Millions of Aussies can now test for STIs from the comfort of their own home: What you need to know

The first ever self-test kits for gonorrhoea and chlamydia will be rolled out to millions of Aussies amid a 'concerning' surge in cases.

The kits, recently approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, will be sold at pharmacies and online in the next few weeks.

The tests, which are designed only for women, can return a result for the sexually transmitted infections (STI) in just 15 minutes.

The diseases are detected by a single swab sample in the kits, which are produced by Sydney diagnostic tests manufacturer Touch Biotechnology.

CEO Matt Salihi said the kits will prevent the spread of STIs and protect the privacy of women who can now test in a comfortable environment.

'It marks significant progress in improving the options for female sexual health in Australia, hopefully reducing the number of infections that go undiagnosed and enabling more people to receive appropriate and timely treatment,' he said.

'We hope it will empower women to take the first step towards receiving a diagnosis.'

Before the option to test at home, women were required to take a lab or PCR test, which can be expensive and also invasive for some patients.

One in six Aussies will contract a STI in their lifetime according to federal government data amid a 'concerning' increase in STI diagnoses.

Rates of gonorrhoea have skyrocketed by 157 per cent and chlamydia by 26 per cent with more than 110,000 reported cases in Australia last year.

Common signs of gonorrhoea among women are pain and discomfort in several parts of the body including the throat and eyes.

These symptoms can often be mistaken for other infections and the fear of judgement and stigma can stop some Aussies from being tested.

General Manager at Touch Biotechnology Matt Gencer said if STIs go untreated among women they can cause major health issues.

'That's why it's incredibly important for women to test for STIs when experiencing even the smallest of symptoms or are concerned about a partner's sexual activity,' Mr Gencer said.