Question 1

How soon after unprotected sex can I get tested?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can usually be detected after 14 days. HIV requires at least 18–45 days for a reliable result using a 4th-generation test, with 90 days for complete certainty. Syphilis takes 21–90 days. Testing too early can produce a false negative — use our STI Testing Timeline for your specific exposure date.

Question 2

What is included in a standard STI screen?

Accepted Answer

A standard screen typically covers chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. Depending on the clinic and your risk factors, it may also include hepatitis B and C, herpes, and trichomonas. Different sites require different swabs — if you have had anal or oral sex, make sure to request swabs from those sites too, as infections at these locations are often missed without targeted testing.

Question 3

Can you have an STI with no symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is very common. Chlamydia has no symptoms in about 70–80% of people. Gonorrhoea is asymptomatic in roughly 50% of those with penises and a higher proportion of those with vaginas. HIV often causes only mild or unrecognised symptoms during early infection. This is why regular testing is recommended even when you feel completely well.

Question 4

What does a chlamydia or gonorrhoea discharge look like?

Accepted Answer

Chlamydia discharge is typically thin, watery, and may be white or cloudy. Gonorrhoea discharge is often thicker, more yellow or green, and can be more abundant. However, discharge appearance is not a reliable way to distinguish infections — a swab and urine test are required for accurate diagnosis.

Question 5

Can STIs cause pain when urinating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Burning or stinging when urinating is a common symptom of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have had unprotected sex recently, request an STI screen alongside a urine culture to cover both possibilities.

Question 6

Are all STIs curable?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial STIs — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomonas — are curable with antibiotics. Viral STIs — HIV, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C — are not curable but are highly manageable. HIV is controlled with antiretroviral therapy; herpes is managed with antiviral medication to suppress outbreaks; hepatitis C can now be cured with direct-acting antiviral treatment in most cases.

Question 7

How is chlamydia treated?

Accepted Answer

Chlamydia is treated with a short course of antibiotics — typically a single dose of azithromycin, or a week-long course of doxycycline (which is more effective). You should avoid sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and ideally retested after 3 months. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems.

Chlamydia

Common questions about Chlamydia