Do you need to get tested?

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) affect 1 in 5 sexually active people.

What you need to know:

  • Infections like chlamydia often have no symptoms. Therefore infections can be passed on without knowing
  • Untreated, chlamydia can have long-term effects. It can be transmitted from mother to newborn child; it can cause infertility; and it can make people more susceptible to HIV infection
  • Common STIs include chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes and gonorrhoea.

How to get tested for an STI

There are two free sexual health clinics in the Nelson Tasman Marlborough region, located in the Health Hubs in Richmond and Blenheim.  

NelsonMarlborough 
281 Queen Street
Richmond
Nelson 7020
Phone: (03) 546 1537
22 Queen Street
Blenheim 7201
Phone: (03) 520 9914

You can also get tested at Family Planning, Blenheim and INP Medical Clinic, Nelson or your doctor.

The Family Planning clinic website has a  STI list along with detailed information and resources.

How to protect yourself from contracting an STI

The best protection against STIs is for yourself or your partner to use a condom.

Condoms are available free from Richmond and Blenheim sexual health clinics and the INP Medical Clinic in Nelson.

Some GP’s or doctors can provide condoms for free, others will write a prescription. If you see your GP there will be a cost for the consultation. If you ring and ask for a prescription there will be a charge for the script.

You  will pay a $5 charge at most pharmacies for filling a condom script.

Helpful websites