If you have recently become sexually active, have had sex without a condom, or are starting a new sexual relationship, it is wise to ensure that you are sexually healthy. Local clinics can be found with a quick online search “where can I find STD testing near me?”, but have you considered using an online clinic?
Instant Consult is the perfect answer for your busy life; if it is not convenient to book a GP appointment or if you do not live close to your local surgery, you can get help and advice when you need it between 6am and midnight AEST – 365 days a year. We work with only the highest qualified GPs to offer video consultation options that are the perfect complementary service to more traditional healthcare options.
Where Can I Find STD Testing Near Me?
One of the services that we can offer you is “STD testing near me”, wherever you are in Australia including Sydney and Perth.
Having regular sexual health checks should be a routine part of your general healthcare, and it is recommended that you get checked at least once a year to ensure that you are in the best possible sexual health.
Do I Need an STD Test?
There are several reasons that people do not have regular STD tests. Some people do not know that they are necessary on an annual basis, while other people do not feel comfortable discussing their sex life with the family GP.
There is still a Stigma to sexual health screening – and this might make you less confident about seeking help if you believe there might be a problem. Symptoms like painful urination, pelvic pain, or spotting could be an indication that you need an STI test, but it is always better to pre-empt a problem with regular and reliable testing.
What could happen if I’m not tested?
Not getting an STD test because you are uncomfortable discussing this very personal aspect of your life could lead to lifelong complications, including putting other people in danger – so the best thing to do is speak to a GP.
STD Testing is quick and discreet with Instant Consult
This is where Instant Consult can make a difference. You do not need to book an appointment with us; simply log on and request a consultation, and you will be connected to the next available fully trained GP. Many of our patients feel more comfortable talking about their private lives with a more remote facility, which means we can accurately assess your concerns and work with you to find the best course of action.
If you need an STI test, the doctor will issue you with a Pathology Request which you can print and present or email to your nearest local collection centre. The collection centre will send the test materials to be tested, and once we have received the results, we will be in touch to discuss your treatment options or arrange a prescription if necessary.
What About Private STD Testing?
As we know that many patients do not feel confident to talk about intimate issues with their family GP, there are people that are searching for “private STD checks near me”. When you are directed to the collection centre, everything is completed discreetly for maximum privacy. In terms of the cost of private testing, here at Instant Consult we can bulk bill for eligible patients, and consultations start from just $35 when paying privately, so getting the STI test you need on a private basis need not cost the earth.
Experience quality, discreet and fast STD tests with Instant Consult and look after your sexual health.
Instant Video Calls
Your platform to access fully qualified Doctors for an online health consultation…instantly
Speak to a Doctor now
What medications are used for STD treatment?
Most infections are treated with a course of antibiotics. If you are prescribed antibiotics, you must remember to continue taking the drug for the entirety of the course, even if the symptoms do subside quite quickly.
To treat gonorrhoea, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics like cefixime or ofloxacin, whereas about of syphilis will likely warrant a strong dose of penicillin. If you have contracted an infection but
your partner hasn’t, your GP may still recommend that your partner take the drug as well as a preventative measure.
However, not all infections will require antibiotics. Human papillomavirus (also known as HPV) is generally treated using topical preparations. Basically, this means that the patient will be applying a cream or solution to the affected area, as opposed to taking an oral tablet. While HPV has no cure, the infection will generally clear your immune system within two years. However, genital warts can be handled using a cream like podofilox or imiquimod.
How can I prevent needing STD testing?
There are many ways you can minimise your chances of contracting an infection. Using protection during intercourse is one way of greatly reducing the odds, however, it’s important to recognise that condoms are never 100% effective and spreading an infection or bacteria is still possible.
