A sexual health check (SHC) is a routine, preventative medical appointment focused on screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and providing counseling on overall sexual wellness. Early detection through these routine screenings is a primary goal, as many common STIs show no symptoms but can cause long-term health issues if left untreated. The process is straightforward, beginning with preparation and concluding with understanding your test results and any necessary follow-up care.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before attending your appointment, a few logistical steps can help ensure the accuracy of your tests and the efficiency of your visit. For urine-based tests, which are common for infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, you will likely be asked to avoid urinating for at least one hour beforehand. This delay ensures a concentrated “first-pass” urine sample, which increases the likelihood of detecting the infectious agents.
If you have a vagina, refrain from using douches, vaginal creams, or internal medications for at least 24 hours before the appointment, as these can interfere with test results. Bringing a list of any symptoms you are experiencing, such as unusual discharge or pain, along with your government-issued identification and insurance information, will also streamline the check-in process. Organizing a timeline of your sexual history can help you communicate clearly and accurately with the healthcare provider.
The Initial Discussion and Health History
The first part of your visit is a private conversation with a nurse or doctor, which serves as a risk assessment to determine the appropriate tests you need. The clinician will explain that all information shared is confidential and is used solely to provide the best medical guidance. They will typically begin by asking about your general health and any current symptoms you may be experiencing, such as burning during urination or unexplained sores.
The discussion then moves to your sexual history, including the number of partners you have had in the past year and the gender of those partners. Clinicians will also ask about the types of sexual contact—vaginal, anal, or oral—as the location of a potential infection dictates where a sample needs to be collected. This questioning helps the provider tailor the testing to cover all exposed anatomical sites. You will also be asked about your current methods of contraception and barrier protection, like condoms, to provide context for risk and offer any relevant counseling.
Physical Examination and Sample Collection
Following the conversation, the physical portion of the check-up involves collecting various samples for analysis. A blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm or via a finger-prick, is used to test for systemic infections like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C. These blood tests detect antibodies or antigens produced by your immune system in response to the infections.
For the most common bacterial infections, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, a urine sample is typically collected. For those who engage in oral or anal sex, additional swabs may be necessary to check those specific sites, as a urine sample alone may miss an infection in the throat or rectum. These swabs are often self-collected in a private bathroom, though a clinician may also perform them, particularly when collecting a vaginal swab.
In cases where you report symptoms like unusual discharge, sores, or rashes, a physical examination will be performed to visually inspect the genital and anal areas. If a visible sore or blister is present, the provider may take a direct swab from the lesion to test for infections like Herpes Simplex Virus. The entire sample collection process is quick, with the provider explaining each step before it happens.
Understanding Test Results and Follow-up Care
After your samples have been collected, they are sent to a laboratory, and the turnaround time for results can vary based on the test type and the facility. Most standard STI results, such as those for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, are typically available within a few days to a week. For some tests, like rapid HIV screening, results can be provided during the same appointment.
The clinic will communicate your results through a pre-arranged method, such as a secure online portal, a text message, or a confidential phone call. If all results are negative, you will receive reassurance and advice on when to consider retesting based on your sexual activity. If any result returns positive, the provider will contact you directly to discuss the diagnosis and initiate a treatment plan, which may involve antibiotics or antiviral medication. Counseling will also be provided, including a discussion about partner notification to ensure your sexual partners can also get tested and treated confidentially.