Getting an STI test doesn’t have to feel complicated or scary. You’re taking care of your health, which shows you’re smart. Most tests work quickly, privately, and straightforwardly.

Whether you’ve noticed symptoms, had unprotected sex, or just want a routine check, understanding how STI tests work for men makes the whole process easier.

Book a confidential STI check today with our Men’s Health GP team. Tests are simple urine and blood, with swabs if needed, and results usually arrive in a few days. Prefer to speak first? Call the clinic.

What Happens During STI Testing?

Understanding how STI tests work for men helps you feel prepared. Testing usually involves three main types of tests. You might need one, two, or all three, depending on your situation and what infections you’re checking for.

The most common tests are:

Urine sample (you pee in a cup)
Blood test (small needle in your arm)
Swab test (if you have symptoms or specific risk factors)

Your GP or sexual health clinic decides which tests you need based on your symptoms, sexual history, and the types of infections they’re checking for. This personalised approach ensures you get exactly how STI tests work for men in your specific situation.

Types of STI Tests for Men

Urine Tests

This test ranks as the easiest one you’ll complete. You pee into a sterile container. The lab checks your urine for bacteria and other signs of infection.

Urine tests detect:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
STIs cause some urinary tract infections

You don’t need special preparation. Avoid peeing for about an hour before your appointment – this makes the test more accurate. Many men find this demonstrates how STI tests work for men in the simplest way.

Blood Tests

A healthcare professional takes a small blood sample from your arm. It works the same as any other blood test you’ve had.

Blood tests check for:

HIV
Syphilis
Hepatitis B and C
Herpes (sometimes)

The needle pinch lasts just a few seconds. You might feel a bit lightheaded if you don’t like needles, but most people find it’s not as bad as they expected. This shows how STI tests work for men through simple blood analysis.

Swab Tests

Not all men need swab tests, but you might if:

You have symptoms like sores, discharge, or pain
You’ve had anal sex
Your doctor thinks a swab will give better results

Swab tests involve collecting cells from affected areas with a cotton-like swab. This might include your urethra (the tube inside your penis), throat, or rectum.

Urethral swabs can feel uncomfortable for a few seconds, but they finish quickly. Your doctor explains what they’re doing and why. Understanding how STI tests work for men includes knowing that swabs, while briefly uncomfortable, provide crucial diagnostic information.

Step-by-Step: Your Visit

Before You Go, make an appointment with your GP, sexual health clinic, or community health centre. Many places offer same-day appointments.

Write down:

When you last had sex
Any symptoms you’ve noticed
Previous STI history
Current medications you take

During Your Appointment, your doctor asks about your sexual history. This helps them judge which tests you need, not to judge you personally. They need this information to recommend the right tests and show you exactly how STI tests work for men in your situation.

They ask about:

Your recent sexual partners
Types of sex you’ve had (oral, anal, vaginal)
Whether you used condoms
Any symptoms you’ve noticed

Stay honest. Everything you say remains confidential. Healthcare professionals have heard it all before.

The Testing Process

You discuss which tests you need
Give your urine sample first (if needed)
Have your blood drawn (if needed)
Complete swab tests (if needed)
Your doctor explains when you’ll get results

The whole appointment usually takes 15-30 minutes. This demonstrates how STI tests work for men efficiently and thoroughly.

Ready to start your STI check? Book a quick, private appointment with our Men’s Health service. Unsure which test you need? Ask a GP privately or call us. Appointments are available at Clarence Town Healthcare and across our Hunter network of GP clinics.

Understanding Your Test Results

Most STI test results arrive within 2-7 days. Some rapid HIV tests give results in 20 minutes, but these aren’t available everywhere.

Negative Results: This means no infection was found. You’re clear for the STIs they tested for.

Remember that some infections have a “window period” -the time between infection and when tests can detect it. Your doctor tells you if you need to retest later.

Positive Results: If you test positive for an STI, don’t panic. Most STIs respond well to treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medication.

Your doctor:

Explains your results clearly
Starts treatment immediately (if needed)
Discusses telling your sexual partners
Schedules follow-up appointments

Inconclusive or Unclear Results Sometimes, test results aren’t clear-cut. This might mean you need different tests or retesting in a few weeks.

Your doctor explains what this means for your specific situation.

Common STI Tests and What They Detect

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Test type: Urine sample or swab
Results time: 2-5 days
Treatment: Antibiotics (usually a single dose or short course)

These are the most common bacterial STIs. They often don’t cause symptoms, especially in men.

HIV

Test type: Blood test
Results time: 3-7 days (rapid tests: 20 minutes)
Follow-up: Additional tests if positive

HIV tests look for antibodies your body makes to fight the virus. Modern treatment means people with HIV can live normal, healthy lives.

Syphilis

Test type: Blood test
Results time: 3-7 days
Treatment: Antibiotics (usually penicillin injections)

Syphilis goes through different stages. Early detection and treatment prevent serious complications.

Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

Test type: Blood test or swab (if you have symptoms)
Results time: 3-7 days
Management: Antiviral medication for outbreaks

Many people have herpes without knowing it. Blood tests can detect it even without symptoms.

Hepatitis B and C

Test type: Blood test
Results time: 3-7 days
Treatment: Antiviral medications (Hepatitis C is now curable)

These affect your liver. Hepatitis B vaccination is available and recommended for sexually active people.

Who Should Get Tested?

You should consider STI testing if you:

Have symptoms like unusual discharge, burning, sores, or pain
Had unprotected sex or a condom broke
Have multiple sexual partners
Have a new sexual partner
Your partner tested positive for an STI
Haven’t been tested in the past year, and you’re sexually active

High-Risk Groups Some people have a higher risk and should test more regularly:

Men who have sex with men
People with multiple sexual partners in the past few months
People who use dating apps frequently
FIFO workers or people who travel for work
Festival-goers or people in party scenes

Routine Testing. Even if you feel fine and think you’re low risk, annual STI testing is smart if you’re sexually active. Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, especially in men.

Where to Get Tested

Your GP

Most GPs can do STI testing. This might be bulk-billed under Medicare, especially if you have symptoms.

Sexual Health Clinics

These specialise in STI testing and treatment. Staff are experienced and non-judgmental. Many offer free or low-cost testing.

Community Health Centres

These often provide STI testing services, especially in regional areas.

University Health Services

If you’re a student, your university might offer confidential STI testing on campus.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Your STI test results are completely confidential. Your doctor can’t tell anyone – including parents, partners, or employers – without your permission.

There are only two exceptions:

If you’re under 18 and at serious risk (rare)
Some STIs must be reported to public health authorities (but your name isn’t used)

Contact tracing for serious STIs like syphilis or HIV is done confidentially to help prevent spread.

Cost and Medicare

STI testing costs vary depending on where you go and why you’re being tested.

Medicare Coverage: Medicare often covers STI testing if:

You have symptoms
A sexual partner tested positive
Your doctor thinks you’re at high risk

Bulk Billing: Many GPs and sexual health clinics bulk-bill STI tests, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for you.

Private Costs: If you pay privately, basic STI testing usually costs $100-300, depending on how many infections you’re tested for.

Special Considerations

Men Who Have Sex With Men

You might need additional tests, including:

Rectal and throat swabs for gonorrhea and chlamydia
More frequent HIV testing
Hepatitis A, B, and C testing

PREP Users

If you’re taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention, you need regular STI testing every 3 months. Medicare usually covers this.

Planning Pregnancy

If you and your partner are trying for a baby, STI testing ensures you’re both healthy and reduces risks during pregnancy.

Recent Travel

Some STIs are more common in certain countries. Tell your doctor about recent travel, especially to areas with higher STI rates.

After Your Test

While Waiting for Results

Avoid sex until you get your results (or use condoms consistently)
Don’t drink alcohol excessively (it can interfere with some treatments)
Take note of any new symptoms

If You Test Positive

Start treatment as prescribed
Tell recent sexual partners so they can get tested
Follow up with your doctor as recommended
Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything

Follow-Up Testing: Some STIs require repeat testing to make sure treatment worked. Your doctor will tell you when to come back.

Talking to Sexual Partners

If you test positive for an STI, you’ll need to tell recent sexual partners. This can feel awkward, but it’s important for their health.

Your doctor or clinic can help with partner notification if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. They can contact partners confidentially without using your name.

Most people appreciate being told so they can get tested and treated if needed.

Myths and Facts

Myth: You can tell if someone has an STI by looking at them
Fact: Most STIs don’t cause visible symptoms, especially in men

Myth: You can only catch STIs through penetrative sex
Fact: Oral sex can transmit many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes

Myth: You’re immune to STIs you’ve already had
Fact: You can catch the same STI multiple times

Myth: STI testing is painful and embarrassing
Fact: Most tests are quick and straightforward. Healthcare professionals are used to discussing sexual health.h

Your Next Steps

Getting tested for STIs is a normal part of looking after your health. It’s like getting a blood pressure check or r dental checkup. Most tests are simple, and results come back quickly. If you do test positive for something, treatment is usually straightforward and effective.

Don’t put off testing because you’re worried or embarrassed. Healthcare professionals want to help, not judge. The sooner you know your status, the sooner you can get treatment if needed and protect your health and your partners’ health.

Book your STI test now with our Men’s Health clinic. Results usually arrive in a few days, and Medicare bulk-billing may be available. Choose Clarence Town Healthcare or your nearest GP clinic in our network for confidential STI testing and ongoing Men’s Health care, from routine screening to management of related conditions.

How Do STI Tests Work for Men? Detail Guide