Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
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
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
ACON for testing and education in Sydney
SHINE SA – STI resources with a South Australian focus
1 NSW Health (nd). Tackling Herpes: A guide for professionals working with young people. Accessed 31/01/2025 from: https://pro.playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/tools/tackling-herpes
DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website should be read as general in nature and only provides an overview of the subject matter. It should not be used as a substitute for medical and/or other professional advice. Also consult a trained professional psychosexual therapist or other healthcare provider.
COLLINGWOOD OFFICE LOCATION
SYDNEY OFFICE LOCATION
Suite 201, Level 2/1 Erskineville Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
Telephone (02) 9188 4838
FOR PROFESSIONALS
Dr Christopher Fox – Clinical Supervision Opportunities 2026
For Pricing See Bottom Of Page.
Clinical supervision is an essential part of working therapeutically with clients. Clinical supervision is a professional requirement of all counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work and occupational therapy bodies. All people working in the helping professionals also benefit from clinical supervision (or practise mentoring).
All ethical and professional therapists have on-going formal clinical supervision to support their work in accordance with professional codes of practice requirements. Clinical supervisors are experienced therapists and maintain a responsibility for the good practice of supervisees and to protect clients from harm and unethical practice. Clinical supervisors also have supervision.
Clinical supervision is a space for the supervisee to engage reflexively with the content and process of their client work. Through clinical supervision topics such as therapeutic techniques, therapeutic relationships, difficult problems, ethical dilemmas or issues which impact on the therapist personally as a result of the therapeutic process.
The focus in supervision is three-fold:
Introducing your Supervisor – Dr Christopher Fox
As a clinical supervisor I work from a collaborative and supportive framework to facilitate the growth of the therapist. I draw on critical reflexive practice where the supervisee moves beyond reflection to engagement in self-in-therapy/therapy-in-self/therapeutic self, self-care and development as a professional. A focus on the praxis issues of practice-to-theory/theory-to-practice encourages the therapist to maintain a best-practice model drawing on evidence-based and practice-based evidence informed approaches.
My professional focus is in the areas of psychosexual therapy, sexuality, and gender diversity, as well psychological wellbeing. My theoretical orientation draws on an integrative model of psychodynamic, Berne, Adler, humanism existentialism, Rogerian and solution-focussed approaches to therapy in the main. My practice is also heavily influenced by systems (Satir, Bowen)/family and relationship therapy. I also utilise creative therapeutic approaches including storytelling, therapeutic photography, and clay/play dough. As a public health specialist and experienced community practitioner I also supervise health promotion, welfare and community development workers.
I have worked with sexual and gender diversity, as well as sexual health and wellbeing for over thirty years. I am an European Certified Psycho-Sexologist with the European Federation of Sexology and European Society of Sexual Medicine. I am Director of Sex Life Therapy – a specialist psychosexual and relationship therapy practice in Melbourne, and one of Australia’s oldest and largest psychosexual therapy services.
I work as a Senior Lecturer in Sexual Health (Sexology) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney where I am the Co-Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs and Pathway Coordinator for the Psychosexual Therapy Pathway in the Postgraduate Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health. I hold an adjunct Research Professor in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the Fiji National University. I am the President of the Asia-Oceania Federation of Sexology and have held executive positions on the governing councils of the World Association for Sexual Health, the Asia-Oceania Federation of Sexology and the Society of Australian Sexologists, including National Chairperson.
Indiviual and group sessions available
Individual Clinical Supervision is bookable through Chris Fox and available to general counselling and psychotherapy (psychologists, social workers, OTs, counsellors, mental health practitioners) or psychosexual therapy (psychosexual/sex therapists, sexologists, sexual health counsellors) on a regular or ad-hoc basis.
Psychosexual Therapy Group Supervision held on 1st Tuesday of the Month 16.00-17.30.
This group supervision is open to existing psychosexual/sex therapists/sexologists. Groups are limited to six participants.
Emerging Therapist Group Supervision held on 3rd Tuesday of the Month 16.00-17.30.
This emerging group supervision is aimed at recently graduate therapists (psychologists, social workers, OTs, counsellors, mental health practitioners) and therapist with less than five years practise experience. Groups are limited to six participants.
Cost
Ad Hoc = $125
6-Pack = $635.00 ($105.83 per session).
12-Pack = $1,145.00 ($95.42 per sessions)
Outer Barcoo: Rural and Remote Supervision held on 2nd Tuesday of the Month 15.30-17.30.
This is a general supervision group for practitioners in rural and remotes areas of Australia. The group will focus on practise issues and practice issues with a rural and remote lens.The two-hour groups will focus on traditional supervision and add a professional development aspect as well. This is an online group. (3rd Wednesday of the month at 1430-1630). The group is limited to six participants.
My career started in rural practice and I have always maintained an interest and a connection with these areas. Practising in rural and remote Australia has unique experiences which many urban-based therapists and supervisors do not grasp.
Cost
Ad Hoc = $170
6-Pack = $865.00 ($144.50 per session).
12-Pack = $1,470.00 ($122.50 per sessions)
If you are interested in individual or group supervision, please contact the office on (03) 9005 5213 or email [email protected]