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 […]
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 […]
Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
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 […]
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 […]
Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
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.
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.
Making an appointment and visiting a medical centre or sexual health clinic can be overwhelming. Just like anyone else, young people under 18 years of age have the right to confidential health care. Young people are able to see a doctor, nurse, or other health workers confidentially without a parent present. They’re also able to […]
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types: HSV 1 (usually known as cold sores) and HSV 2 (usually known as genital herpes). It’s really common! In fact, 1 in 8 Australian adults aged over 25 years have HSV 2, and 7 out of […]