Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC) is a government funded specialist service to care for specific populations only, this includes – people of diverse sexualities and genders, sex workers, people living with HIV, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and some young people who are Australian permanent residents.
This means we are unable to test or treat everyone who calls or attends our service.
If you are not in one of these population groups, you may be asked to see a general practitioner (GP) for testing. Most STI/HIV testing is provided by GP in Australia. More information below:
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 sexual health nurse at the NSW Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
Still have questions? No worries, we’ve got answers!
We are only funded to provide free testing to certain priority groups. If you do not belong to one of these groups you are encouraged to get a sexual health check at a GP. Most sexual health checks in Australia are done in a GP setting. Call the Sexual Health Info Link (SHIL)) on 1800 451 624, for advice on having an STI test at a GP if this is new for you. While some GPs bulk bill and provide free testing for people with Medicare, others will charge a fee. You will need to check with the GP centre to find out. If you don’t have Medicare, or cost is a barrier for you, call SHIL to discuss other options.
Call the Sexual Health Info Link (SHIL) on 1800 451 624, for advice on STIs and where to access a HIV or sexual health test.
Call the PEP hotline on 1800 737 669 to discuss your risk and options available to you. If you are calling outside of phoneline operating hours you should go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
We only see people for sexual exposure for HIV.
For further advice call the Sexual Health Info Link (SHIL) on 1800 451 624.
No, as a publicly funded sexual health clinic we do not provide these services. We can make referrals for you to ensure you are linked in with appropriate care. You may also speak to a GP or call the Sexual Health Info Link (SHIL) on 1800 451 624 for further information.
If you are concerned you may have been exposed to HIV, you can call us to start Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This is a medication that helps prevent you from acquiring HIV after you have been exposed. It must be started within 72 hours of exposure to be effective. You may access PEP through SSHC, a hospital emergency department, or if outside of our opening hours call the PEP hotline on 1800 737 669 to discuss your risk and options available to you.
