Regular testing is the best way to look after your sexual health. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms, so a test is the only way to know for sure.
Introduction
Testing is free and confidential. We test for HIV and the most common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.
How you test depends on whether you have symptoms. If you feel well and want a regular check-up, you can usually test at home. If you have symptoms, come and see us.
Testing at home
If you have no symptoms, you can order a free self-sampling kit online. It comes in plain packaging, and the instructions show you how to take each sample.
Post your samples back in the envelope in the kit. Most results arrive by text message.
When to visit a clinic
Book an appointment instead of testing at home if any of these apply to you.
- You have symptoms such as discharge, sores, a rash or pain when you pass urine
- A sexual partner has told you they have an infection
- You may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours
How often to test
Test at least once a year if you are sexually active, and when you have a new partner. If you have more partners, or you take PrEP, test about every 3 months.
Window periods
A test can miss an infection that was caught very recently. This is called the window period, and it is different for each infection. If you think you were exposed recently, test now and ask us when to test again.