Testing
Regular testing is important to:
- maintain good sexual health
- prevent the spread of STIs including syphilis
- ensure infections are detected and treated as soon as possible.
Often STIs do not show symptoms. You can still pass on an STI even if you don't notice symptoms, or after your symptoms resolve.
To get an STI test, yarn to your local healthcare provider or GP, or visit your nearest sexual health clinics. The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation also has useful information about how to get the help you need.
Syphilis on the rise
Did you know there’s a surge in syphilis cases in Australia?
Syphilis is serious and can cause major health problems if left untreated. If you are expecting a baby, syphilis can also pose risks to you and your bub. Syphilis often has no symptoms and many people don’t know they have it. The best way to prevent syphilis and other STIs is to practise safe sex by using protection and yarning to your health worker about getting tested. Because STIs are gammon!
Treatment and management
Most STIs are easily treated and many are curable or can be managed. Early detection is key.
Some STIs can be treated with antibiotics, but talk to your healthcare professional about treatment that’s right for you.
If left untreated, STIs can cause serious health effects for men and women. This can include permanent damage to your reproductive system which might result in infertility, chronic pain, and impact your unborn babies.
Educational Resources
Northern Territory videos
These entertaining and informative videos with comedians Aaron Fa’aoso and Janty Blair touch on the questions that we’d all like to ask. In ‘True or Gammon’ style, they encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory to get tested, use protection and practise safe sex.
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00:18STIs promo with Aaron and Tawhio – True or Gammon – 20 second video
Comedian Aaron Fa’aoso brings his fun and cheeky humour in this short promo video about STIs. -
5:32STIs with Aaron and Tawhio – True or Gammon – 5 minute video
Aaron Fa’aoso sits down with deadly Aboriginal health practitioner, Tawhio from Tennant Creek, Northern Territory. In 'True or Gammon' style, they answer all your burning questions about STIs. -
00:13STIs promo with Janty and Jecinta – True or Gammon – 15 second video
In this short promo, deadly comedian Janty Blair introduces STIs and invites you to watch the full video. -
6:03STIs with Janty and Jecinta – True or Gammon – 6 minute video
Deadly comedian Janty Blair yarns with Aboriginal health practitioner, Jecinta from Darwin, Northern Territory. In ‘True or Gammon’ style, they shed light on some myths about STIs.
Queensland videos
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00:15STIs promo with Aaron and Mario – True or Gammon – 15 second video
Comedian Aaron Fa’aoso brings his fun and cheeky humour in this short promo video about STIs. -
05:14STIs with Aaron and Mario – True or Gammon – 5 minute video
Comedian Aaron Fa’aoso yarns with deadly Aboriginal health worker, Mario from the Torres Strait. They answer all your burning questions about STIs. -
00:13STIs promo with Janty and Jauncintha – True or Gammon – 15 second video
In this short promo, deadly Comedian Janty Blair introduces STIs and invites you to watch the full video. -
6:43STIs with Janty and Jauncintha – True or Gammon – 7 minute video
Comedian Janty Blair sits down with deadly Aboriginal health worker, Jauncintha from Rockhampton, Queensland. Together they yarn about STIs and answer all your burning questions.
Posters
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Syphilis during pregnancy can affect your bub – True or Gammon – Poster 1
This poster aims to prevent syphilis during pregnancy by encouraging First Nations communities to stay on top of their sexual health by using protection and booking an STI test today. -
Don't get stung with an STI – True or Gammon – Poster 3
This poster encourages First Nations communities to stay on top of their sexual health by using protection and booking an STI test today. -
STIs are more common than you think - True or Gammon - Poster 5
This poster encourages First Nations communities to stay on top of their sexual health by using protection and booking an STI test today.
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All STIs can be treated – True or Gammon – Poster 2
This poster encourages First Nations communities to stay on top of their sexual health by using protection and booking an STI test today. -
Syphilis can cause serious health problems – True or Gammon – Poster 4
This poster communicates the serious health risks of syphilis. It encourages First Nations communities to stay on top of their sexual health by using protection and booking an STI test today.
Animated videos
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00:32Too easy – True or Gammon – Video 1 – 30 seconds
Found out you’ve got an STI? There’s no shame - it’s common and treatable. Early treatment is important and easy. Look after yourself and your mob. Yarn to your health worker today. -
00:15STIs are Gammon video 1 – 15 seconds
Getting tested regularly for STIs is one of the best ways to look after your health and the health of your community. Have a yarn to your health worker, get tested and always use protection. Because STIs are gammon! -
00:12STIs are Gammon video 3 – 15 seconds
Pregnant? You could have syphilis and not even realise. Have a yarn to your health worker, get tested and always use protection. Because STIs are gammon!
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00:26No Shame – True or Gammon – Video 2s – 30 seconds
When you find out you have an STI, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Getting treated is private, confidential, and easy. Yarn to your health worker and get treated today. -
00:12STIs are Gammon video 2 – 15 seconds
Getting tested regularly for STIs is one of the best ways to look after your health and the health of your community. Have a yarn to your health worker, get tested and always use protection. Because STIs are gammon! -
00:12STIs are Gammon video 4 – 15 seconds
Syphilis can cause serious health problems. Have a yarn to your health worker, get tested and always use protection. Because STIs are gammon!
Fact sheet
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How do I know I've got an STI? – True or Gammon – Factsheet
This symptoms fact sheet communicates the health risks of STIs and encourages First Nations communities to stay on top of their sexual health by using protection and booking an STI test today.
Learn more
Additional STI and blood borne virus resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (including LGBTQIA+) include: