Sexually Transmitted (STI) screening

Anyone who has had unprotected sex (including a slip or break) may be at risk of getting an STI. Routine STI testing is recommended for all women having because: • STIs often have few or no symptoms, so testing might be the only way to find out if you are infected • Many STIs are easily treated, but if left untreated may become painful or cause long term health problems • Some STIs increase the risk of getting an infection after the .

STI testing We offer testing for , Gonorrhoea, , and HIV and as part of your care. These tests will be bulk billed, meaning there is no additional cost for these tests. If you are having a surgical abortion, all the tests can be done simply at the time of your procedure whilst you are under anaesthetic. If you are having a medical abortion in clinic or by telehealth, the blood tests are taken at the same time as your blood group and/or hormone testing and you take your own vaginal swab. It’s important to remember that you can still catch all these after you’ve had a negative test result. The infections also have a “window period” which means that if you’ve recently had unprotected sex, you may need a further test in a few weeks’ time. Getting your results If we receive a positive result, we will contact you within 7 days by your preferred method of contact and discuss treatment.

Getting treatment If your Chlamydia test is positive, we can provide you with the treatment for this infection. If any other tests are positive you will need to be treated by a sexual health clinic or other health service. Any sexual partners will also need to seek medical treatment. They can be informed by you or via an anonymous service such as www.letthemknow.org.au or www.bettertoknow.org.au . We can also send a copy of your results to you and any health service of your choice. Although the treatment for chlamydia is very effective, it is recommended to have another test three months later to make sure you haven’t been reinfected.

Opting out of testing If you choose not to have some or any of the above tests taken, please let us know during your consultation. If you are using the telehealth at home service, please advise the pathology service when you attend for your blood test. You will still require a blood sample for blood group and/or pregnancy hormone testing as this is essential for telehealth abortion.

Further information https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sexually-transmitted-infections-sti

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

Call 1300 003 707 (24 hours) or visit mariestopes.org.au

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STI Information

Chlamydia is caused by a sexually transmitted which can affect the , fallopian tubes, and in women. If untreated, it can spread to the uterus causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to lasting pelvic pain, fertility problems and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). More than 7 out of 10 women have no symptoms. Chlamydia is tested with a swab (like a cotton bud) to collect cells from inside your . You can take the swab yourself. It only takes a few seconds to get a sample and it doesn't hurt. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotic tablets. We can send these to you. To avoid re-infection your partner must also be treated.

Gonorrhoea is caused by a sexually transmitted bacteria which can affect the cervix, fallopian tubes, and urethra in women. If untreated, it can spread to the uterus causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Up to 8 out of 10 women have no symptoms. The same swab is used to test for both gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Gonorrhoea is treated with a single dose of antibiotic tablets together with an antibiotic injection. You will need to attend a local doctor or sexual health clinic for treatment. To avoid re-infection your partner must also be treated.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection passed on during sex and by skin contact with someone who has a sore or rash caused by syphilis. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. It can cause serious health problems if left untreated, such as serious damage to the heart, brain, bones, eyes and nervous, however, it is easy to cure if found early. The blood sample taken for your blood group will be tested for syphilis. If your syphilis test suggests an infection, you will be need to attend a local doctor or sexual health clinic for further testing and treatment. Syphilis is treated with . Your partner will also need testing and treatment.

Hepatitis B is a found in blood and other bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. You can get Hepatitis B when the blood or body fluids of a person with Hepatitis B enters your blood stream or body, such as during sex. Hepatitis means of the liver. Most adults do not develop any symptoms at the time of infection and completely recover. About 5% of adults who become infected with the develop long-term (chronic) Hepatitis B infection. Chronic infection means the virus stays in the bloodstream for a person’s entire life. A person with chronic Hepatitis B may ‘carry’ (and transmit) the virus for life without showing any signs or symptoms and may not know they have it. Chronic infection increases the risk of a person developing liver disease and cancer of the liver in later life. The blood sample taken for your blood group will be tested for Hepatitis B. If the test shows you have Hepatitis B you will need to see a local doctor for further monitoring and treatment. You may need antiviral . Immunisation is the best protection against Hepatitis B and is recommended for everyone.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a viral infection that weakens the body's ability to fight illness. Although infection is not common it is still important to be tested because the earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the outcome is for those infected with HIV. HIV is most often passed on during unprotected sex. It can also be passed on by sharing needles if injecting drugs or sharing drug-using equipment and from mother to child during and breastfeeding. Once someone is infected with HIV the virus will remain in their body for the rest of their life. There is currently no cure for HIV but treatment can help most people with HIV to live much longer and feel well. The blood sample taken for your blood group will be tested for HIV. HIV is managed with known as Anti- Retroviral (ART). You will need to attend a local doctor or sexual health clinic for this treatment. Your partner will also need testing.

Call 1300 003 707 (24 hours) or visit mariestopes.org.au

Prompt Doc No: <#doc_num> v<#ver_num> Page 2 of 2 Last Reviewed on: <#last_review_date> Effective from: <#issue_date> Due for Review : <#next_review_date> This Document is designed for online viewing. Once downloaded and printed copies of this document are deemed uncontrolled.