Gay / Bisexual and Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)

We encourage regular HIV, STI and hepatitis testing for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

We offer:

free and confidential testing
vaccination (hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Monkeypox)
management of STIs and HIV
free condoms
counselling

PrEP is the use of antiretroviral drugs, taken by HIV negative people to prevent HIV infection. PrEP stands for pre exposure prophylaxis. Unlike post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which is taken after a potential exposure to HIV, PrEP is taken on an ongoing basis and it provides protection against HIV. Studies from around the world have shown that if PrEP is taken daily or on demand, it prevents HIV. We provide a PrEP assessment and will discuss if this is the best option for you.

If you have a Medicare card we will ask you to see a GP for a PrEP script. If you do not have a GP, we can provide some suggestions. Ask our nurses for the Friends of SSHC GP Network for some local GPs who do a lot of sexual health testing.

Think you might be at risk for an STI or HIV?

Are you unsure if you might have been at risk for an STI or HIV and want to discuss with a qualified nurse? Call the Sexual Health Info Link (SHIL) on 1800 451 624.

The SHIL nurse can help you to work if you might need a sexual health test and figure out the best place to meet your needs. If you are outside of the inner city of Sydney they can refer you to a service close to your home.

If you think you might have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours you can contact the PEP Hotline on 1800 737 669 (1800 PEP NOW) to discuss your options. If the hotline is closed, then please attend a local hospital emergency room.

General Clinic

We provide you with testing, treatment and management of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV.

Check the opening hours on our website .

Please book an appointment with us by calling (02) 9382 7440.

MyCheck

We have a fast, easy and convenient new testing option available – MyCheck! Test at a pathology service near you without needing to attend the clinic.

To use MyCheck you must:

Be over 18 years of age
Be an existing SSHC client (have a patient ID number)
Have NO symptoms

SSHC will manage all your results and provide treatment if needed.

Call (02) 9382 7440 and ask for MyCheck.

Xpress

In a hurry and want a quick STI test? Xpress clinic is quicker than the general clinic because you won’t get a physical examination – especially convenient for people who have to test frequently.

You can only use Xpress if you do not have symptoms. You must be able to read and understand English well to attend Xpress clinic.

a[TEST]

A rapid HIV and STI testing service for gay and bi men in partnership with ACON.

We provide a rapid HIV and STI testing service for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. You will get your HIV test results in 30 minutes.

This service is only available if you have NO symptoms.

To make a booking go to a[TEST] online booking.

Counselling

Our Counselling Unit provides counselling services to individuals for sexual health related concerns such as:

Helping you change behaviours that can put you at risk of getting HIV or an STI
Coping with a diagnosis of HIV or an STI
Negotiating sexual relationships with partners
Helping you to contact sexual partners if you are diagnosed with HIV or an STI (contact tracing).
If your concerns do not fit with the services offered by us, we will be happy to help you find a more appropriate service.

Call us on 9382 7440 if you would like to make an appointment with a counsellor or call NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

This is not a crisis service.

If you are in crisis please call Lifeline (11 13 14), Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) or 000

General Practice (GP) and Other Testing Options

Most STI and HIV testing in NSW is conducted through GPs. It’s a good idea for everyone who is sexually active to get a regular check-up. We recommend you see a GP for this.

Click here for a referral letter you can take to your GP. Or explore other testing options.

If you want help in finding a local doctor or you would like further information, talk to a sexual health nurse at the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

Dried Blood Spot Testing (DBS)

A DBS test is a free, easy and accurate way to test for HIV and/or hepatitis C without having to come into the clinic.

The DBS test works by putting a few drops of blood from your finger on a test card and leaving to dry.

Check out the DBS website for detailed instructions and information on how to order.

DBS website

FAQS

Have questions about being a gay/bisexual man, or a man who has sex with other men (however you identify?) No worries, we’ve got answers.

Will my visit be confidential?

Yes. We treat your personal information with strict privacy. However, our staff may discuss your treatment and care with each other to give you the best service. The only exception where we may inform others that you visited us is if we have concerns for your safety, or the safety of others. We may also share your health information with other healthcare providers if you give us permission to do so, or have signed up to the My Health Record. Find out more:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/kidsfamilies/youth/Factsheets/youth-friendly-confidentiality.pdf

What are my other testing options?

Any GP can conduct a sexual health test.

If you’d like to test close to home and have no symptoms you can use MyCheck. If you’d like to access a peer-led service for gay and bisexual men, book in to aTEST.

What is PEP and PrEP?

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication you can take after you think you may have been exposed to HIV. You must commence it within 72 hours. Call the PEP hotline on 1800 737 669 to discuss your risk and testing options. Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication you take before having sex. Book an appointment with us if you think you might benefit from taking PrEP. We can discuss the options that will work best for you.

Find out more about prevention methods for gay and bisexual men at EndingHIV.

Do I need Medicare to access PrEP?

No. We can discuss your options for accessing PrEP without a Medicare card.

What is rapid HIV testing?

Rapid HIV testing is on-the-spot testing for HIV. The result is available after 20 mins. A small amount of blood from your fingertip is used for the test. Our doctor or nurse will need to discuss with you before deciding if it is the right test for you.

I identify as heterosexual, or straight, but have sex with men sometimes. Can I come to see you?

Yes. We are here to help look after your sexual health.

I am a trans man who has sex with men – is this service for me?

Yes. We are here to help look after your sexual health.