Which clinic and which tests should I get before having sexual intercourse?

The most commonly recommended clinics for evaluation and testing are:

• Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology: for detailed infection assessment in complex or high‑risk situations.
• Dermatology and Venereal Diseases: specialist services for sexually transmitted infections; suitable if you have genital lesions, discharge, or skin findings.
• Family Medicine: first‑line assessment, basic testing and referral to specialists when needed.

Which clinic is best depends on personal risk factors and symptoms.

A clinician may order some of the following tests based on risk assessment:

• HIV screening tests (antibody/antigen-based assays).
• Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C serology (including HBsAg and antibody tests depending on context).
• Syphilis testing (treponemal and/or non-treponemal tests).
• NAAT for chlamydia and gonorrhea (urine sample or genital swab).
• HPV assessment where appropriate (e.g., cervical cytology/HPV DNA testing in people eligible for screening).

Test choice depends on sex, recent testing, vaccination status, symptoms and exposure history.

Information that helps the clinician and lab during your visit:

• Bring prior test results and your vaccination history (for example hepatitis B vaccination).
• Note timing of last sexual contact, number of partners and contraception or protection used.
• If you have genital symptoms (pain, discharge, sores, itching) mention them clearly; timing can affect sample collection.

Ask about confidentiality and counselling options; many clinics offer confidential services.

After results are available, clinical follow-up is important.

• A clinician will interpret results and recommend follow-up testing if needed.
• If results are positive or uncertain, your clinician can advise about notifying partners and next steps.
• Ask for sexual health counselling and prevention advice as needed.

Always discuss results and management with a healthcare professional.