13 HEALTH Webtest
Testing for STIs
Having a sexual health check and getting tested regularly for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is a normal part of having a safe, healthy and confident sex life.
Many people who have STIs don’t notice any symptoms, so they don’t know they have an infection and can pass it on to others long after they are infected. Left untreated, STIs can lead to longer term health problems and put others at risk of being infected and having complications.
The only way to know for sure whether you have an STI is to be tested. The best way to do this is to ask your GP or sexual health clinic about getting tested for STIs as part of a more comprehensive sexual health check.
If you can’t get to a health professional, then it’s possible to order a free test for genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea online through 13 HEALTH Webtest.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea are two of the most common STIs in Queensland. Both are caused by bacteria and spread by having sex without a condom with someone who has the infection.
If left untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause longer-term health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, an infected and inflamed prostate gland, painfully swollen testicles, and issues with fertility and pregnancy.
The good news is that chlamydia and gonorrhoea are easy to test for and treat with antibiotics.
About 13 HEALTH Webtest
13 HEALTH Webtest is a free test for genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea that can be ordered online.
The test is available to Queenslanders 16 years and older. It’s confidential and you don’t need a Medicare card to order it.
Simply order a pathology request form online, provide a urine sample and receive the results confidentially by email, SMS or phone. Results can be available in 1-2 days in major cities.
The test will not be able to detect an infection until two weeks after you have been exposed. Testing before this time can mean the test is not able to detect an infection.
If the test result is positive, the 13 HEALTH Webtest team will call you and provide you with information and support to be treated as soon as possible. Treatment is simple and usually involves a dose or course of antibiotics.
What Webtest doesn’t detect
It’s important to understand that 13 HEALTH Webtest does not test for:
- chlamydia and gonorrhoea in other parts of your body, such as the throat or rectum if you have oral or anal sex without a condom or dental dam.
- other STIs such syphilis, genital herpes and HIV.
- other sexual or reproductive health issues.
If you are sexually active, you should see your GP or sexual health clinic for a sexual health check every year—or more often if you have multiple partners, start a new relationship, or have vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom or dental dam.
Support and advice
It’s normal to feel worried or anxious when getting tested for an STI and getting a positive result can be upsetting. Remember positive results are common and chlamydia and gonorrhoea are easy to treat. There are places that can provide support if you are feeling worried, such as:
- 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
- Lifeline (13 11 14).
Talking it through with people who understand is a great way to manage difficult feelings.
Other testing options
If you are under the age of 16, or would like more comprehensive STI testing you can contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for help to find a health service or find your nearest: