Sexual Health Clinic

Whether you want a routine sexual health check, have symptoms that are worrying you, need emergency contraception or simply want peace of mind after a new partner, you can be seen here quickly and discreetly.

Most sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms at all, which is why testing is the only way to know. Our GPs are experienced in diagnosing and managing the full range of STIs, and treatment can usually start on the same day results come back. We can test for:

Depending on what is being checked, testing may involve a urine sample, a self collected or clinician collected swab, a blood test, or a combination. If a test comes back positive, treatment and partner notification advice are handled here, and most common infections are cured with a single course of antibiotics.

For a full walkthrough of when to test, window periods and what happens on the day, read our detailed guide to STI testing on the Gold Coast.

We provide confidential HIV testing and can talk you through your options for prevention. That includes assessing whether pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly called PrEP, is appropriate for you, and arranging the ongoing monitoring that goes with it.

If you have had a potential exposure in the last 72 hours, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is time critical. Contact us or your nearest emergency department as soon as possible rather than waiting for an appointment. The sooner it is started, the more effective it is.

Vaccination is a straightforward way to protect yourself against two of the infections we test for. Hepatitis B and HPV vaccination can both be arranged here, and we can check your existing immunity with a blood test if you are unsure what you have had. Our immunisation service covers the full schedule for children and adults.

We cover contraception from start to finish: choosing a method that suits you, starting or changing the pill, emergency contraception, and contraceptive implant insertion and removal performed here in the clinic. Cervical screening tests are also done on site, and you can request a female GP when you book if that makes the appointment easier.

Painful periods, unusual bleeding, discharge, recurrent thrush, pain during sex and fertility questions are all things to raise. See our women’s health service for the wider picture, or antenatal care if you are pregnant or planning to be.

Men often leave sexual health concerns far longer than they need to. Erectile difficulties, low libido, testicular lumps or pain, problems passing urine and questions about fertility are all common reasons to book, and most have straightforward explanations and treatments. Erection problems in particular can be an early warning sign of heart disease or diabetes, so it is worth getting checked properly. Our men’s health service and heart health check tie into this directly.

If you have never been for a sexual health check before, here is exactly how it goes. There are no surprises and nothing invasive without your consent.

There is no wrong time to ask, but these are the situations where a check is genuinely worth booking.

Harbour Town Doctors is an accredited bulk billing practice, and Medicare eligible consultations are bulk billed. Costs for certain tests, procedures or items can vary, so please check with our reception team when you book so there are no surprises. Full details are on our patient information page and in our patient FAQs.

On privacy, a common worry is whether a visit will appear on a family Medicare statement. If this matters to you, say so at the appointment. Your GP can talk you through your options, including how Medicare records work and what alternatives exist. If you do not have a Medicare card, you can still be seen as a private patient.