STIs

STIs are infections that are passed on through sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral sex). There are three main types of STIs; bacterial, parasitic and viral. They may also be referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Bacterial STIs include:

• Chlamydia – the most common STI, mainly symptomless, can lead to serious health problems such as infertility if left untreated
• Gonorrhoea – largely symptomless, can lead to infertility
• Syphilis – causes sores on the body, can damage the brain, spinal cord and other organs if left untreated

Viral STIs include:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) – common STI, can be spread via skin-to-skin contact and is incurable
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated

Parasititic STIs include:

• Pubic lice
• Scabies
• Trichomonas vaginalis

Other infections such as hepatitis and Molluscum Contagiousum can also be passed on through sexual contact.

The rates of STI infections have been increasing in Australia over the past ten years. Young people are predominantly affected, but infection rates are also rising among older people.

• In Australia, STI diagnoses are more common in rural areas than urban areas. Infection rates are also higher among men who have sex with men and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background.
• The most common STI in Australia is chlamydia. Those aged 15-24 are most at risk of infection, and 80% of cases occur in this age group.
• Australia is also witnessing an increase in infection rates of gonorrhoea. Around 75% of cases are reported in people aged 15-34.

Some STIs cause a burning sensation when passing urine, or discharge from the genitals. Others may lead to sores or warts on the skin. However, in many cases, an STI will not cause any symptoms making them hard to detect. As a result, the infection could be passed on to any sexual partners without any knowledge. Some STIs can cause serious damage if they are left untreated in the long-term.

Long-term complications of STIs

Certain STIs can infect your body for a long time without causing any symptoms while doing serious damage.

• Chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women if it is left untreated.
• Untreated gonorrhoea can cause infertility in women and painful prostate infections in men
• Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS and serious health issues
• Genital herpes is a viral condition, and thus incurable, but untreated infections can lead to more regular, more severe outbreaks of sores
• Syphilis can cause major damage to your body if left untreated, and in some cases can even cause death

Each STI carries its own risks if left untreated, and it is worth getting tested and treated if you think you may be at risk.

Unprotected sex – vaginal sexual intercourse without using a condom - is the main cause of new STI diagnoses.

However it is important to remember that STIs can be passed on through anal and oral sex as well. Some infections, such as genital herpes, can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact alone. This means that penetrative sex is not necessary for infection to occur. You can catch genital herpes during foreplay if your skin rubs on an infected area of your partner's skin.

Transmission can also occur when using sex toys. It is advised that you do not share sex toys with anyone, or use a condom to cover the toy and to wash them frequently.

The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested. It is easy to have a sexual health check-up, and doctors are experienced in carrying out tests. There is no reason to be embarrassed about seeking treatment.

You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex with a new or casual sexual partner, or after unprotected sex with a partner that you think has had other sexual partners. It is important to get a test after any non-consensual sexual contact, as well as unprotected sex in countries where there are high rates of HIV or STI infection. If your partner tells you that they have an STI, you should book an appointment for a test straight away.

• Men who have sex with men should get an STI test on a regular basis, at least every year. Those with multiple sexual partners should get a test every three months.
• You can get a test at your local sexual health clinic. Your test will be carried out by a doctor or nurse, who will ask you some questions about your sex life. You will then be given an examination, which may involve examining your genitals or mouth, and be asked to give a urine sample or carry out a vaginal swab.
• Your samples will then be examined at a laboratory before your results are returned to you. This can take about a week.
• There is no need to worry about getting tested. The process is quick and relatively painless, and all of the information you provide will remain confidential.

It is important to get tested regularly to prevent the spread of infections and prevent long-term damage to your body due to untreated STIs.

You can get a test with your doctor or at your local sexual health clinic. If a test comes back positive you will be asked to return to the clinic for treatment.

The type of treatment depends on the STI that you have. In some cases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, you will be given antibiotics that will get rid of the infection. Other STIs, such as genital herpes or genital warts, you will be given topical creams or ointments to help deal with symptoms when outbreaks occur.

The doctor or nurse will be able to advise on the appropriate treatment and provide you with a prescription.

Contacting past sexual partners

In the event of a positive test, you will be asked to contact your past sexual partners. This is because they may have contracted the infection and also need treatment. They have a right to know that they may have an STI and take action to get tested and treated if necessary.

If you do not want to tell your past sexual partners yourself, you can use various tools to do so anonymously. Let Them Know is a website that allows you to send anonymous emails, text messages or letters to past sexual partners to advise them that they should get a test. Better to Know is a similar site set up for Aboriginal Australians, and The Drama Downunder is another site aimed specifically at homosexuals.

It is not hard to cut the risk of contracting STIs. The most important factor is to use a condom or another barrier protection such as female condoms and dental dams.

You should use dams during oral sex to prevent the transfer of bodily fluids. This is how STIs are transmitted.

Another simple way to prevent infection is to be careful. You are at higher risk if you have sex with someone who has multiple sexual partners.

Sexual health is incredibly important and it is worth taking care of yourself. Use condoms and other barrier protection methods, get regular tests and inform past sexual partners about any positive tests.

If everyone takes responsibility for their sexual health, we can cut the rate of infection and help to prevent long-term health problems that result from untreated STIs.