Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Do I need an STI test?

Something happened recently ...

Did something go wrong during sex, like a burst condom or a spillage? Did you do something you regretted later?

Talk through what happened with your doctor or ring your local sexual health service.

Alternatively, find out more about the risks of various activities with our risk-o-meter.

Unfortunately, just because you don't have symptoms doesn't mean you're in the clear. Many people carry sexual infections without knowing it. They can still pass them on and can still get ill from them in future.

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You have symptoms

Sometimes it's obvious from symptoms that something's wrong. Speak to your doctor or make an appointment at your local sexual health service.

Alternatively, try using our symptom-o-tron.

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You want to start a family

If you want to start a family, you'll obviously need to stop using contraceptives, including condoms. This means that you could pass on a sexually transmitted infection to your partner.

Mothers are routinely tested for a range of infections but it's better for mother and baby if pregnancy starts without any ongoing infections. Some infections may cause infertility and other complications.

Do the responsible thing and get tested before you start trying for a family.

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Lovers with bad news

Has a former or current lover been in touch to tell you they've got a sexually transmitted infection?

If so, it's doesn't automatically mean you're infected but you should get tested just in case.

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You've had a note from a sexual health service

If an old partner has tested positive, they might have given your details to their sexual health service so they can get in touch to invite you for a test.

Getting one of these notes doesn't mean you're infected, but you should get tested just in case.

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You want to change contraceptive methods

Only barrier contraceptives (male and female condoms) protect against sexually transmitted infections.

If you and your partner want to stop using condoms, you should both get tested first.

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