Visiting a sexual health clinic for testing can be a stressful experience. Once you’ve had your tests, there is often a period of waiting for the results which can cause significant anxiety. Knowing what to expect in terms of turnaround times can help you mentally prepare. This article will provide an overview of the testing process at sexual health clinics, average wait times for different test results, methods for accessing results, and tips for coping with anxiety as you wait.
Testing at Sexual Health Clinics
Sexual health clinics, sometimes also called genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics, provide testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as offering sexual health services like contraception. In cities like Sydney, there are often several sexual health clinic sydney cbd options available that offer convenient testing and treatment. These downtown clinics can provide quick and discreet services to residents and workers in the central business district area. When looking for a sexual health clinic, it’s worth checking if there is one closeby in the CBD that can save time and travel. The location and accessibility of a sexual health clinic sydney cbd can make the testing experience easier.
Common Tests
Some of the most common tests done at these clinics include:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea urine tests
- HIV blood tests
- Syphilis blood tests
- Swabs for conditions like herpes, trichomoniasis, or genital warts
Appointment and Process
The testing process typically involves booking an appointment online or by phone. At the appointment, the clinician will ask questions about symptoms and sexual history to determine which tests are needed. For urine and blood tests, samples are collected at the clinic. Swabs may be taken from sores or the genital area. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.
Waiting Times for Test Results
After the tests are complete, there is usually a period of waiting for the results to come back from the lab. How long this takes can vary.
Factors Affecting Turnaround Times
Some factors that can influence turnaround times include:
- The type of test. Some tests like chlamydia urine tests are quicker than others.
- The lab where the test is processed. Some labs may be faster.
- How busy the lab is. More samples to process means longer wait times.
Average Wait Times by Test Type
Here are the average waiting times for common sexual health tests:
- Chlamydia & gonorrhoea urine tests: 1 to 3 days
- HIV blood tests: 1 to 2 weeks
- Syphilis blood tests: 1 to 2 weeks
- Herpes swabs: 1 to 2 weeks
- Trichomoniasis swabs: 1 to 2 weeks
- Genital warts swabs: 2 to 4 weeks
More complex tests can take longer. Ask at your appointment how long the specific tests may take.
Getting Test Results
There are a few different ways you can get your test results:
In-Person
Some clinics will ask you to come back after the estimated wait time to get results in person and discuss treatment if needed. You may be able to book this follow-up when you have your initial tests.
By Phone
Many clinics will call you if there is anything that requires treatment. For negative results, you may also be able to call and ask for results after the expected wait time.
Online Portal
Some clinics now offer online portals where you can securely log in and view test results when they are ready. Ask your clinic if this option is available.
Managing Anxiety While Waiting
Waiting for test results can cause a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. Here are some tips for coping:
Talk to Someone
Confide in a trusted friend or loved one. Sharing your worries can help ease the stress.
Stay Busy
Try to keep yourself occupied with work, hobbies, and other activities while you wait.
Practice Self-Care
Do relaxing activities like taking a bath, meditating, exercising, or getting a massage. Go easy on yourself until you have the results.
Conclusion
Waiting for sexual health test results can be stressful. Turnaround times vary from 1-3 days for faster tests up to 2-4 weeks for slower tests. Check with your clinic about how to access results when ready, either in person, by phone, or through an online portal. Managing anxiety while waiting can be helped by talking to someone, staying busy, and practising self-care. With the right information and support, this waiting period can be made more manageable.
FAQs
Q: How long do chlamydia and gonorrhoea test results take?
A: Chlamydia and gonorrhoea urine tests usually take 1 to 3 days for results.
Q: Can I get test results from a sexual health clinic online?
A: Many clinics now offer online portals where you can securely access test results when ready. Ask your clinic about signing up.
Q: I’m very anxious waiting for test results. What can I do?
A: It’s normal to feel anxious. Confide in someone, stay busy with other activities, and do relaxing self-care to manage stress while waiting.
Q: How long does it take to get HIV test results back?
A: Most sexual health clinics can provide HIV blood test results within 1 to 2 weeks. More complex HIV tests can take longer.
Q: What is the fastest way to get sexual health test results?
A: Getting chlamydia and gonorrhoea urine tests, which take 1-3 days, will give you the fastest results. In-person follow-up is quickest.
