STIs and Safe Sex


What are STIs?

STIs (sexually transmissible infections) are infections that are passed on through close body contact or the exchange of body fluids.
Many people who have an STI don’t have any obvious symptoms or signs, so it’s important you get the facts about how they are spread, how to avoid infection, understand the risks if left untreated, and know what to do if you think you may have one.

    How are STIs caused?

    Like other infections or diseases, STIs are caused by the spread of organisms like viruses, bacteria or parasites. STIs caused by viruses include hepatitis B, herpes, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and HPV (human papillomavirus). STIs caused by bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

    How common are STIs?

    Unfortunately, STIs are more common than you would think. In 2008 the total number of reported STIs in Australia was around 70,000 – including HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. The number may even be much higher as many people who have had unprotected sex haven’t been tested.

    STIs are particularly common among young people aged between 15 and 29 years who make up about three quarters of reported STIs.
    Top of page

    Do STIs lead to long term damage?

    If left untreated STIs can lead to serious and painful health consequences, ranging from infertility to cancer.

    For example, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes in women which could lead to infertility. In men, the same complications might occur in the tubes leading from the testicles which could also cause fertility problems, though it’s much less common. Syphilis can cause blindness, brain damage and heart disease.

    These three infections are easy to test for and to cure. It is really important that people with STIs are diagnosed early so they can receive proper treatment and avoid ongoing health problems and spreading the infection.

    Do STIs have symptoms?

    Many people with an STI have no symptoms whatsoever, and they can only be diagnosed through testing. If signs and symptoms are present they may include things like:

      • unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus
      • itchiness around the genital area
      • a burning sensation when peeing
      • a rash, sores or small lumps on or around the penis, vagina or anus
      • unusual bleeding from the vagina e.g. after sex or between periods
      • pain and swelling in the testicles
      • pain during sex
      • sore throat
      • swollen glands, fever and body aches
      • unexplained fatigue, night sweats and weight loss.

    Top of page

    Who can get STIs?

    Anyone can get an STI, but they are most common in people between 15 and 29 years of age. The risk gets higher if you don’t always use condoms or have had many sexual partners. If the person you’re having sex with has had many sexual partners or has injected drugs, your risk of infection is also increased. The chances of having unsafe sex increase if you’re drunk or using drugs. If you travel overseas continue to look after your sexual health and use condoms.
    More information about condoms

    Do people who don’t sleep around still get STIs?

    STIs don’t only happen to people with many sexual partners.

    Even if you are in a long-term relationship now, you or your partner may have been infected in a previous relationship without knowing it. With many STIs, symptoms don’t show for months or even years. The only way to know for sure is to get a test.
    More information about testing and treatment

    Can you tell if someone has an STI?

    No, lots of people who have an STI don’t have symptoms and may not even know they are infected. Anyone who is or has been sexually active can have an STI. You can’t tell by the way they look, their cultural background, sexual orientation, number of sexual partners or preferred type of sexual activity.

    The only way to make sure you or your partner doesn’t have an STI is to talk to your doctor about a test. Using a condom is the best way to avoid getting or spreading STIs.
    More information about condoms

    How can I get an STI?

    If you don’t practice safe sex you are at risk of getting an STI. STIs are found in semen, blood, vaginal secretions and sometimes saliva, and are passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. In some cases they may also be spread through skin-to-skin contact – for example, when someone has an open sore or skin blemish, like a genital wart.

    What does safe sex actually mean?

    Safe sex is when you don’t exchange semen, vaginal fluids or blood with your partner. This reduces the risk of getting or passing on STIs and unplanned pregnancy.

    While the only way to be 100 per cent safe is to avoid sex altogether, you can improve your safety. You can make the choice to always use a condom if you’re having sexual intercourse; have you and your partner tested for STIs regularly and try not to have multiple partners. You can also try safer sexual activities that don’t involve actual intercourse, such as kissing, massage, oral sex with a condom and mutual masturbation.
    More information about condoms

    Can I catch an STI through masturbation?

    There is no risk associated with self-masturbating. However there is a very low risk of getting STIs through mutual masturbation. Herpes and genital warts can be passed through hand and genital contact with open sores or cuts. Hepatitis B and HIV can also be caught through hand or finger cuts that come into contact with infected sperm, vaginal fluids or blood.

    If I only have oral sex, can I get an STI?

    Unprotected oral sex can spread some STIs, particularly herpes. Bacterial infections like gonorrhoea and syphilis can also be spread through oral sex.

    If you have oral sex you should still use condoms and avoid getting semen or blood in your mouth or on any area of broken skin.
    More information about condoms
    Top of page

    When should I get tested and where?

    It’s a good idea to have regular sexual health check-ups once you start having sex, when you change sexual partners or start a new relationship. You and your partner should get tested before you stop using condoms.

    See your doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic about STI testing if you have had unsafe sex or have symptoms such as pain, discharge or itching in your genital area.

    Having a test is simple, painless, confidential and the best way to stay in control of your sexual health.
    More information about testing and treatment

    If I have been tested and I’m negative, am I OK?

    If you test negative to an STI, you still need to protect yourself and your future sexual partners by having safe sex. It is a good idea to have regular tests – remember early diagnosis will help stop the spread and treatment will help stop ongoing health problems from occurring.
    More information about testing and treatment

    Are condoms the best way to prevent STIs?

    Other than not having sex at all, condoms offer the best protection from STIs. Always be prepared by carrying condoms with you. However, a condom is only effective when it covers the infected area. That’s why it’s important to also swap sexual histories with your partner (including whether you’ve had an STI or been tested for one) and to discuss whether you should be tested as a couple.
    More information about condoms

    Should lubrication always be used with condoms?

    Adequate lubrication makes sex more comfortable and helps prevents the condom breaking. Using a water-based lubricant is essential for anal sex. Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline and massage oil weaken latex condoms quickly, making them much more likely to leak or break.
    More information about condoms

    Will wearing two condoms at the same time gives me more protection against STIs?

    No. Wearing two condoms creates tension and friction between the two layers, causing both to break. Wearing two condoms will also mean they don’t fit properly, making them more likely to slip off.
    More information about condoms

    Are there condoms for females?

    Yes there are. The female condom is a thin sheath or pouch inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. It lines the vagina and helps to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Female condoms are a good option for people with latex allergy because they are made of polyurethane rather than latex. But be careful: female condoms should not be used at the same time as a male condom because of the potential for breakage. Female condoms are available from pharmacies, family planning clinics, and some sexual health and women’s health clinics.
    More information about condoms

    Where to get help

    If you need more information or advice you can talk to your doctor or visit your local sexual health clinic.

    See the Where to Get Help page.

    You’ll hear plenty of excuses when it comes to condoms and STIs. Don’t let lovers gamble with your health – keep these cards up your sleeve!

    Spin the wheel to discover the many risks of sex without a condom.

    Top of page