Most STIs are easily treated and cured with medication if diagnosed early. If infections are not diagnosed early and treated, they can cause serious and permanent damage to your health, and in rare circumstances may be life threatening. Some long-term complications can include impotence, infertility, anal or cervical cancer, urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney infections, and heart problems. Some STIs are potentially fatal without treatment (eg, Syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis B).
Some test results can be given on the day of your test, and some results may take up to two weeks (eg, HIV).
If you test positive for an STI infection such as Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, or Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU) you will be given a course of antibiotics. Creams and other treatment are available for genital herpes or warts. If you test positive for Hepatitis or HIV you are referred to a medical consultant for follow–up care.
A health advisor or doctor will also talk with you about informing any current or recent sexual partner/s of your infection, so that they may get tested and treated if necessary. Remember they could have an infection without knowing it. If you have tested positive for an STI infection, it is advisable to abstain from sex until the infection has cleared. For certain infections and treatments the doctor will arrange a follow-up visit to determine if it has cleared completely.