AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. An HIV-positive person is generally diagnosed as having AIDS when they develop additional diseases or illnesses as a result of their already weakened immune system. Although the body can generally fight off infection, someone who is HIV positive will have less protection by their immune system, and so is more likely to fall ill with diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia or cancer. There is currently no cure for AIDS.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is not considered to be an STI. It occurs when the normal balance of different bacteria in the vagina changes, usually resulting in a change to a woman’s vaginal discharge. Although BV may clear up without treatment, symptoms of BV should be treated with antibiotics to avoid complications.

Candidiasis

Also known as thrush, candidiasis is not spread sexually. It is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus that, although it normally lives in the vagina, can multiply to cause soreness, itching or discharge. It can be treated using creams and tablets.

Donovanosis

Donovanosis is very uncommon in Australia. It can cause painless ulcers on the genitals or around the anus. Symptoms generally appear from 10 to 40 days after infection. It can be treated with antibiotics.