania 42 Canning Street Launceston TAS 7250 (03) 6336 2216 |
| Launceston | Family Planning Tasmania 269 Wellington Street Launceston TAS 7250 (03) 6343 4566 www.fpt.asn.au lton@fpt.asn.au |
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 Tasmania health services and resources
| Service | Description |
| Family Planning Tasmania | www.fpt.asn.au
Family Planning Tasmania (FPT) is a state–wide, not for profit organisation providing sexual and reproductive health clinic and education services to all Tasmanians. FPT is the leading agency in Tasmania working in the area of sexual and reproductive health. |
| Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases | www.tascahrd.org.au
tasCAHRD A community based Tasmanian organisation which advocates & supports communities living with and/or affected by AIDS HIV, Hepatitis and related diseases |
| The Link | www.thelink.org.au
The Link is a safe, professional and confidential service that provides support, practical assistance, information, advocacy and referral services in relation to health and other related issues. All services are free of charge and confidential. |
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. |
