We know that the task of having an STI test sounds daunting, that’s why we’re here. So far we’ve managed to eliminate a lot of the barriers between you and an STI/STD test right? We’ve made it more convenient, awkward-free and cost effective, but we can’t remove that last hurdle for you, which is actually getting tested. Stigma Health can tell you it’s really not that bad though.
We offer testing for all of the following STI/STDs, however, our doctors will recommend on your personalised Pathology form which tests you should get. The tests are performed in the specified way for each.
If you suspect you may have contracted an STI it’s extremely important that you do not engage in any sexual activity, regardless of your relationship status, until you know that you’re safe and not at risk of infecting anyone else.
that we, like all medical practices, are required by law to report some STIs to the Federal and State Government Health Departments. Don’t panic, it’s all about stats, nothing about you. The information provided to them will never be used to identify individuals with STIs to the public in any way.
We know it’s awkward, but if you have tested positive or do test positive for an STI it’s imperative you tell any past/present partners who may be at risk so they can be tested and treated too.
If you’re struggling with how to tell a partner or past partner Let Them Know is a great resource and you can even notify someone via Email/SMS/Letter from their site either with your name or anonymously.
IMPORTANT: If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours do not proceed with a normal STI test, visit a doctor, hospital or specialty clinic ASAP so you can receive preventative post-exposure treatment (PEP).
IMPORTANT: If you believe you may have been exposed to Hepatitis B in the last 72 hours do not proceed with a normal STI test, visit a doctor, hospital or specialty clinic ASAP so you can receive preventative post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver; whilst there is a free vaccination available in Australia, it is still a major problem and a common cause of death in several parts of the world. It’s important to note that you may be more at risk of having been exposed to Hepatitis B if you’ve recently been travelling. You might be surprised at some of the common tourist destinations where Hepatitis B is still a serious issue. The virus is spread through blood, semen and vaginal excretions. It travels to the liver through the bloodstream and once in the liver, it uses your vital healthy cells in this hard working organ to multiply causing a response in your immune system.
Some people mistakenly think of Syphilis as a disease of the past, but it is not. In fact, the number of cases currently being diagnosed in Australia is on the rise. Syphilis was a very serious problem until an effective treatment, Penicillin, was developed in the 1940s, but it is still a serious concern today.
Gonorrhoea is not as easily treated as Chlamydia, but in comparison to the infection itself, it’s not so bad! You’ll need to take one course of antibiotics as specified in your Stigma Health test results, but you will also need to see a GP to get an injection of antibiotics. Again it’s really not that bad in comparison to the infection!
The symptoms of Chlamydia can be absent for months, but you can still pass on the infection and if it is left untreated it can lead to serious complications including infertility. It also makes you more susceptible to other STIs including HIV. Some symptoms to keep an eye out for, if you’re a lady, include pelvic pain, bleeding after sex or between periods. Guys if you notice a clear discharge from your penis or experience pain when urinating it’s a pretty fair sign you need to be tested.
Whether you’re exhibiting symptoms or not, all you have to do is pee in a cup and that’s it you’re done. From there your urine is tested for the presence of the bacteria. Simple as that.
If you think you may have contracted Chlamydia from oral or anal sex our Pathology Referral will allow you to be checked for this as well. You will just need to ask the Pathology Centre staff for swabs of the area in question to be taken.
All you have to do is take one dose of the antibiotic specified in your Stigma Health results one time, that’s it! For a limited time, we can even provide the script for you without the need for you to pay for an additional consultation. Your script will be automatically posted to you at the address you provide us when you order your Pathology Referral. Now that doesn’t sound too stressful right? However, you should refrain from any sexual activity for one week to let the infection fully resolve and get tested again 3 months after to make absolutely sure the infection is gone.
We are an online healthcare service that aims to make your life more convenient by eliminating the barriers like embarrassment and inconvenience, which often prevent people from undergoing simple medical tests. We started with STIs because they are a serious problem in Australia and are for the most part easily tested for and treated, but we will be expanding our service offering soon so stay tuned!