Talking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can feel awkward, but getting tested is one of the simplest and most empowering things you can do for your health. Whether you're in a committed relationship, starting to date again, or simply overdue for a check-up, here's what you need to know, and how the team at FitRight can help.
Should I have regular STI checks even if I'm in a long-term relationship?
Probably.
In Australia, anyone who is sexually active is encouraged to consider regular STI checks as part of routine health care, regardless of relationship status.
Why? Because many STIs don't cause any symptoms at all.
Chlamydia, for example, can be carried for months or even years without you ever knowing. Left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and fertility problems.
Syphilis rates are also rising among women in Australia, including in the Perth metro area, and it too can go unnoticed in its early stages.
This means you or your partner could have picked up an infection before your relationship even began and simply have never known about it.
Even in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship, a regular sexual health check can be a good idea as part of preventative health, similar to a cervical screening test or blood pressure check. It's not about trust or blame; it's simply about knowing your health status.
If either partner has ever had a new sexual partner since the relationship began, or if there has been unprotected sex, testing becomes even more important.
How often should I be screened?
The right screening schedule depends on your age, sexual history, and individual risk factors. The Australian government recommends that anyone sexually active should have regular sexual health check-ups and consider an STI test approximately every twelve months, even if you are in a long-term relationship and/or use condoms. You should be tested more frequently if you have a new sexual partner and or if you have multiple sexual partners.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all schedule. That’s why discussing your unique situation with your GP can help you work out what testing makes sense for you, and how often.
Should My Partner and I Have an STI Check Before Becoming Intimate?
Yes.
Having an STI check before becoming sexually active with a new partner is strongly recommended. Australian guidelines advise that STI testing should be offered to anyone entering a new intimate relationship, even if condoms are used, because condoms significantly reduce but do not completely eliminate the risk of STI transmission.
A standard check for a new partnership typically includes testing for: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV, amongst others depending on your risk.
Talking openly about sexual health and testing builds trust and supports mutual care. Getting tested together normalises the conversation and removes stigma. It shows respect, not mistrust.
STI checks when dating after divorce:
Re-entering the dating scene after a divorce, separation, or a long period without sexual activity is a very common and sensible time for an STI check. Here's why:
- STI risk is linked to new sexual partners rather than age or past relationship history.
- Many STIs are completely silent, so you can have one and not know it.
- The STI landscape has changed. Syphilis, once rare in heterosexual women, has been rising steadily across Australia. The WA Syphilis Action Plan 2023-2025 was developed specifically in response to increasing cases in Western Australia.
- Even if you use condoms consistently, checking for common infections provides peace of mind and ensures you and your partners stay healthy.
If it's been a while since your last check, a comprehensive STI screen is a sensible first step before or early in a new relationship. Your GP can tailor testing to your individual situation in a confidential, non-judgemental consultation.
What Does an STI Check Involve?
Getting an STI check is usually quick, confidential, and straightforward. Here's what to expect:
1. Discussion and Risk Assessment
Your GP will start by asking about:
- Your sexual history and the type of sexual activity you've had
- Whether you've had new partners since your last test
- Any symptoms or concerns you might have
This helps guide which tests you need. It's a routine part of care and is treated respectfully and confidentially.
2. Sample Collection
Depending on your history, testing can involve:
- A self-collected vaginal swab (you do it yourself, in private) or a urine sample. Throat or rectal swabs may be offered depending on sexual practices. (This can test for infections such as chlamydia and Gonorrhoea)
- Blood test which can test for infections such as: syphilis, HIV and hepatitis
Self-collected vaginal swabs are now the preferred method for chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing in women in Australia. They're quick, private, and avoid the need for an internal examination in most cases.
Most results come back within a few days.
3. Follow-Up
Once results are available, your GP will contact you and explain:
- What the results mean
- Any treatment that's needed
- Whether partner notification
- When/if to consider follow up testing
Can a Women's Health GP at FitRight Assist?
Absolutely.
STI screening is a core part of women's health care, and our women’s health GPs at FitRight are experienced in sexual and reproductive health.
We can:
- Take a sensitive, non-judgemental sexual history
- Discuss your individual STI risk based on your circumstances
- Order and interpret appropriate STI tests
- Offer self-collected swabs for your comfort and privacy
- Provide counselling on safer sex and prevention strategies
- Arrange treatment and follow-up if needed
- Coordinate partner notification where appropriate
- Include STI screening as part of pre-pregnancy planning
We understand that STI concerns can feel personal and sometimes awkward to raise. Our priority is to make conversations about your sexual health comfortable, respectful, and empowering.
To book an appointment with Dr Miranda Quenby on Mondays, or Dr Brodie Thorpe on Fridays, CLICK HERE.
Key Takeaways:
- Regular STI checks are a normal and recommended part of health care for anyone who is sexually active, including those in long-term relationships.
- Testing before becoming intimate with a new partner helps ensure both of you start on a healthy footing.
- When dating after relationship separation, STI checks are a responsible way to look after your health and your partner's health.
- STI testing is simple and usually involves urine, blood, or swab samples.
If you're unsure whether you're due for a check, or if you have questions about what's involved, book an appointment with one of our women's health GPs at FitRight. We're here to make it easy.
NOTE: This article is intended for general information only and does not replace individualised medical advice
References
Brotherton J, Machalek D, Smith M et al., 2024 Cervical Cancer Elimination Progress Report: Australia’s progress towards the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Published online 14/03/2025, Melbourne Australia, at: https://www.
Cancer Council (2024) Cervical Cancer Screening, Cancer Council Victoria. Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/
Cancer Council (2024), Why the cervical screening test replaced the PAP test, Cancer Council Victoria. Available at: https://www.cancervic.org.au/
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2025) About the national Cervical Screening Program, (Australian Government), available at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-
