Accessing sexual health care can sometimes be confusing for some young people. There may be both real and perceived hurdles, from worrying about cost or feeling embarrassed, to simply not knowing where to go. And for those in rural or remote areas, the challenge can be even bigger with less health services available that in city areas.
As professionals, you play an important role in making sure young people know their options and ensure they can identify and then access health services, including for sexual health care.
Let’s break down some of the common barriers that may make it challenging for young people to access sexual health care, and how you can support them to do this.
The thought of going to a doctor and being unsure about how much it will cost can be a challenge for some young people, especially for those who aren’t aware that bulk-billed services and other alternatives exist. Some people might assume STI tests or doctor visits are expensive and avoid them altogether.
How you can help: Let young people know that if they have a Medicare card and visit a bulk-billing GP, they won’t have to pay anything out of pocket for STI testing and care. If a young person doesn’t have a Medicare card, they have the option to pay out of pocket (full fees) but can also explore whether they may be covered under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Many sexual health clinics will offer free STI testing to people without a Medicare card who want to test and can be contacted to see if they can help.
There can be a lot of shame and discomfort around talking about sexual health. Some young people fear being judged by doctors, parents, or even their peers, which may prevent them from making STI testing a regular part of their health care routine.
How you can help: Remind people that getting an STI test is a normal part of looking after their health. Doctors have seen it all before, and there is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.
Many young people simply don’t know that most STIs don’t have any symptoms or they may not understand what STI testing involves.
How you can help: Let them know that most STI tests are a simple urine same and/or self-collected swab, and blood test. There’s nothing to worry about, and they’re confidential too. Read our article on busting STI myths for young people. It covers everything you need to know to put their mind at ease. You can also encourage them to visit the Play Safe website for information on STI testing and what they can expect.
If they live in a major city, it can be easier to find a GP or other testing service. But for young people in regional or remote areas, it can be more difficult. Distance, transport, and limited-service availability may make it harder to get tested and treated.
How you can help: Read the below testing options thoroughly so that you can support young people know what services are available to them. Young people can also use the STI testing service locator on the Play Safe website.
Luckily, there are many options for young people — both in-person and online. As professionals, it’s important to know what’s out there so you can guide young people in the right direction.
Looking for a way to get the conversation rolling? Share this 20-second quiz on the Play Safe website which will let them know if they’re at risk of an STI and should get tested.
Some young people may already have a GP, which makes this an easy first option. Some GPs also offer bulk billing for young people under 16 (which means no out-of-pocket costs if they have Medicare).
They might be nervous about seeing their regular GP due to feelings of shame or stigma. Remind them that it all remains confidential, and that there is nothing to be ashamed about. But, if they are worried, they could request an alternate GP for the appointment or add in a sexual health check when going to the GP for a different reason.
If a young person doesn’t have a regular doctor, they can use the Play Safe STI testing location finder.
Youth health clinics and other youth services sometimes provide sexual health services at low or no cost. We recommend checking out the headspace website where young people can filter their search results to find their closest location.
Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) deliver culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal people across NSW, including comprehensive sexual health services. AMSs’ offer bulk-billed sexual health consultations, making sure care is accessible and culturally appropriate. Find an AMS here.
Family Planning Australia (FPA) is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides reproductive and sexual health services. Young people can use the online booking function or call to make appointments. Some of their services, such as their Penrith and Newcastle clinics, offer youth drop-in centres.
Specialist sexual health clinics offer free and confidential services, from STI testing to treatment and counselling. These clinics are for young people most at risk of STIs and HIV and may not have capacity to see everyone. It is bets to call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink to find out which sexual health clinics young people can go to, as not all clinics are available for young people.
Urgent care clinics provide care for illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening. Urgent care clinics will provide STI testing and treatment for young people with symptoms. Availability varies, some are walk-in and others need appointments so calling ahead to check is recommended. For more information, check out the Urgent Care Clinic page.
Online STI testing lets young people access STI tests without an in-person clinic visit. It typically involves requesting a test online, obtaining a pathology referral, and attending a collection centre of choice. Results are then delivered within a few days via phone or online.
Costs vary between $50–$100, depending on Medicare eligibility. It’s a great option for young people who can’t get to a GP or another health service, or who may be too nervous to go in-person. Check out the Online STI Testing article from the Play Safe website, for more information about online testing options.
Postal testing kits are available for HIV, which provide a discreet option for young people who want to self-test for HIV. These self-testing kits give results in as little as 15 minutes in the comfort of a safe and private space. For more information, visit the HIV Test website.
If you speak with a young person about this option, it’s really important to let them know that a positive result from the self-test will need to be confirmed by a doctor. A doctor will also be able to link them to vital support services and give personalised information about HIV and treatment options.
Pharmacies aren’t just for medication—they can be a great place for basic sexual health advice. They can also provide emergency contraception for anyone who may be at risk of unplanned pregnancy.
While pharmacists can provide support, they’re not a replacement for a discussion with a doctor or other sexual health professional and they also cannot provide STI tests.
Sometimes young people may want access to advice and guidance on sexual health or relationships that are outside of your comfort or knowledge to provide. There are three primary digital resources you can recommend.
Alongside the handy STI testing location finder and short 20-second quiz that young people can take that lets them know if they need an STI test, the Play Safe website is an absolute treasure trove of information on everything from consent to condoms and testing to treatment. Send them this link for everything they need to know about safer sex and healthy relationships.
Nurse Nettie is an online service available on the Play Safe website, which delivers qualified sexual health information to young people living in NSW. Run by a team of qualified sexual health nurses, Nurse Nettie is here to help answer any questions young people may have about sex or sexual health.
The NSW Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL) is a state-wide, nurse-led, NSW Health service. Their telephone lines are staffed by experienced sexual health nurses who are available to answer any sexual health questions from young people anywhere in the state.
Sexual health isn’t just about testing and treatment—it’s also about prevention. Here’s how you support young people to learn about how they can:
By understanding the barriers young people face to accessing sexual health services and guiding them toward the right resources, you can help make sexual health care more accessible and stigma-free.
