Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Worries and fears

Being sure of your sexual health status reduces anxiety

It's the 'not knowing' that most people find hardest to deal with.

The vast majority of people who go for an STI test find they are not infected. However, being aware of that fact is nowhere near as re-assuring as knowing for definite you're all clear.

Even getting a positive result can be a relief in the longer term. It may come as a bit of a shock at first, but knowing what you have is the first step to getting treatment and getting better or protecting your health for the future.

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Medical professionals understand your fears

Medical staff are used to dealing with people who are worried about tests and are trained to help you make the right decisions.

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Knowing about infections means you can protect loved ones

If you do test positive, you'll be able to take steps to protect your partner, other family members and, in some cases, even your unborn children.

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The earlier you find out, the better it will be

Even if you have something that can't be cured, like HIV, serious infections can be managed effectively if they're discovered early enough.

With modern treatment and care, people with HIV can look forward to years of normal and otherwise healthy life.

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