Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that are passed on during sexual activity, including vaginal, oral or anal sex. If you have unprotected sex, you may be at risk of catching an STI, regardless of your sexual orientation, age, and how healthy you are. You cannot tell if a sexual partner has an STI, and it is important to practice safer sex to reduce your risk of catching an STI. Condoms (male and female versions are available) and dental dams, and washing sex toys are effective ways to practice safer sex. Some STIs, such as herpes, genital warts, and pubic lice, may still be spread even if a condom is used.
Below are some of the common STIs:
| Name | Symptoms | Prevention | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herpes / Genital Herpes | Causes recurrent blisters and painful ulcers around the mouth or genitals. | Condoms (male and female), dental dams – these only protect the areas they cover | No cure is available for the virus, but the virus can be controlled with medication |
| Genital Warts (caused by HPV) | Warts (lumps) on the genitals. Sometimes they may not be visible on the skin of the genitals. | Condoms (male and female), dental dams | HPV Vaccine (Gardasil) Visible warts can be treated with dry ice or creams/paints |
| Hepatitis B (affects the liver) | Mild flu-like symptoms unless severe, then jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) with brown urine and pale stools | Condoms (male and female), dental dams | Hepatitis B Vaccine (often given to you when you are a child) Virus may clear but liver damage can be caused. Antiviral tablets can be used to control the virus |
| Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV, which causes AIDS) | Often no symptoms until the immune system is not able to protect the body, and infections such as unusual pneumonias occur | Condoms (male and female), dental dams | PrEP, an oral medication that can prevent against HIV when taken as prescribed. Your GP can prescribe PrEP No cure is available for the virus, but the virus can be controlled with medication |
| Gonorrhoea | Increased vaginal discharge and stinging/burning with urination and pain during sex. Sometimes there are no symptoms in women | Condoms (male and female), dental dams | Antibiotics (injected into the buttock) |
| Chlamydia | Change in vaginal discharge, pain during sex, bleeding between periods or after sex and burning/stinging with urination. Most women have no symptoms | Condoms (male and female), dental dams | Oral antibiotics |
| Syphilis | Painless ulcers, then later a rash and swollen glands | Condoms (male and female), dental dams – these only protect the areas they cover | Penicillin (injected into the buttock) |
| Trichomoniasis | Yellowy/green vaginal discharge with itching of the labia and burning/stinging with urination | Condoms (male and female), dental dams | Oral antibiotics |
| Pubic Lice | An infestation of lice in pubic hair | Avoid sexual contact or sharing bedding or clothing with anyone who has an infestation | Creams/lotions containing permethrin |
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an oral medication that prevents HIV in people at risk of infection with the virus, and can be prescribed by your GP13. PrEP is a good option for HIV-negative people at risk of infection, such as those with a sexual partner who is HIV-positive and not on treatment, those who are sexually active and inconsistently use condoms, and men who have sex with men without using a condom. Studies have shown that PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV when taken consistently as prescribed14
PrEP isn’t necessarily for everyone and is a personal choice. Your circumstances and your risk of being exposed to HIV should all play a role in deciding whether PrEP is right for you. Speak with your doctor to see if PrEP is your best option to prevent HIV.
If you are sexually active, it is a good idea to get tested for STIs every 6-12 months, even if you don’t have any symptoms of an STI. You should also consider getting tested if your partner has recently had an STI, if you have a new partner, or if you have frequent changes in partners. You can visit your doctor or a sexual health clinic to get tested. Other places you can be tested include family planning clinics, youth health centres, women’s health centres and Aboriginal community-controlled health services.
If you do have an STI, your doctor will probably discuss contacting your current and past sexual partners. You can choose to contact your partners yourself or there are anonymous services you can use:
Here are some useful service directories to get tested for STIs: