Clinics in Adelaide

STI and HIV Testing in Adelaide

Around 250,000 people have sex on an average day across Adelaide. South Australia Public Health reports indicate that rates of Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Chlamydia are running between 70 and 100 cases per 100,000 so statistically, you can expect between 500 and 750 people who are infected with one or more of these infections to be having sex and possibly transmitting their infection each and every day. And because many of these infections will not show any symptoms, they get spread between individuals easily. Additional figures published by SA Health revealed that almost 20 South Australians, including many in the state capital, Adelaide, are being diagnosed with Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea every single day. If you are worried about any of these STI's, have an active sex life, or have any other concerns about your sexual health, Better2Know is here to help with fast, efficient testing and pathology throughout the city of Adelaide.

At your STI testing clinic appointment in Adelaide, your discreet qualified phlebotomist or clinician will collect your blood, swab and/or urine samples. Once your samples have been collected, they will be sent to our certified, Australian laboratory for analysis. Your results will be ready within five working days of your sample’s arrival at our laboratory, though many of our tests will return your results even sooner. Results are reported securely and confidentially to your private patient area of our website. This is accessible at any time and visible only to yourself. A trained sexual health advisor will also contact you directly to discuss your results, unless you specify otherwise.

When can I get my STI test?

Better2Know uses the latest technology in its testing laboratory enabling us to detect infections as early as possible. We generally utilise PCR or NAATS (nucleic acid amplification testing) for the detection of bacterial STI's and serology tests (antibody tests) for viral STI's. We have a wide array of tests and methods available and our advisors can help you to choose the test that's right for you. It is important that you get the right test at the right time, otherwise you will risk not detecting any infection that might be there.

You might think that getting tested for an STI in Adelaide right after a risky sexual encounter is the right time. Unfortunately, this is not the case. All infections take some time before they can be detected by even the most sensitive of medical tests. This time is called the Window or Incubation period. This describes the time it takes either the organism itself to replicate enough so as to become detectable, or the time it takes your immune system to make enough antibodies for those to be detectable. To be certain you are getting the right test at the right time, why not call your own sexual health advisor on the number shown above and ask for advice. All our advisors are highly trained, are available 24/7, and will be happy to understand your circumstances and recommend the best tests for you.

What happens if I test Positive?

Testing positive for any STI is incredibly worrying but remember that lots of people across Adelaide get an STI at some point in their lives and get it sorted with help from Better2Know. Better2Know will help you every step of the way. We will get you information and advice, make you an appointment with our STI specialist doctor and make sure you get the treatment or referral that you need. Apart from any medication you might need, you get all this at no further cost to you. Just cover the cost of the test and we pick up all the rest.

If you do receive a positive diagnosis, the first thing to do is to stop having sex. This is the only way to be sure you do not pass the infection on to anyone else. Next, Better2Know will get you an appointment with one of our doctors who will answer your questions and get you the treatment you require. You will be speaking with our doctor and getting the follow up you need as quickly as you are available.

You should also think about letting your sexual partners know that you have tested positive. You can do this quickly and easily by using your Better2Know digital partner notification system. When you book with us, all your appointment details, information and test results will be in your own private "Patient Area" on our website. Only you have access to it. In this area you will also have access to our Partner Notification tool. This digital tool allows you to inform past partners that they should get tested as well. You can notify them anonymously if you prefer, so they don't know who might have given them the infection.

Once you have done this, and you are taking your medication, be sure to finish the whole course of treatment that has been prescribed. Not finishing your course of antibiotics will contribute to the further rise of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria across Adelaide and elsewhere. There are already worrying signs that Gonorrhoea is developing this resistance, along with Mycoplasma and other infections as well.

What is the difference between an STI and an STD?

An STI is a Sexually Transmitted Infection, and STD is a Sexually Transmitted Disease. For our purposes, the two terms mean the same thing but STI is generally considered to be a better way to describe these conditions. Either way, if you are worried about an STI or an STD the only thing to do to put your mind at rest, is to get yourself tested.

24 hour sexual health hotline

If you would like to book an appointment for an STI or HIV test in Adelaide, or just want to speak to someone about your sexual health, you can do so by calling Better2Know on the phone number above. Our welcoming Patient Services staff will listen to your situation, will understand the worries you are going through and suggest an appropriate course of action. This can include suggesting the best tests for you, explaining what the tests are for, help process your booking, and answer any further questions you may have. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. You can also book online by clicking "Select" next to the Adelaide STI testing clinic of your choice.

What should I do next?

Your next step is to book your STI test with Better2Know. Its quick, easy, efficient and you can get all the help and advice you need along the way. Click "Get Started" at the bottom of this page, click "Select" next to the Adelaide STI clinic of your choice or just ring us on the number above and get the peace of mind and better health you need.