Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection you get from someone else during sexual activity. There are lots of different kinds of STIs, all with different prevention, symptoms and treatment options. With the right protection, good communication and regular sexual health checks, most STIs can be avoided or easily managed.

This can help if:

• you want to learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of STIs

• you’re sexually active

• you plan on being sexually active in the future and want to know how to stay safe from STIs 

• you want to know how to prevent STIs.

What is an STI?

Any infection you get from sexual activity (kissing, touching, oral sex or intercourse) is known as a sexually transmitted infection. Types of STIs include:

• chlamydia

• herpes/cold sores

• genital warts/HPV

• HIV

• hepatitis A, B and C

• gonorrhoea

• syphilis

• pubic lice.

Common symptoms of STIs

STIs have short-term and longer-term symptoms. In the short term, you could experience the following (usually in your genital/bum region):

• itching/irritation

• pain (in the genital and lower abdominal regions)

• rashes

• leaking/discharge from your genitals or anus

• burning when you pee

• discomfort

• feeling feverish.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should find out about getting a sexual health check.

Some STIs don’t have obvious symptoms, which means you can have one without knowing it. This is a problem in the long run because you can unknowingly infect other people. You could also end up with permanent damage to your reproductive and sexual organs. Getting regular sexual health checks is an easy way to be sure you aren’t carrying an STI.

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How common are STIs in Australia?

STIs are pretty common – 1 in 6 people in Australia have had an STI. They are especially common among young people, and there has been a rise in the number of cases of some STIs in recent years. Chlamydia is the most common STI in Australia, and young people are more likely to be infected with chlamydia than other age groups.

How can I prevent STIs?

Communicate about your sexual health

• Talk to your doctor about sexual health and get regular sexual health checks.

• Be open with your sexual partners about your sexual history and health. It’s okay to ask them if they’ve ever had an STI or have been tested recently.

• Learn how to communicate about sexual health.

Practise safe sex

The following things are particularly important with new sexual partners:

• If you or your sexual partner has a visible infection (sores or a rash), don’t touch or rub the affected area.

• Use protection for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Always check the use-by date, as old condoms can break easily.

• Use a water-based lubricant to reduce the chance of the condom breaking.

• Use a new condom each time you have sex (even if your partner didn’t ejaculate). Never wash out a condom and use it again.

• Use a dental dam (a thin plastic barrier) for female oral sex.

• Use gloves for vaginal and anal fingering.

Get regular sexual health checks

• If you regularly have sex with new or different partners, get a sexual health check every three months.

• If you’re in a long-term relationship and you’re sexually active, get a sexual health check at least once a year.

You can get a sexual health check with any GP or at a sexual health centre.

Do STIs go away on their own?

Since some STIs don’t show symptoms at all, or the symptoms come and go, you might mistakenly think that you don’t have it anymore. All types of STIs are different, but most of them need to be treated for the infection to go away completely or for the symptoms to be managed. Even if you’re not showing symptoms, it’s important to have regular STI health checks and to follow any treatment to avoid any serious long-term issues.

Treating STIs

STI treatment differs based on the type of infection you have. Most infections are cured with a simple antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Those that can’t be cured can be managed with ongoing medical treatment.

What can I expect during an STI health check?

You can get an STI health check with a GP or at other locations such as a sexual health clinic.

Getting tested is pretty quick and straightforward. Your doctor might ask you some questions to understand what kind of test you need, then they might ask you to do a urine or blood test. Sometimes they’ll ask to do a swab test, and you might be able to do this yourself.

Your doctor will receive the results in a few days and will contact you to discuss what to do next.

Depending on where you go for your STI health check, you may have to pay, or it may be free. Check with your doctor’s office to see if they bulk bill or if there’s a fee for STI health checks. A lot of sexual health clinics do the tests for free or for a low cost.