Golden Rules

  1. If it itches or burns, leaks or smells bad, go see a doctor for a checkup.
  2. Even if it doesn't, you should still get a checkup once a year, or more often if you have sex with lots of different partners.  That's because sexually transmitted infections (STI's) don't always show symptoms.  Unless you get a regular checkup, you may not know you've got one until you pass it onto someone else!
  3. Having an untreated STI makes it easier to get and pass on HIV, because inflammation makes it easier for the virus to enter the body and attach itself to immune cells.  It can also cause pain and infertility in both men and women if left untreated for too long.  Some strains of the wart virus (HPV) can also cause cancer if left undetected.
  4. Condoms don't protect you from STI's that are passed on by skin-to-skin contact, because the condom doesn't cover all the skin around your genitals.  But don't panic, because these infections are easy to detect and treat or cure.  Condoms do protect you against HIV and other STI's which are carried in bodily fluids.
  5. Getting a checkup takes about fifteen minutes, it's free or cheap, totally confidential, and it isn't going to hurt.  You don't need to feel embarrassed, because most doctors have seen it all before and it's no big deal.  Don't be shy!

For more information call HIV & Sexual Health Connect (1800 038 125) or SMS 19 SEXTXT.

Overview

Better Health Channel "Sexually Transmitted Infections" Fact Sheet

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are common all around the world. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Many people think only prostitutes, homosexuals or promiscuous people get STIs, but anybody who is sexually active can catch one. If you have unprotected sex with a person with an STI, you are at high risk of catching that STI.

Sexually transmissible infections include herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, scabies, pubic lice (crabs), chlamydia, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

The symptoms can vary
There are many different STIs and there are many signs that mean you may have caught one. Sometimes there are no signs at all. Common symptoms can include:

  • Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Pain during sex or urination
  • Sores, blisters, ulcers, warts or rashes in the genital area
  • Itchiness or irritation in the genital area
  • Persistent diarrhoea.
  • Fever, flu-like symptoms.

STIs are passed on during sex
The most common sexual activities that can spread an STI from one partner to another include:

  • Vaginal sex - the man’s penis in the woman’s vagina.
  • Anal sex - the man’s penis in the partner’s anus (the partner can be either male or female).
  • Oral sex - the man’s penis in the partner’s mouth, or the partner’s mouth or tongue in the woman’s vagina.
  • Oral-anal sex - one partner’s mouth or tongue on the other partner’s anus.

Condoms and dams help prevent infection
It is not difficult to avoid catching STIs. You can prevent most STIs by using condoms or dams (a thin piece of latex placed over the anal or vaginal area during oral sex) during vaginal or anal sex. Condoms will only protect against disease if they are used every time you have sex. The best ways to use condoms include:

  • Use well known brands and check the expiry date.
  • Pinch the tip to remove air and roll the condom down the erect penis.
  • Use water-based lubricants like KY. Don’t use Vaseline, baby oil or massage oils, which can weaken and split rubber condoms.
  • Withdraw the penis while it is still erect so the condom doesn’t slip off.
  • Use each condom only once.

Type of help available
Many STIs are easily treated once they are diagnosed. Treatments for the different types of infections can include:

  • Bacteria - antibiotics, either one high dose or a course.
  • Parasites - medicated shampoos.
  • Viruses - there are no cures for viral STIs. In most cases, there are treatments to help control the symptoms.

Where to get help

  • Your doctor
  • Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9347 0244 or 1800 032 017 or TTY 9347 8619
  • Victoria AIDS Council/Gay Men's Health Centre Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
  • Education & Resource Centre at The Alfred Tel. (03) 9276 6993
  • The Centre Clinic, Northcote Tel. (03) 9481 7155
  • The Centre Clinic, St Kilda Tel. (03) 9525 5866
  • Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100
  • Action Centre (for youth 25 years and under) Tel. (03) 9654 4766 or 1800 013 952
  • The Annexe Sexual Health Clinic Ballarat Tel. (03) 5320 7500
  • BBV/STI Clinic Bendigo Tel. (03) 5434 4330
  • Geelong Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5221 4735
  • STD Clinic Wodonga Tel. (03) 6051 7535
  • STD/AIDS Clinic Traralgon Tel. (03) 5173 8111

Things to remember

  • Anyone who is sexually active can catch an STI.
  • Condoms reduce the risk of catching an STI.
  • Medical treatment can cure some STIs or help relieve symptoms for others.