STI testing and treatment
Helping to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections
Early detection can help to successfully treat STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be passed through sexual activity and sometimes during childbirth.
When STIs are treated early, you can prevent many of the negative outcomes of STIs, including infertility in both men and women. Testing and treatment is important for sexually active people and for pregnant women.
There are many different types of STIs. Some of these have symptoms, while others don’t. Some symptoms may take longer to appear. If you have an STI but have no symptoms, you could still pass the STI on to other sexual partners.
HIV is one type of STI. HIV can make it difficult for your body to protect itself from other illnesses. While the virus never completely goes away, a person who has HIV and is on treatment can live a long and healthy life. The earlier HIV is identified and treatment started, the higher the chances of successful treatment are. We provide free and confidential HIV testing at our Family Health Clinic, and referral for follow-up treatment if required.
Availability
At the Family Health Clinic in Dili and through outreach teams in the municipalities where we work.
Pricing
Call the Family Health Clinic on 3322 841 for more information on price.
“We have many clients who come to us worried about discharge. There can be normal discharge, but sometimes discharge is a sign of an STI. Either way, we always try and help them with their concerns without judgement.”
Symptoms
Many people don’t notice symptoms when they have an STI.
If left untreated, STIs can affect your health. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, we recommend getting tested as soon as possible.
In women and men:
- Pain when you urinate.
- Itching, burning or tingling around the genitals.
- Blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus.
- Black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear – this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice.
In women:
- Yellow or green vaginal discharge.
- Discharge that smells.
- Bleeding between periods or after sex.
- Pain during sex.
- Lower abdominal pain.
In men:
- Discharge from the penis.
- Irritation of the urethra (the tube urine comes out of).
These symptoms may also be because of other reproductive health issues, not just STIs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best that you come for a consultation so we can help to identify and treat the problem.
