FAQ’s (Sexual Health Clinic)

What is involved in a sexually transmitted infection test at my IPSA clinic?

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests are different depending on the types of symptoms that you present with and the clinical scenario. Following your full STI consultation with your IPSA physician, the best form of investigation will be determined and the test/s for STIs will be carried out immediately, which can involve urine tests, blood tests or swabs.
 
When will I get my STI test at my IPSA clinic?
Your STI tests will be undertaken during your IPSA STI consultation, as this allows your IPSA specialist to decide on the most suitable investigations and the type/s of test that would best suit you.
 
Is IPSA discrete?
Yes, IPSA operates with a strict policy of total confidentiality. Your STI results can be given to you personally at the clinic or over the phone directly to you. You decide how you would like to receive your test results.
 
What treatments are available at my IPSA clinic for STIs?
At your IPSA clinic, various STI antibiotic treatments are available, such as metronidazole, doxycycline, azithromycin, and acyclovir. Depending on the findings and on your personal medical circumstances, your IPSA clinician will prescribe either a high-level single dose (to be taken on one day only) or a lower-level dose that is taken over seven days.
 
Can my STI symptoms return?
In some cases, your STI symptoms can return. However, this is not likely if you have taken the full antibiotic course properly. You must always take the full antibiotic course, even if your STI symptoms disappear before you have finished the antibiotic course.
 
How often should I have STI testing?
Even if you have no symptoms, if you are active sexually then you should have STI testing carried out at least once each year.
 
What happens at my IPSA clinic if I test positive for an STI?
IPSA has an on-site late-opening pharmacy, and therefore your IPSA physician is able to initiate the management of your STI immediately. For certain conditions/clinical symptoms, your IPSA clinician might decide to start you on antibiotic treatment before your results have come in. If you do test positive for blood disorders such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, your IPSA physician will immediately refer you to an infectious disease clinic; this is so that the relevant treatment can be discussed with you and so that you can be started on the treatment immediately.
 
If I am infected with an STI, can I still have sex?
If you do have an STI infection then you should not have sex and should wait for a full week after taking your antibiotic medication before having sex again. However, if you do decide to have sex, then you should use a condom, as this helps to prevent your STI spreading to your sexual partner. Your IPSA physician will discuss this with you during your consultation.
 
Do I have to tell my partner that I have an STI?
Yes. It is extremely important to tell your partner that you have an STI; this is to avoid spreading your infection to them or to others.
 
Are there any side effects from STI treatments?
STIs are treated with antibiotic medications and so they rarely cause any side effects. Very occasionally, however, some people experience vomiting, nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, stomach irritation, a rash, diarrhoea, heart burn/indigestion, drowsiness, photo-sensitivity, or dizziness.
 
If you do suspect that you may have an STI or simply wish to be tested for your peace of mind, then book your totally confidential IPSA STI consultation online or call your nearest IPSA clinic for a same-day STI appointment.