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Visit the blog

What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]

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If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]

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Talking to your doctor about sexual health

Does the thought of talking to your doctor about sexual health give you butterflies or send a shiver down your spine?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here’s our top tips to make chatting to your doctor about sex a whole lot easier.

Did you know that the types of STI tests you need differ depending on the type of sex you’re having?

There are a few different types of STI tests – urine tests, vaginal swabs, throat swabs, rectal swabs and blood tests. Each one has a different purpose. In Australia, a standard STI test is likely to include some of the following, depending on your sexual history.

  • Blood tests – HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B
  • Urine tests – Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea OR vaginal swab – Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea
  • Rectal swab – Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea
  • Throat swab – Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea

You might not think you need all of them. You might be thinking ‘I had a urine test and it came back clear’. But, just because you’ve not got an STI in your genitals, doesn’t mean you don’t have one in your throat for example.

The good news? All of these STI tests are super quick and easy. And treatment for many STIs is a simple course of antibiotics.

Although doctors will offer you certain tests, they may not offer you the ones you need if they don’t have your full sexual history. That’s why it’s important to find someone you trust and be as open as you can.

By taking the time to understand what tests you need, you can take control of your sexual health and have even better sex.

Want more specific info about what tests are right for you? Reach out to Nurse Nettie or ask a question on our forum.

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