People at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Sex workers
Anyone who trades sex for money, goods or services is welcome to attend Adelaide Sexual Health Centre at any time. We offer discrete and confidential clinical services for all sex workers.
All services are free. No Medicare card is required and you do not need to use your real name.
A quiet, safe space is available for sex workers while attending the clinic.
We have free and confidential phone interpreters available in all languages.
You can make an appointment by phoning (08) 7117 2800, or you can just walk in; whatever suits you best.
International sex workers are welcome. The service is free and confidential for everyone.
For information on STIs in Thai, Chinese and other languages, see NSW STI Programs Unit patient resources.
I am a sex worker – when should I have a check-up?
We recommend regular STI/HIV testing while you are working in the sex industry. Anyone trading sex for money, goods or services, should have an STI check-up about every three months, after a condom break with a client, or if a certificate of testing (“pink slip”) is required by your workplace. It’s also a good idea to have a check-up after travelling interstate or overseas for work in the sex industry.
How do I protect myself from STIs, hepatitis and HIV while trading sex?
We recommend 100% condom use during sex work, for oral, vaginal and anal sex, and when using sex toys. Oral sex is very low risk for HIV, but can easily transmit other STIs, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia and herpes, so condom use is also recommended for oral sex.
Vaccinations can prevent several STIs, including hepatitis B, hepatitis A and HPV (human papillomavirus). Free hepatitis B vaccination is available at Adelaide Sexual Health Centre, and we can help you decide if you also need vaccination for hepatitis A or HPV.
Regular testing will also keep you safe, by finding and treating infections early.
Needle and syringe exchange is also available at Adelaide Sexual Health Centre.
Further information, affordable safer sex products and peer support can be found at SIN (Sex Industry Network). SIN also offers a testing buddy program, if you would like support during your visit to Adelaide Sexual Health Centre.
Men who have sex with men
We provide a safe, non-judgemental and free service for men who have sex with men, gay identifying, or bisexual men. We recommend screening for STIs at least once a year. If you fall into one or more of the categories below then more frequent screening, such as every 3 months, is recommended
- more than 10 sexual partners in six months
- participate in group sex
- use recreational drugs during sex
- are HIV-positive.
We recommend testing even if you have no symptoms. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia in the throat and rectum can often have no symptoms; testing is important regardless of symptoms as their presence can increase your chances of being infected with HIV, or passing it on if you already have it.
We also recommend you discuss PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) against HIV infection with us; just ask if you’re interested.
PEP is available during clinic opening hours, as is PrEP, but in some cases we may recommend you visit your GP for PrEP care as our service can be very busy. Please phone us for more advice; were happy to discuss this over the phone.
We also have free hepatitis B vaccine available in the clinic for all, and hepatitis A and Gardasil vaccinations for certain groups.
Adelaide Sexual Health Centre welcomes you to walk in for a screen, or discuss symptoms any time, no appointment is necessary.
For more information, see STI testing.
Transgender people
Transgender and all people from the gender diverse community are always welcome at Adelaide Sexual Health Centre. You can receive STI testing and treatment that is highly confidential and free, and no Medicare card is required.
If you have questions about hormone therapy, transitioning and counselling, our doctors and nurses can help and will point you in the right direction for services that can help you further.
The Trans Health SA website contains useful information on transgender and gender diverse services and resources in South Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are welcome to attend Adelaide Sexual Health Centre at any time. The service is highly confidential, free and non-judgemental.
You will be asked some questions on arrival to help us work out how best to help you. If you do not feel comfortable answering these questions, that is OK, just let a staff member know.
We recommend testing every year for STI’s and more frequently if you change partners or have other risks.
Culturally and linguistically diverse people
We welcome people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, international students, new migrants, refugees and people who speak English as their second language.
We recommend STI testing on arrival and can help work out your HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B status, and refer you for further follow up for hepatitis B, if needed. We can also offer you free vaccination for hepatitis B.
You will be asked some questions on arrival to help us work out how best to help you. If you do not feel comfortable answering these questions, that is OK, just let a staff member know.
We can arrange a confidential interpreter for your visit. This will be over the phone and is free for you.
We recommend you view the website of PEACE Multicultural Services for more information on HIV and hepatitis or All Good for information in your language.
Young people
We recommend young people get an STI check up every year, or more often if changing partners regularly.
We can offer you free, confidential and fast STI screening and you don’t need to bring a Medicare card.
Even if you have no symptoms we recommend testing once a year or more regularly if you change partners or have other risks. Chlamydia is common in young people and testing is as easy as a swab you take yourself or a pee test.
For more information on testing for STI’s in young people see the Play Safe website.