Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 

Sexual well-being is a crucial part of your overall well-being, and an important aspect of that wellbeing is your sexual health. Caring for your sexual health includes the following:

• Sexuality transmitted inflection (STIs) screenings and prevention
• STI management or monitoring
• Cancer screenings
• Contraceptive use

At Sex Life therapy our team can educate you on STIs including risk prevention, frequency of testing for your lifestyle and what to expect when going for your first test. Our team can also provide you with support and education on management after diagnosis.

WHAT IS AN STI? 

An STI is an infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact whether penis-vaginal or penis-anal or vulva-vulva intercourse, oral sex (penis-mouth [fellatio], penis-vulva [cunnilingus], mouth-anus [rimming]), skin-to-skin contact and from mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON STIS?

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a frequently reported STI (communicable disease) in Australia. People under the age of 30 are at greatest risk. Chlamydia infection is often asymptomatic where people can be infected and not show symptoms. Chlamydia is easily tested and treated however untreated and recurrent Chlamydia is associated with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility in women.

More Information on chlamydia

• StaySTIFree/Victorian Sexual Health Network https://staystifree.org.au/get-the-facts/chlamydia
• Better Health Channel https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is the most commonly diagnosed STI in men who have sex with men (MSM) and young, heterosexual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote communities. People returning from high prevalence areas overseas and have engaged in sex are also at greater risk. Gonorrhea, like chlamydia, can be asymptomatic, especially in women.

More Information on gonorrhea

• StaySTIFree/Victorian Sexual Health Network https://staystifree.org.au/get-the-facts/gonorrhoea
• Better Health Channel https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gonorrhoea

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).  There are two strains: Type 1 and Type 2. 

Approximately, 75% of the Australian adult population has Type 1 HSV infections (cold sores). Type 1 was once mainly responsible for oral herpes (cold sores).  With the rise in prevalence of oral sex, Type 1 infections are now common on the genitals. Infection with HSV, whether Type 1 or Type 2,  can occur through infection of membranes – found in the genital tract (vagina and penis), anus and mouth, or through genital skin abrasions.

Genital herpes is often acquired without symptoms present. The initial episode can be severe, and treatment necessary. Recurrent episodes can be mild or even asymptomatic and treatment might not be necessary for management. Treatment can include daily suppressive anti-viral therapy (for severe and recurrent cases) or episodic anti-viral therapy (for milder and more isolated cases).

When screening for STIs, HSV is usually not included. As if a person is prone to cold sores, they would return a positive result for HSV. However, this is NOT the same as testing positive for genital herpes. ¹

More Information on genital herpes

• StaySTIFree/Victorian Sexual Health Network https://www.staystifree.org.au/get-the-facts/herpes
• Better Health Channel https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/genital-herpes

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. It has three stages with a person being infectious during the first two stages. Syphilis can be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact and is highly contagious when the person has a chancre/s (syphilis sore/s), or rash. There is an increasing prevalence of syphilis in men who have sex with men and the infection is also common in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Congenital Syphilis (Vertical transmission from mother to child) is also a growing concern, particularly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in regional communities.

More Information on syphilis

• StaySTIFree/Victorian Sexual Health Network https://www.staystifree.org.au/get-the-facts/syphilis
• Better Health Channel https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/syphilis

HOW DO I PREVENT AN STI?

Sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by practising safer sex.  Safer sex includes using barrier methods of protection during sex, such as a condom (external/penis, internal, vagina), latex gloves or a dental dam. Use a barrier when engaging in oral or vaginal or anal play, making sure to change condoms when moving between anal, oral and vaginal acts. 

Engage in respectful and consensual sex. Feeling pressured or unable to communicate with your partner can lead to unsafe sex. Try to avoid situations where you may have impaired judgement such as while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Regular screening for STIs for you and your partner/s is important to maintaining good sexual health.

While we have listed some ways to maintain a healthy sex life, a psychosexual therapist can provide you with an open and safe space to learn about risk management and further education. 

While we have listed some ways to maintain a healthy sex life, a psychosexual therapist can provide you with further education and an open and safe space to learn about risk management.

WHERE CAN I GET TESTED?

Sexual health clinics or your general practitioner are good places to start in seeking STI screening. You may also be able to get tested at:

• family planning centres
• community health centres
• women’s health centres
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)
• walk-in centres
• Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

DO I ONLY NEED TO TEST IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS?

It is recommended for people who are sexually active with multiple partners to screen regularly – every 6 or 12 months.  The majority of STIs are asymptomatic. Many STIs may not have obvious symptoms. It is important to screen for STIs even if you have no symptoms. 

DOES HAVING AN STI MEAN THAT I AM DIRTY?

Even though 1 in 6 Australians have a STI in their lifetime, there is still a stigma that having an STI makes you dirty or unwanted. While this isn’t the case we understand the complex emotions that come with the news. That is why our therapists have been trained to help with any guilt and shame that can sometimes accompany an STI diagnosis.

I’VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH HIV OR HSV. HOW CAN YOU HELP? 

Our therapists can assist you with coming to terms with your diagnosis. As well as the many emotions that accompany the news such as grief and shame. Moving forward we can help with ongoing management and navigating discussing your status with potential partners.

RESOURCES

Factsheets on STIs

Melbourne Sexual Health Clinic of testing and education

Thorne Harbour for LGBTIQ+ specific sexual health 

Sexual Health Victoria for testing and education

RhED for sex workers specific sexual health

Young, Deadly, Free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities specific sexual health

NSW Sexual Health Clinics

ACON for testing and education in Sydney 

QLD STI testing

ACT STI testing

NT STI testing

SA STI testing 

SHINE SA – STI resources with a South Australian focus

WA STI testing