Sexual health
Sexual health in Rutherford, confidential and judgement-free.
Bulk billed, confidential care for STI testing, contraception and sexual health, for people of all ages, genders and relationships.
Sexual health care without judgement.
Looking after your sexual health is part of looking after your overall health. Our GPs provide confidential, respectful care, whether you need a routine check, have symptoms, or want to talk about contraception or prevention.
Rutherford Doctors is a Medicare Bulk Billing Practice on Hillview Street, caring for people across Rutherford, Aberglasslyn, Telarah and the wider Maitland area. Sexual health consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients.
Book a confidential appointment.
How we can help.
Choose a topic to learn what is involved and when to see a GP.
STI testing
Regular testing is the only way to know your status, as many STIs have no symptoms.
Usually a urine test or swab, with blood tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis where needed.
With a new partner, if you have symptoms, or as part of a regular check.
Most STIs are easily treated. Your GP will explain results and partner notification.
Contraception
Your GP can talk through every option, from the pill to long-acting methods.
Pills, the vaginal ring, injection, implant, IUDs and condoms.
Implant and IUD insertion are available at the clinic.
Condoms also help protect against STIs.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is used.
Available from pharmacies without a prescription, up to 3 or 5 days after sex, depending on the type.
The most effective emergency option if inserted within 5 days.
Your GP can talk about ongoing contraception.
PrEP and PEP
Medicines that help prevent HIV.
A daily or on-demand medicine for people at higher risk of HIV, prescribed after testing.
Must be started within 72 hours of possible exposure. Go to an emergency department or sexual health clinic straight away if needed.
PrEP includes regular HIV and STI testing.
Vaccines
Vaccines that help protect your sexual health.
Protects against the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts.
Your GP can check your immunity and vaccinate if needed.
May be recommended for some people.
Symptoms and concerns
Any symptom or concern is worth checking.
Unusual discharge, pain when passing urine, sores, lumps or itching.
Bleeding after sex or between periods should be checked.
Pain during sex or pelvic pain should be assessed.
Something else on your mind? Our GPs can help.
Common STIs explained.
What to know about common sexually transmitted infections. Many have no symptoms, so testing matters.
Most common
Chlamydia
Often has no symptoms. Can cause pelvic infection or fertility problems if untreated.
Partners should also be tested and treated.
Bacterial
Gonorrhoea
May cause discharge or pain, but often no symptoms.
A follow-up test may be recommended.
Bacterial
Syphilis
Can cause a painless sore and later a rash. Testing is important, including in pregnancy.
Cases have increased in Australia, so regular testing matters.
Viral
HIV
Modern treatment allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.
PrEP and PEP can help prevent HIV.
Viral
Genital herpes
Can cause painful blisters or sores, and outbreaks can recur.
Your GP can talk through managing outbreaks.
Viral
HPV and genital warts
HPV is very common. The vaccine protects against the types that cause most cervical cancers and warts.
Cervical screening checks for HPV every five years from 25.
Viral
Hepatitis B
Can affect the liver. A vaccine is available.
Your GP can check your immunity.
This is general information only. If you have symptoms or concerns, book a confidential appointment.
Due for a check or worried about symptoms?
Your sexual health check.
What to expect at a confidential sexual health appointment.
Confidential
Your privacy matters
Your results and what you discuss are private. Your GP will explain how confidentiality works.
Choose your GP
Female and male GPs
You can choose the GP you feel most comfortable with.
Seek urgent care if
- Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours
- Severe pelvic or testicular pain
- Fever with pelvic pain
- Sexual assault (call 000 or NSW Health sexual assault services)
Step by step
- 1Talk
Your GP asks some questions about your health and recent sexual contact. You can share as much as you are comfortable with.
- 2Test
Usually a urine test or swab, which you can often collect yourself, and blood tests if needed.
- 3Results
Your GP will explain how you will receive your results.
- 4Treatment
If needed, treatment is usually simple. Your GP will explain partner notification.
Book a confidential sexual health check.
Partner notification
If an STI is found, letting recent partners know helps them get tested. Your GP can help, and anonymous notification services are available.
Young people
Young people can see a GP confidentially and can usually have their own Medicare card from around 15.
Costs
Consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients. Tests are usually bulk billed through 4Cyte Pathology. Some medicines and vaccines may attract a cost.
Book a sexual health appointment
4Cyte Pathology collection is in the same building, so blood tests and other samples can often be collected straight after your appointment. Most pathology is bulk billed.
When should I get tested?
Select a situation to see what we recommend.
Testing is quick and confidential.
Our GPs.
All of our GPs provide sexual health care. Choose a GP you feel comfortable with.
No preference? Book the first available GP.
Sexual health questions.
Is sexual health care confidential?
Yes. Your GP will explain how confidentiality works, including the limited situations where information may need to be shared.
Is STI testing bulk billed?
Consultations are bulk billed for Medicare-eligible patients, and tests are usually bulk billed through pathology.
Can I collect my own swab?
Many STI tests can be self-collected. Your GP will explain how.
How long do results take?
Usually a few days. Your GP will explain how you will receive results.
Can I get PrEP at Rutherford Doctors?
Talk with your GP about whether PrEP is suitable for you. Regular testing is part of PrEP care.
This page provides general information about sexual health services at Rutherford Doctors. It is not a substitute for advice about your own health. Please book an appointment to discuss your situation. In an emergency, call 000.
