The schoolies souvenir you may not know you have…

In our latest guest blog, Amy from Unleashed Grad Trips reminds us about the importance of getting an STI test after last year’s schoolies’ fun.

Now that the New Year has sprung and the post schoolies depression has seriously kicked in, it’s time to reminisce on all the great memories you made. But, to make sure that’s all you’ve been left with, look after your sexual health and go and get an STI test today.

I used to always be terrified at the idea of STI testing; I thought it would be this awkward, embarrassing, painful experience. But I was so wrong. In fact, for some of the common STIs it’s as easy as peeing in a jar. That’s literally it.

Getting tested is just a normal part of a healthy and confident sex life.

Just ask your local clinic or GP for a sexual health checkup.  If you’re a bit nervous, why not go with a friend and grab an ice cream or coffee afterwards?

Here’s why:

• A lot of STIs don’t have symptoms, so testing is the only way to know
• STI testing is completely confidential and can be free with Medicare
• Anyone who’s had sex should get an STI test – even if you have used condoms
• Young people should be tested for STIs when they change partners or at least every 6-12 months
• Don’t stress about the results either, because many STIs are mostly treatable if caught early enough. Chlamydia, which is one of the most common STIs, is treated with one dose of antibiotics

Also, thanks to Nurse Nettie, you can do an online screening from the comfort of your own home to see if you should get an STI test. How cool is that?

Or, if you’ve got a question, you can even ask Nurse Nettie a confidential question and she’ll come back to you within 24 hours

And as always, I’m speaking from personal experience, so for more information check out the Play Safe website for all things STI testing, condoms and more.

Be smart and Play Safe!

Amy traveller from Unleashed Grad Trips.

xoxo