Clinics in Gold Coast

STI and HIV Testing in the Gold Coast

Better2Know has many private discreet sexual health clinics and collection centres across the Gold Coast. We have facilities in locations such as Southport and Mermaid Beach, with same or next day availability six days a week at selected locations across the city and surrounding areas. Getting tested could not be easier. To find the test that is right for you from our wide range of options just click "Select" below the clinic that is nearest to you or "Get Started" at the bottom of this page. This will take you to descriptions of each test and panel and you can choose which one best meets your needs. If you are not sure, then just call us on the freephone number listed here and speak directly to one of our friendly advisors. We are available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Remember, Better2Know has been helping people get tested for STI's across Australia and around the world for almost 20 years. We have heard it all before so there is no need to be embarrassed! Just tell us what happened, what is worrying you, and we will be able to suggest the right things to do. Testing is incredibly important. As most STI's do not show any symptoms, the only way to know if you are carrying an infection is to get tested. We can also give you advise on which sexual practices carry the most risk of transmitting infections and guide you towards a better understanding of your health.

What is happening with STI infection rates in the Gold Coast?

In the Gold Coast, Gonorrhoea infection rates have spike by 56% in the past 5 years. This alarming increase in Gonorrhoea infections is mirrored by more than a 50% increase in Syphilis cases over the past 10 years. According to the Kirby Institute, over 42,000 cases of Gonorrhoea were detected in Australia last year, and over 94,000 cases of Chlamydia in the same period. To put it into context, that figure is more than double the number of Gonorrhoea infections than was the case in 2006. This represents a very significant rise, and it is not just Gonorrhoea infections that are on the increase. Cases of Syphilis are also increasing. Syphilis infections can lead to organ damage if not detected early. Mothers can also pass this infection on to their babies so getting tested if you are planning a pregnancy is essential. Getting tested with Better2Know at any one of our many Gold Coast clinics will get you the answers you need. If you test positive, we will get you treated and cured, helping you to live a better and healthier life.

If you are worried about your sexual health or have concerns about Gonorrhoea, or any other STI, Better2Know can help with fast, accurate testing and pathology in Southport, Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach, Mermaid Beach, and many other locations up and down the rest of the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast 24 hour sexual health hotline

To arrange your confidential appointment online, please click "Select" next to the clinic of your choice or hit the "Get Started" button below and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can make your booking over the phone by calling our Patient Services team today on the telephone number displayed above. Our Sexual Health advisors are ready to speak to you in person. We will listen carefully to what you tell us and draw upon our extensive knowledge of sexual health and diagnostics to suggest the right tests for you.

When can I get tested?

You might think that getting tested for an STI in the Gold Coast right after a risky sexual encounter is the right time. Unfortunately, this is simply 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 Period 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.

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.

What happens if I test Positive?

Testing positive for any STI is incredibly worrying. Rest assured however that if you test with Better2Know we will help you every step of the way.

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 should also think about letting your sexual partners know that you have tested positive. With Better2Know you can do this quickly and easily. 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 will enable 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, 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 in the Gold Coast and elsewhere. There are already worrying signs that Gonorrhoea is developing this resistance, along with Mycoplasma and other infections as well.

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" below, click "Select" next to the clinic of your choice or just ring us on the number above and get the peace of mind and better health you want.