Clinics in Nelson Bay

Gonorrhoea Testing in Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay 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 Nelson Bay could not be easier with Better2Know by your side.

Is it true that some STIs have no symptoms?

Yes. Often STIs do not present any symptoms such as itching, soreness when urinating or during sex, flu-like symptoms, or unusual discharge. Symptoms, if they do appear, can vary between different people and different STIs. Some common STI infections such as Chlamydia can present no symptoms at all. Around 90% of men and 70% of women who are infected with Chlamydia will never show any symptoms.

Because of this, it is important that you test regularly for STIs in Nelson Bay. Regular testing at your local Better2Know clinic in Nelson Bay will provide you with the health information you need to keep yourself, and your sexual partners safe from symptomless STIs.

STIs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis A, B and C, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas are just a few common STIs that can present with no symptoms in the early stages of infection. No matter where you are, even in Nelson Bay, the risk of catching one of these infections is high.  Regular testing is the only way to protect your sexual health.

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

How often should I get tested for an STI?

You should get tested for an STI every time you have an encounter with a new sexual partner. It can be easy to let life in Nelson Bay take over and not prioritise your sexual health but protecting and maintaining your overall health as well as your sexual health will lead to a better understanding of yourself going forward.

Testing often in Nelson Bay is easy with your local Better2Know testing centre. With flexible appointment times we can fit into your schedule with ease.

What are the most common STIs in Nelson Bay?

The most common STIs in Nelson Bay include:

• Chlamydia

• Syphilis

• Gonorrhoea

• Mycoplasma

• Herpes

• HIV

• HPV

• Hepatitis B

Getting tested for these common STIs in Nelson Bay is important to protect your sexual health as well as the health of your sexual partners. Testing for these common STIs in Nelson Bay is easy with Better2Know who is ready to help you get your appointment booked and support you with the information you need to preserve your sexual and reproductive health.

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 Nelson Bay 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 Nelson Bay 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 Nelson Bay. 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 Nelson Bay 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 Nelson Bay to give you the peace of mind you require.

Better2Know will support you throughout your entire sexual health journey in Nelson Bay.