How are you tested for STIs?

STI testing usually involves a urine sample, a blood test, a swab, or a combination of these. It depends on what you're being tested for.

For chlamydia and gonorrhoea (the most common ones), you usually just pee in a pot. That's it. For others like HIV and syphilis, a small blood sample is taken. If you've had oral or anal sex, they might do a swab of your throat or rectum. For visible symptoms like sores or blisters, a doctor or nurse might take a look and swab the area.

You can get tested at a sexual health clinic, your GP, or in many areas you can order a home testing kit online and do it yourself. Most testing is quick, straightforward, and nowhere near as awkward as people expect it to be.

Results usually come back within a few days, sometimes sooner. If anything comes back positive, the clinic or GP will talk you through what happens next. Most STIs are treatable, and the staff deal with this every day, so there's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Testing is free, confidential, and you don't need your parents' permission.

STI testing usually involves peeing in a pot, a blood test, a swab, or a mix of these. It depends on what you are being tested for.

For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, you usually just pee in a pot. For HIV and syphilis, a small blood sample is taken. If you have had oral or anal sex, they might swab your throat or bum.

You can get tested at a sexual health clinic, your GP, or by ordering a home test kit online.

It is quick, free, and private. You do not need your parents' permission. Results usually come back in a few days. If anything comes back positive, they will help you with treatment.