Clinics in Coolum Beach

How are STIs diagnosed?

STIs in Coolum Beach can only be diagnosed by testing. If you are worried about a sexual encounter you have had, or if you are presenting some STI symptoms, call your local Better2Know testing centre in Coolum Beach now to get your testing appointment booked.

Sexually transmitted infections are tested for using a range of different testing methods, each dependent on the STI or STD that is being tested for. Tests can be run on simple blood samples, self-collection urine samples and swab samples. Each sample is collected by a highly trained doctor or nurse in Coolum Beach.

Testing with Better2Know in Coolum Beach will give you a fast and accurate diagnosis and excellent onward care and support.

What happens at my Sexual Health test in Coolum Beach?

When you arrive at your local Better2Know sexual health clinic in Coolum Beach, you will be greeted by one of our friendly and highly trained doctors or nurses. They will take you through to a private and discreet consultation room, where they will guide you through the testing process.

There they will take your sample and answer any questions you might have. You can carry on with your day as soon as your sample is collected.  You can expect your results in a matter of days. With no lengthy waiting periods your nearest Coolum Beach STI clinic ensures ease, speed, and accuracy when it comes to sexual health testing.

Gonorrhoea Testing in Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach has one of the highest rates of gonorrhoea infection in Australia. This is why testing yourself for Gonorrhoea has never been more important. By providing a simple urine or swab sample, you will know in a matter of just a few days if you are infected with Gonorrhoea.

Diagnosing Gonorrhoea early can prevent you from further health complications. The Gonorrhoea bacteria is increasingly gaining resistance to antibiotics. By testing and detecting it early, you will protect your health, reduce the rate of Gonorrhoea infections, and lower the number of antibiotic resistant cases of this worrying STI.

Testing for gonorrhoea in Coolum Beach could not be easier with Better2Know by your side.

HIV Testing in Coolum Beach

HIV testing in Coolum Beach is quick and simple. With one blood sample you can have your results in 1-2 days. No long waiting times and excellent information and support at every turn with Better2Know’s 24/7 sexual health advisory team.

HIV is a serious infection that can cause illness and even death, if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Regular testing is the only way to reliably know your HIV status.  Testing ensures that if you do test positive, your infection is detected early so that treatment can begin immediately.  Starting treatment early gives you the best chance of leading a normal length of life.

Your local Better2Know HIV testing centre in Coolum Beach offers a variety of HIV tests to ensure the correct diagnosis of this disease. Better2Know offers Molecular and Antibody/Antigen tests for HIV, ensuring you get the right test at the right time. Better2Know can advise you on the right test and open the door to your HIV testing journey in Coolum Beach. We will help you get tested, get you fast results and give you all the medical support you need should you test positive. Test with Better2Know for your peace of mind.

What is the difference between and STD and an STI?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are ultimately the same thing. The term STI has become more commonly used, as the word infection is not as daunting as the word disease. By using the word infection in place of the word disease, people are encouraged to get tested more regularly and to not be afraid of the result.

If you develop symptoms such as itching, soreness when urinating or blisters on the genital area, these are good indicators that you have an STI. Ignoring these symptoms can increase your chances of further serious health complications.

That is why regular testing in Coolum Beach is imperative especially after a new sexual encounter. Better2Know’s wide range of sexual health testing in Coolum Beach will provide you with the information you need, whether you have an STI, STD or even nothing!

Can I still have sex if I have an STI?

If you test positive, it is recommended that you stop all sexual activity until you have completed your full course of antibiotics prescribed for your infection. You might also want to have follow up tests as recommended by Better2Know or your doctor, and not have sex until these come back negative.

If you have tested positive for Herpes, HIV or HPV you should consult with your Better2Know doctor about best practice for safe sex as these viruses require different management and treatment and may need long term follow up testing.   If you do have sex in this time, be sure to practice safer sex and let your partner know the risks.

STIs in Coolum Beach are passed from person to person through bodily fluids. Although generally safe, kissing can also pass on STIs such as Herpes and HPV. With that in mind, it is always best to stop all sexual activity until you have finished your course of treatment.

Better2Know in Coolum Beach can answer all your questions regarding your positive result, offering 24/7 advice and guidance alongside consultations with your Better2Know doctor.

What should I do if I have an STI?

Do not worry if you have tested positive for an STI in Coolum Beach. Better2Know’s team of sexual health advisors and doctors are on hand to support and guide you through the next steps.

First, you should stop all sexual activity and inform any recent sexual partners of your result. You can do this anonymously with Better2Know’s partner notification system available in your secure patient area.

Your local team of advisors in Coolum Beach will then be able to help you organise your onward treatment and further testing if necessary. If you would prefer, your advisors can help you speak to other medical professionals in Coolum Beach to give you the peace of mind you require.

Better2Know will support you throughout your entire sexual health journey in Coolum Beach.