Going to an STI appointment may seem like a nerve-wracking experience, but don't worry everyone is welcome and we won't judge you. If you want to feel more prepared though, here's what you can do to prepare, questions to expect and questions you might want to ask.
About your STI appointment
How you can prepare
- When you make the appointment, ask if there’s anything you need to do to prepare
- Plan how you will get to your appointment
- Make a list of any and all symptoms you’re experiencing
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you’re taking
- Make a list of any allergies
- Write down questions to ask your doctor
- Do not urinate for one hour before the visit if you’re a male. This is so that you can give a urine test. (Note: this will also apply to if you’re female and need / want a pregnancy test.)
- Keep well hydrated
- Eat something within 1 hour before appointment
Questions to expect
The questions below might seem quite personal. However, they will ensure that you receive the right tests and treatment plan. If you’re pregnant (or think you could be) or breastfeeding, you must let your health professional know.
We are here to listen not to judge so we expect you to be honest and tell us everything we need to know. This means we can offer you the right tests and treatment. All the information you give us will be kept private in keeping with confidentiality laws.
- What symptoms prompted you to come in? How long have you had these symptoms?
- Are you sexually active with men, women or both?
- Do you have one or multiple sex partners?
- How long have you been with your current partner or partners?
- Have you ever injected yourself with drugs?
- Have you ever had sex with someone who has injected drugs?
- How do you protect yourself from STIs?
- How do you prevent pregnancy or are you currently trying to get pregnant?
- Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you have chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, genital warts, syphilis or HIV?
- Have you ever been treated for a genital discharge, genital sores, painful urination or an infection of your sex organs?
- In the last year, how many sex partners have you had?
- In the last three months, how many people have you had sex with?
- When was your most recent sexual encounter?
Questions to ask your doctor
- How long will it take for me to receive my results?
- How will you notify me of my results?
- Is there anything I need to do while waiting for my results?
- Should I refrain from sex while being treated?
- Will my partner(s) need to be tested? How can I tell them? What if i don’t speak to my partner any more?
Other Information
If you think you have an STI, it’s best to stop having sex until you’ve have received medical advice. If you do have sex before getting medical advice, be sure to follow safe sex practices, such as using a condom when you have sex.