The low down on common STIs and how to prevent and treat them
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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.

Always using a condom reduces the risk of STIs

Find out more

Regular STI testing is quick and easy

Where can I get tested?

Anyone can have an STI and they often show no symptoms

Could I have an STI?

Although STIs are extremely common, there’s good news. Using condoms can hugely reduce the risk of getting an STI, and, if you do get one, treating STIs is easy in most cases – if caught early.

What is an STI?

STIs are infections passed from one person to another by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex. They’re caused by bacteria or a virus.

Many STIs don’t have symptoms, but are often easy to treat if caught early. That’s why regular STI testing is so important

What effects can STIs have?

STIs can cause pain and discomfort. If untreated they can cause long-term, complex health problems.

How can I tell if someone has an STI?

The simple answer is you can’t. Many STIs don’t have symptoms which means that it’s pretty common for someone to have an STI and not know about it. Or they might be showing minimal symptoms and not realise what’s going on. That’s why it’s so important to use a condom when you have penetrative sex (oral, vaginal, or anal).

How can I protect myself from STIs?

The most effective way to avoid STIs is by using condoms for penetrative sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) and having regular STI tests.

Get tested every 6-12 months and when you change partners.

STI tests are quick and easy and nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. They usually just require a blood test and a urine sample and are part of a healthy sex life.

You can get an STI test at your GP or a sexual health clinic, search for testing services in your area.

More about Common STIs

    YesNo

    Could I have an STI?

    Take our 30 second quiz to find out

    Where can I get tested?

    Find a testing location

    Got a sticky question?

    Ask Nurse Nettie

    Got a sticky question?

    Ask Nurse Nettie

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