What is an STI Test?
An STI test tests you for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It is advised that you should have an STI test at least once every six months if you are having casual sex but do not have a regular partner. If you have lots of sexual partners then you should get tested at least once every three months. However, if you’re about to start a new relationship, it’s worth having a test and asking your partner to do the same.
Getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections is straightforward and confidential. Most infections can be cured.
What Happens During a Test?
One of our sexual health workers will ask you about your sexual history. This will include questions such as:
When you last had sex
Whether you've had unprotected sex
Whether you have any symptoms
You can ask to see a female or male sexual health worker if you prefer.
At The What? Centre, we provide testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
To test for HIV and syphilis, we use a point-of-care test (POC). This is a painless procedure in which our sexual health worker takes a spot of blood from the tip of your finger. A result is then shown within 60 seconds of taking the test.
A test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea involves the person providing a urine (pee) sample or a self-taken swab from the urethra.
What Happens Next?
With the POC test, you will get your result straight away. If the result for either comes back as ‘positive’, our sexual health worker will contact your nearest GUM clinic and arrange for an appointment for you to be seen as soon as possible to discuss treatment.
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, however, HIV, has no cure, but there are treatments available to enable someone who has HIV to live a healthy life. Our sexual health worker will support you and arrange for you to be seen by one our counsellors.
If the result for HIV comes back ‘negative’, depending on when you last had unprotected sex, you will be advised to return for another test, as it is a 90 days window for all, rapid point-of-care tests.
Urine samples and self-taken swabs will be sent to the laboratory. Results for chlamydia and gonorrhoea will then sent to you within two weeks. If the result for either comes back ‘positive’, you will be contacted to discuss treatment.
When Can I Book a Test?
We have appointments available:
Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Though we have walk-in appointments available, we encourage people to book an appointment prior to visiting The What? Centre. You can book an appointment here.
Do you Test Anywhere Else?
As well as providing testing at The What? Centre, we also run ‘Community Clinics’ at a variety of venues throughout the Dudley Borough. Click here to find out more.