How to ask for an STD test at the doctor

Even today, when so much knowledge is available to anyone with an internet connection, many people have a hard time talking about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). And when it’s hard to talk about something, it can be even more difficult to address the problem.

If you’re struggling with the idea of going to the doctor, the good news is that you don’t need to see a doctor to get tested for an STD.

With Better2Know, you can get tested for a range of infections at a sexual health clinic near you. Get started by selecting your postcode or city from the available options and browse our range of tests and screens. You can often make an appointment for the same or next day.

If you still want to see a doctor, a private doctor’s consultation will be the best option for you. During your consultation, you can talk to your doctor about your concerns and any test results you may have received.

But if you’re struggling with the thought of talking to a doctor, here are some things to keep in mind…

Stigma around getting and having STDs still affects many people. For a variety of social and cultural reasons, those who are sexually active and want to get tested still worry that confirmation of their sexual status will lead to largely negative outcomes, whether socially, culturally, or psychologically.

This stigma can keep people from getting tested and treated, making negative health outcomes more likely. Not getting tested will also increase the likelihood of spreading whatever infections they may already have.

It can be difficult to overcome this fear. But it’s always better to know your sexual status. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re struggling with these feelings:

• Having an STD doesn’t mean you’re a bad person: All sorts of people can get STDs. No matter your sexual history, the only thing that matters is doing what’s best for your health and the health of your sexual partners.
• STDs are incredibly common: Tens of thousands of people get STDs every year. The Australian government estimates that 16% of people will get an STD at some point in their lives.
• Most STDs can be cured: The vast majority of STIs can be cured with medication, sometimes with a single dose. Even STDs that don’t have a cure can be managed with the right medication and care.
• Untreated STDs can harm your long-term health: STDs can cause a range of serious health conditions, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), fertility problems, issues carrying and delivering a pregnancy, damage to organ systems, and more. That’s why it’s important to get tested if you think you may have an STD.

If you’re ready to talk to a doctor about STDs, here are some things to keep in mind.

Whenever you’re dealing with your health, it’s important to find healthcare professionals with whom you have a good relationship. If you don’t feel comfortable with a certain doctor, it’s perfectly fine to try to find someone else.

Once you’ve found a doctor you trust, ask for an STI check. Your doctor may ask about your sexual history, including how many partners you’ve had and what kind of sex you’ve had.

They’ll also likely ask you if you are experiencing any symptoms of an STD. Symptoms can vary depending on the infection in question, but they may include:

• Itching or burning sensations in the genitals or the groin area
• Any unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning sensations during urination
• Pain during normal sexual intercourse
• New and unusual skin blemishes such as warts, sores, blisters, chancres, or rashes in or around the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Lasting pain in the lower abdomen
• Symptoms that may be mistaken for the flu or other infections, such as fever, body aches, or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual vaginal bleeding between periods

However, you don’t need any symptoms to go to the doctor or to arrange and STD test. Most people who have an STD don’t experience any symptoms. This is particularly true in the early days of an infection.

Sometimes, when you’re concerned about sexually transmissible infections, it can help to have a bit more information about individual infections. Knowing how an infection will behave can arm you with useful information when deciding how to take the appropriate action for your health.

You can find lots of information on the Better2Know website on the most common sexually transmitted infections:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Herpes
• HPV
• Gardnerella
• Mycoplasma
• Ureaplasma
• Trichomonas

If you test positive for an STD, the most important thing is not to panic. Your test results may take a few days to come back.

If the result is positive, your doctor will discuss treatment options, next steps, and whether you should contact your previous sexual partners. If you have a bacterial infection like Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, you will likely be prescribed a small amount of antibiotics. Treatment for these infections can be completed in a few days.

If you test positive for infections like HIV or Hepatitis B, your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist for further effective treatment.

FAQs

How often should I get tested for STIs?

If you’re sexually active, testing frequency depends on your personal risk factors, such as whether you have new or multiple partners. Many people choose regular screening as part of their routine healthcare, even when they feel well.

Can I choose which STIs I am tested for?

Yes. Depending on your situation, you may be able to choose individual tests or a wider STI screen. If you get tested with Better2Know, you can customise your screening package to meet your needs.

Should my partner get tested too?

If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, it’s sensible for current partners to consider testing as well. This can help protect both your health and theirs.

Can I get tested if I do not know when I may have been exposed?

Yes. If you are unsure when exposure may have happened, explain this when arranging your test. If you contact Better2Know about your situation, we can advise on suitable tests and whether repeat testing may be needed.

Shame and stigma should never keep anyone from getting the healthcare they need. But if you’re struggling to see a doctor about STDs, Better2Know can help you with a sexual health service that puts your confidentiality first. Get reliable STI testing at one of our many Australia sexual health clinics and book your appointment today.

Want more information? Call the number at the top of this page to speak to one of Better2Know’s trained Sexual Health Advisors. They can discuss your situation with you and help you determine a course of action that will help you secure your sexual health for today and into the future.

This article first appeared on 01/03/2026. Last updated 19/06/2026.