It’s time for a sexual health check-up!
People with sexually transmissible infections (STIs) usually have no symptoms, but these infections can cause serious long-term outcomes, such as pain or infertility, if not treated.
If you’re having any sex, it’s best to get tested every 6–12 months, even if you have a regular sexual partner. To find your nearest GP, Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, sexual health clinic or community-based health service at https://www.stoptherise.initiatives.qld.gov.au/sti-testing/how-to-book-an-sti-test
You may need more frequent testing if you change sexual partners, if your partner is diagnosed with an STI, or if a condom breaks or slips off during sex. You can test more often between annual checks at https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/sexual-health/chlamydia-test/about-13health-webtest
It’s not recommended that at-home and online self-testing be used as a replacement for annual sexual health testing by a health professional, but as an in-between or extra test. Please see your GP or health professional if you’re sexually active and:
• You haven’t had a comprehensive sexual health check in the last year
• You’ve changed partners or had more than one partner
• You have symptoms that may be an STI
What is the 13 HEALTH Webtest?
This is a free, urine-only test available online from the Queensland Government to check for genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea, the two most common sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Australia. Your test requests are confidential, and all information collected is de-identified.
Why have a Webtest?
It is important to get checked if you think you may have been exposed to an STI because most people with an STI have no symptoms. A Webtest is a convenient way to get tested.
Who can have a Webtest?
People living in Queensland aged 16 and over, including those without a Medicare Card.
You can check how Webtest works and your eligibility here at https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/sexual-health/chlamydia-test
How can ECCQ help you?
If you need assistance accessing Webtest, please contact ECCQ at [email protected] or refer to our list of bilingual health workers who can assist you directly. You can find the list at www.eccq.com.au/bbv. We can also help if you require an interpreter.
Our team offers community workshops in various languages to help you understand common STIs, prevention methods, and how to access care if needed.
If you need free condoms, contact the Love Health Program at ECCQ via [email protected] or order online at www.eccq.com.au/condoms. We can post condoms to individuals living in Queensland.
Information about STIs is available in multiple languages on our website: www.eccq.com.au/bbv. For additional resources, visit https://www.stoptherise.initiatives.qld.gov.au.
If you are in Cairns, you can contact the team at Cairns Sexual Health Services by calling (07) 4226 4769 or emailing [email protected].
