The Sexual Health and Family Planning Clinic

Sexual Health and Family Planning Clinic

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Our clinics run on an appointment system. If you are an enrolled patient, you can book online using the Manage My Health website or app. Alternatively, you can book in person or by phoning reception on 03 441 0500.

Clinics are held at our Isle Street practice on Thursday afternoons and at our Remarkables Park practice on Wednesday afternoons.

If you have concerns and feel that you cannot wait until a scheduled clinic please ask Reception to book a GP appointment with one of our Sexual Health qualified Nurses or a Doctor.

Depending on government funding schemes available, consultations may be free for some enrolled patients. Please check with your clinician when you book whether you qualify for a free consultation. Contraceptive devices are not usually free of charge. Charges may apply for testing procedures. Click here for a list of our fees.

Our services include:

• diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections and other related conditions including genital skin conditions, genital pain and sexual dysfunction, reproductive health;
• contraception advice and options;
• insertion of contraceptive devices;
• fertility awareness;
• sexual health counselling;
• assistance and support for parents with prepubescent children;
• sexual disfunction;
• adult sexual abuse service including the care of related medical, nursing and social issues; and
• sexual health education, including Peer Sexuality Support programmes for school.

Prior to your appointment: For men, please do not pass urine for 2 hours prior to your appointment if you wish to be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) as this may affect our ability to detect an infection.

If you don’t have any symptoms and you want a Sexual Health Check following unprotected sex we suggest waiting two weeks as infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea have an incubation period of up to 2 weeks.

Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs are infections you can contract if you have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or skin to skin contact with another person. STIs are serious and may resolve by themselves and sometimes do not present with any symptoms. It is important to be tested and, if necessary, treated.

The most common STIs in New Zealand are:

• Chlamydia;
• Gonorrhoea;
• Genital warts;
• Crabs; and
• Genital herpes.

HIV is an increasing STI.

The symptoms below may indicate a STI. We recommend that if you have any of the following book an appointment for a check-up or ring for further advice:

• a discharge from the penis or vagina;
• pain passing urine;
• pain in the lower stomach or genitals;
• lumps or swelling in the genital area;
• genital sores or ulcers;
• genital rashes; or
• anal symptoms relating to sexual intercourse.

It is important to note that whilst some STIs have symptoms that there may be no signs at all (eg: Chlamydia). A person may be infected with STI without knowing.

We advise a check-up 2 weeks after unprotected sex or each time you have a change in partner. You may also wish to be tested if:

• you think you may have an STI or feel something is not right;
• you wish to take care of yourself and your partner/s;
• both you and a new partner want to be tested before beginning a sexual relationship;
• you have had unprotected sex or a condom broke;
• you would like a routine sexual health check; or
• you are pregnant.

Protection: There are ways to protect yourself and your partner against STIs. Male and female condoms offer the best protection against STIs. They must, however, be used correctly and every time you have sex. There is, however, no 100% effective method.

Everyone who attends the clinic will be offered the same routine tests although in certain circumstances different tests may be advised. You may see a Doctor or a Nurse. We offer self testing as an option.

Genital skin examination: The Doctor or Nurse may examine the genital skin looking for signs of infection such as genital warts and genital herpes. If you are too uncomfortable to undergo an examination you may provide self-taken specimens for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

Female testing: Swabs are taken from the vagina and cervix to detect infection. If you practice oral or anal sex swabs may also be taken from these areas too following consultation with you.

Male testing: A urine sample is taken for Chlamydia and a small swab may be taken from the tip of the urethra (opening at the tip of the penis). If you practice oral or anal sex, swabs may be taken from these areas too following consultation with you.

Blood testing: We offer screening for HIV and Syphilis as well as Hepatitis A, B and C when appropriate.

Test results: Results from samples sent to the laboratory usually take up to 10 days to return. If any of your results come back positive we will contact you so it is important that we have your correct details.

In some situations you may need to make another appointment to receive your results or for treatment. This will typically be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.

Most STIs are easily treated with antibiotics and/or creams. Some STIs, however, remain in a person’s immune system for a long time, and their symptoms are managed in consultation with you e.g. HSV, HPV, HIV.