Clinics in Cairns

STI and HIV testing in Cairns

Positive STI diagnoses have continued to increase in Cairns and across Queensland during the last few years. Health authorities in Cairns have declared a major STI outbreak in 2026 after gonorrhoea and syphilis cases doubled compared to the previous year, logging more than 600 total cases of those two infections by September.

These figures continue the trend of rising STI infections. Over the past 10 years, rates of syphilis infections have surged, with infection rates more than doubling over the past decade. Syphilis infections have long been concentrated amongst gay and bisexual men, but more recent trends show infection rates amongst heterosexuals and women of reproductive age rising to all time highs.

Similarly, rates of gonorrhoea infection are also sharply up, having risen between 50% and 75% when compared to rates 10 years ago.

Some good news is that rates of new Chlamydia infections across Cairns, whilst deeply entrenched, are showing signs of slowing.

Better2Know is Australia’s leading provider of private STI testing services. Our conveniently located sample collection centres in Cairns offer comprehensive testing for the widest range of harmful infections. We can get you tested for:

• HIV

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Syphilis

• Herpes I/II

• HPV

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• Mycoplasma

• Ureaplasma

• Trichomonas

These STIs can be tested for individually or as part of a combination of tests, known as a screen or a panel. Our screens have been specially put together by our sexual health experts and are designed to meet your personal requirements. If you would like a doctor’s consultation, either before or after your test, Better2Know can make the appropriate arrangements for you. Better2Know’s tests and services in Cairns are available to local residents, visitors and expatriates alike.

Is it true that some STIs have no symptoms?

Yes. Most STIs do not present any symptoms particularly during the first weeks and months of the infection. Symptoms such as itching, soreness, pain when urinating or during sex, flu-like symptoms, or unusual discharge can be indicators of an STI but it is never a good idea to rely on these symptoms as many other conditions can give rise to the same complaints.

Symptoms, if they do appear, can vary between different people and different STIs. Some of the most common STI infections such as Chlamydia can present no symptoms at all. Around 90% of men and 70% of women who are infected with Chlamydia will never show any symptoms.

Because of this, it is important that you test regularly for STIs in Cairns. Regular testing at your local Better2Know clinic in Cairns will provide you with the health care you need to keep yourself, and your sexual partners safe from symptomless STIs.

STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis A, B and C, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas are just a few common STIs that can present with no symptoms in the early stages of infection. No matter where you are in Cairns, the risk of catching one of these infections is high. The Australian Centre for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 6 Australians will contract an STI in their lifetime. This is a stark reminder of the importance of getting tested regularly.  Regular testing is the only way to protect your sexual health.

STI and an STD: What is the difference?

An STI is a Sexually Transmitted Infection, and STD is a Sexually Transmitted Disease. There is no real difference between them. They both can include infections like HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and Herpes, but Doctors have said that patients prefer to test and treat for an infection. So STI has become the more widespread word used in day to day conversation.

Technically, an infection might describe the state of being infected, whilst disease can refer to a state of displaying the harmful effects of having that infection. Either way, it is always Better2Know's objective to get you tested and diagnosed early, before any infection has the opportunity to do you any harm. So take care of your health and get tested for the STI's that worry you now.

Cairns 24 hour sexual health hotline

To make an appointment, call our friendly booking team today on the telephone number at the top of the page. Our experienced and discreet Patient Services team will be happy to take your call and answer any further questions you may have. Alternatively, click Select next to your Cairns STI testing clinic of choice and review our extensive menu of STI tests and screens that are available.