Sexual health clinics can offer testing for a full range of STIs. Many STIs don’t have obvious symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you have had unprotected sex. When you come to a clinic, the staff will talk to you about your visit, and ask some questions to identify which tests you may need. Different STIs require different tests but will usually involve giving a blood or urine sample, taking a swab or having a visual examination by a health professional. There are also different timeframes involved, check out the STI page for details about testing and timeframes for different STIs. Getting your test results may vary from service to service. Some will take a few days, some may take longer so check how long you have to wait for your results with the person that does an STI test with you. Most clinics will ask what the best way to contact you is, so that they can get in touch with your test results. You may have the option of getting a phone call, getting sent a text message or being emailed. You can state your preference when you have your test done too. If you have symptoms of an STI, or a test gives an immediate result, a nurse or doctor can give you treatment then and there to start taking. However, sometimes you may need to wait for a positive test result, which can take a couple of weeks to come back. before they will give you treatment. A sexual health advisor can support you with any questions you may have about your test results, STI information, and help and support around accessing and taking treatments. Remember - condoms, femidoms and dental dams are the only methods of contraception that protect you against STIs as well as pregnancy so we advise to always use one of these methods.