Sexual Health Tests For Women
Get the sexual health checks you need...
Lots of lesbians, especially young queer women, think that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can’t happen to them.
According to Australian research, almost one in ten young women who are same sex attracted have been diagnosed with an STI.
Sometimes, STIs will cause symptoms like itchiness or a discharge. With some STIs, you get no symptoms at all.
If you’re not diagnosed and treated early, you could be at risk of complications later on. Most STIs are easily treatable.
Have check-ups, get treatment...
Have a full sexual health check up at least once a year, or whenever you notice any symptoms or changes to your genital area.
Most of the time, a sexual health check up will include:
- a blood sample to check for HIV, syphilis and immunity to hepatitis A and B,
- a urine sample to check for chlamydia and other STIs,
- a vaginal examination to check for lumps, discharges and other abnormalities as well as crabs, warts, syphilis and herpes.
Depending on your recent sexual history, a vaginal, throat and/or anal swab may also be required (a swab is like a cotton bud you would use to clean the inside of your ears).
Talk to you health care provider about the sex you have to determine exactly what tests you need.
ACON can help you...
ACON can refer you to a lesbian-friendly GP, women’s health centre or sexual health centre for a check up.
For more info, contact Siri at smay@acon.org.au or on 9206 2007.