STIs & testing
What should I tell a sexual-health clinic before an STI test?
A practical, non-judgemental checklist of details that help a sexual-health clinic choose the right tests.
Short answer
Tell the clinic what kind of sexual contact happened, when it happened, whether barriers were used, what symptoms you have, and whether a partner has a known STI result. You do not need perfect memory or a label for your sexuality. Honest, simple details help them choose the right tests and samples.
The details that matter most
Mention oral, vaginal, anal, or skin-to-skin contact; shared sex toys; condom breaks or slips; dates of recent contact; pregnancy possibility; symptoms; previous tests; and any known partner diagnosis. This helps identify whether urine, blood, throat, rectal, vaginal, or other samples are relevant.
You can use plain language
Try: “I had oral and vaginal sex without a condom on this date. I have no symptoms, but my partner has tested positive.” Staff are there to give care, not to grade your sexual history.
Ask about timing and follow-up
Ask what the test can detect today, whether a recent exposure means repeat testing, how results will arrive, and what happens if anything is positive. If you might have had a recent HIV exposure, say so immediately because urgent prevention options can be time-sensitive.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: Sexual history and STI risk assessment (accessed August 2026)
- CDC: Getting tested for STIs (reviewed March 17, 2026)