Sexually transmitted infections
WHAT IS A SEXUALLY
TRANSMITTED INFECTION?
A sexually transmitted infection or STI is any infection that can be passed on from one person to another during sexual contact. Sexual contact includes vaginal, oral and anal sex. Some infections including hepatitis B & C and HIV can also be transmitted by infected blood (sharing injecting equipment) or body fluids, others such as herpes and genital warts can be transmitted through skin to skin contact.
The most significant STI's in Australia are:
- Genital warts (HPV)
- Genital herpes (HSV)
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomonas
- Hepatitis B
- HIV/AIDS
- Syphilis
- Parasitic infections like pubic lice and scabies
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS?
If you have any of the following symptoms it's a good idea to see your doctor or a sexual health worker.
Women:
- An unusual vaginal discharge, itch or irradiation.
- A sore, wart or lump, rash or blister on the genitals.
- Pain or discomfort on passing urine.
- Abdominal pain or pain during intercourse.
- Bleeding between periods or after sex.
- Painful or irregular periods.
- Unusual rectal discharge.
Men:
- A discharge from the penis.
- A sore, wart lump rash or blister on the genitals or around the anus.
- An itch or soreness of the penis.
- Pain or discomfort when passing urine or having sex.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Painful or swollen testicles.
- Unusual rectal discharge.
It is possible for a person to have an infection without knowing it as many STI's do not show any symptoms. So it is important to have regular sexual health check ups.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A SEXUAL CHECK UP?
You will be seen by a health professional that will begin by asking you about your sexual history. Some of these questions may seem really personal but your information will be kept confidential. It is also a good time to ask any questions that may have been worrying you.
Some of the questions they may ask you might include:
- Your sexual orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual)
- Number of sexual partners
- Sexual practices
- Whether you have any symptoms
- Whether you have injected drugs
- Whether you have tattoos or body
During the visit they may do an external and internal examination of your genital area. A range of tests may be done including swabs, urine and blood tests. It may also be necessary to take extra swabs from the rectum or throat.
CAN SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS BE TREATED?
Many STI's can be treated, some with just a course of antibiotics such as chlamydia, trichomonas and gonorrhoea. Others like genital warts and herpes infections can not be cured but treatment can improve symptoms and make it easier to deal with. Most will not go away on their own, if you have symptoms you will need to see your doctor or a sexual health professional.
For more information follow these links:
Family Planning - Qld
Qld Govt. - Sexual Health
Istaysafe - Teen Sexual Health
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