Sexual health, private and judgement-free

GP registrarDr Prishantha Sirisena

GP and directorDr Ali Zubaidy

We are a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice

GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.

Fees and eligibility

Good to know before you book

01It is confidential

What you discuss stays private.

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Your information is handled in line with the practice's privacy policy.

02Many STIs have no symptoms

Regular testing is the only way to know.

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Testing is quick and often uses a urine sample or self-collected swab.

About testing

03Choose who you see

You can book with a female or male GP.

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Choose your preferred doctor on HotDoc.

Book an appointment

04Tests are collected onsite

4Cyte Pathology collects onsite.

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Results go to your GP, who will contact you if anything needs follow-up.

Call (02) 4006 8222

Find the care that fits

Choose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.

Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV

STI testing

Testing for sexually transmitted infections is recommended if you have a new partner, more than one partner, symptoms, or a partner with an STI. Many infections have no symptoms.

Tests may include a urine sample, self-collected swabs and a blood test. Most are covered by Medicare.

1Book a confidential appointment
2Discuss what tests suit you
3Samples collected, often by you
4Results and treatment if needed

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Most tests are covered by Medicare.

How often should I be tested?

It depends on your situation. Your GP can suggest what is sensible.

Do I need to tell my partners?

If you have an STI, your GP can help with partner notification, including anonymous options.

Reducing your risk

Prevention, PrEP and PEP

Condoms reduce the risk of most STIs. Vaccines protect against HPV and hepatitis B.

PrEP is a medicine that can prevent HIV for people at higher risk, and PEP is an emergency treatment that must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure.

1Talk about your risk
2Vaccines if due
3PrEP assessment if suitable
4Regular testing

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Where can I get PEP urgently?

PEP must start within 72 hours. Call the clinic, a sexual health clinic or the NSW PEP hotline 1800 737 669, or go to an emergency department.

Is PrEP available from a GP?

Yes. Your GP can assess, test and prescribe if suitable.

Common and manageable

HPV, warts and herpes

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is very common and usually clears on its own, but some types cause genital warts and others can lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, throat and penis. The HPV vaccine is free through the school program, with catch-up available up to age 25.

Genital herpes is also common and can cause painful blisters or sores. There is no cure, but treatment can shorten outbreaks and reduce how often they happen. Cervical screening checks for HPV every five years from 25.

1Book if you notice lumps, sores or blisters
2Examination with consent
3Swab or treatment at the visit
4Follow-up and advice for partners

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Treatment of warts may attract a procedure fee.

Can warts be treated here?

Yes. Your GP can discuss options, which may include treatment in the clinic.

Can I pass on herpes without symptoms?

Yes, it can sometimes be passed on without visible sores. Your GP can explain ways to lower the risk.

Every option, explained

Contraception

From the pill and ring to the implant, IUDs and emergency contraception, your GP can explain how each option works and help you choose what suits you.

Long-acting methods are among the most effective, according to Australian guidance.

1Discuss your needs
2Compare options
3Choose a method
4Review

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Some devices and procedures attract a fee.

Where can I get emergency contraception?

From a pharmacy or your GP. It works best the sooner it is taken.

Who inserts implants and IUDs?

Ask reception which doctors offer insertion.

Partner notification, made easier

Telling partners

If you are diagnosed with an STI, letting recent partners know means they can be tested and treated, and stops the infection being passed back to you.

Your GP can help you work out who needs to know and how. Free, anonymous options are available, including the Let Them Know service, which lets you send a text or email without your name.

1Diagnosis and treatment
2Work out which partners to contact
3Choose how to tell them, including anonymously
4Retest if advised

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Do I have to tell my partners?

It is strongly recommended. Your GP can help, and anonymous options are available.

When can I have sex again after treatment?

Your GP will advise. For many infections, it is usually seven days after you and your partners finish treatment.

Discharge, pain, sores or itching

Symptoms and concerns

Unusual discharge, pain when passing urine, sores, lumps, itching or pain during sex should be checked.

Your GP can examine with your consent, arrange tests and treat many conditions at the same visit.

1Book promptly
2Examination with consent
3Tests
4Treatment and follow-up

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Can I have a chaperone?

Yes, you can ask for a chaperone for any examination.

Will I be judged?

No. Sexual health is a normal part of health care.

Libido, function and relationships

Sexual wellbeing

Changes in libido, erectile problems, pain during sex, and relationship concerns are common and worth raising.

Your GP can look for physical and emotional causes and refer to specialists or counsellors.

1Talk it through
2Assessment
3Plan
4Referral if needed

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Can erectile problems be a sign of something else?

Yes. They can be an early sign of heart disease or diabetes.

Is there help for pain during sex?

Yes. Your GP can assess and refer.

Protecting you and your baby

Sexual health in pregnancy

STI testing, including syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B, is part of routine pregnancy care. Syphilis cases, including in pregnancy, have risen in Australia in recent years, and testing early and again later in pregnancy helps protect babies.

If you are pregnant or planning, talk to your GP about which tests are recommended for you and your partner.

1Book early in pregnancy
2Routine blood tests
3Repeat testing if recommended
4Treatment and partner testing

What it costsConsultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card.

Is syphilis testing part of pregnancy care?

Yes. It is recommended early in pregnancy, and again later for some women.

Can STIs affect my baby?

Some can. Testing and treatment in pregnancy protect your baby.

Understanding sexual health

Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.

Why testing matters

Many STIs have no symptoms but can cause long-term problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems, if untreated.

Testing is quick, confidential and often uses a urine sample or self-collected swab.

Rising syphilis

Syphilis has increased in Australia in recent years, including in women and in pregnancy.

Regular testing and testing in pregnancy help protect you and your baby.

Which tests might I need?

Choose the situation closest to yours. This is a general guide; your GP will recommend tests based on your history, in a private, judgement-free conversation.

I have a new partner

A check for chlamydia and gonorrhoea is usually recommended, and your GP may suggest blood tests for syphilis and HIV.

Likely testsUrine or swab, plus blood tests

I have symptoms

Book promptly. Your GP will examine you with your consent and test for likely causes, often treating at the same visit.

Likely testsExamination, swabs and blood tests

My partner has an STI

Get tested and treated even if you feel well, as many infections have no symptoms.

Likely testsTests matched to the infection

I am pregnant or planning

Syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B testing are part of routine pregnancy care.

Likely testsBlood tests, repeated for some women

I had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours

Ask about emergency contraception and, if there was a possible HIV exposure, PEP straight away.

Likely testsUrgent advice, then testing later

I want regular check-ups

Testing every 3 to 12 months may be recommended depending on your situation, including for men who have sex with men.

Likely testsA routine sexual health screen

Book a confidential appointment

A guide to common STIs

Many STIs have no symptoms at all, which is why regular testing matters. Most are easy to test for and treat. Tap a card to see the signs, tests and treatment.

01ChlamydiaTap for details

Chlamydia

Signs: Often no symptoms. May cause discharge, pain passing urine or pelvic pain.
Test: Urine test or self-collected swab
Treatment: Treated with antibiotics

02GonorrhoeaTap for details

Gonorrhoea

Signs: May cause discharge or pain passing urine, but often no symptoms, especially in the throat or rectum.
Test: Urine test or swabs
Treatment: Treated with antibiotics; a follow-up test may be advised

03SyphilisTap for details

Syphilis

Signs: A painless sore, then a rash; it can be hidden for years. Cases have been rising in Australia.
Test: Blood test
Treatment: Treated with antibiotics; follow-up blood tests check it has cleared

04HIVTap for details

HIV

Signs: Many people have no symptoms for years. Early testing and treatment protect your health and partners.
Test: Blood test
Treatment: Effective long-term treatment; prevention with PrEP and PEP

05HerpesTap for details

Herpes

Signs: Painful blisters or sores, which can come back.
Test: Swab of a sore
Treatment: Treatment shortens outbreaks and reduces recurrences

06HPV and wartsTap for details

HPV and warts

Signs: Small lumps or growths; some HPV types cause cancers.
Test: Examination and cervical screening
Treatment: Vaccine prevention; warts can be treated

07Hepatitis B and CTap for details

Hepatitis B and C

Signs: Often no symptoms; can affect the liver long term.
Test: Blood test
Treatment: Vaccine for hepatitis B; effective treatment for hepatitis C

08TrichomoniasisTap for details

Trichomoniasis

Signs: Discharge, itching or irritation, or no symptoms.
Test: Swab or urine test
Treatment: Treated with antibiotics

Ways to protect yourself

Condoms

Reduce the risk of most STIs and unplanned pregnancy.

Vaccines

HPV is free to 25 through catch-up, and hepatitis B protects your liver.

PrEP

A medicine that prevents HIV for people at higher risk, prescribed by your GP.

PEP

Emergency HIV prevention, started within 72 hours of a possible exposure.

Regular testing

Finds infections early, even without symptoms.

Talk openly

Talking with partners about testing and protection is part of healthy relationships.

Confidential, respectful care

Sexual health care is for everyone, of any age, gender, sexuality or relationship. What you discuss stays private, young people can usually be seen on their own from around 14 or 15, and you can ask for a chaperone for any examination.

Myth or fact?

Test what you know about sexual health. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.

Most STIs cause obvious symptoms.

Many have no symptoms, which is why testing matters.

Many STI tests use a urine sample or self-collected swab.

Your GP will explain which tests suit you.

PEP must be started within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure.

The sooner the better.

0 of 3 answered

Evidence, sources and advertising standards

Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:

Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.

The numbers worth knowing

0Hours, PEP window

Start as soon as possible after a possible HIV exposure.

0Common STIs explained

With signs, tests and treatment below.

0Age, free HPV catch-up to

For people who missed the school vaccine.

0Judgement

Sexual health is health.

Everyone involved, around you

Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.

Find out more

Youat the centre of your care

Sexual health at every stage

Contraception, HPV catch-up, testing and consent.

Contraception STI testing Prevention, PrEP and PEP

Regular testing, PrEP, contraception and wellbeing.

STI testing Prevention, PrEP and PEP Sexual wellbeing

Sexual wellbeing, menopause and testing with new partners.

Sexual wellbeing STI testing

Who can help

Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with sexual health. These team members list it among their interests.

General practitionerDr Alice Najjar

Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.

GP registrarDr Prishantha Sirisena

Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.

GP and directorDr Ali Zubaidy

Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.