 There’s always the question of how to best manage the post party weekend. Lots of nice fresh food, plenty of water, rest, some time in the sun…. and don’t forget an STI test!
Using events like Mardis Gras or Pride as reminders is a good way to make sure you stay regular with your sexual health checks. Whether you had some action in Sydney, or if it’s just been some time since you had a sexual health check up, why not make a commitment to yourself to pop into a clinic. STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can be detected after only one week. Others like HIV, syphilis and hepatitis require a follow up test a few months later.
There are many benefits to testing for STIs. The majority of them can be cured, the ones that can’t be cured can be treated and managed. Treating or curing STIs makes you generally more healthy, prevents long term health complications, and significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. It’s important to remember that STIs can have no symptoms so the only way to be sure is to test.
To make testing easier for people we have set up a system whereby you can make an appointment to come into WAAC at 664 Murray St, West Perth for a pre-test discussion and then walk next door to Clinipath for the tests. It is a free Medicare based bulk billing system - so don’t forget your Medicare card.
Don’t forget the sexual health clinics at Royal Perth Hospital, Fremantle Hospital, FPWA, and the anonymous testing at the saunas on Monday nights. The new system with Clinipath is simply another convenient option for people to use.
One person said about the new service; “It’s great for me because I know where WAAC is and it’s close to where I work. I catch the Red Cat during my lunch break and get all the tests I need done.”
If you require any further information about testing at WAAC, saunas, sexual health clinics, or GPs please call the AIDS Council on 9482 0000.
Press Release; written by Ben Bradstreet- Gay Men’s Peer Educator
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