Educational resources

STI Mythbusters

What do you think of when you hear ‘sexually transmissible infections’, or STIs? You’ve probably heard a thing or two… but is it fact or fiction?

Being prepared is the best way to protect your health and avoid STIs.

Make this your Beforeplay – and take control of your sexual health.

So let’s bust a few myths.

STIs aren’t common in Australia.

This is false! In Australia, 1 in 6 people will get an STI. 

Syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia are on the rise, and if you’re aged 34 and under, you’re at greater risk.

I would know if I had an STI.

Actually, many STIs have zero symptoms!

You could pass them on to your sexual partners without knowing. That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly and always use protection.

I can only catch an STI if I have penetrative sex.

Nope. Infections can also be spread through oral sex, intimate skin-to-skin contact or kissing.

I won’t get an STI because I use protection.

This is not always true.

Condoms significantly reduce your risk but some STIs, such as herpes, genital warts and syphilis can still spread through skin-to-skin contact.

The best way to protect your health is to keep using protection and chat to your partner so you both get tested regularly.

I only have sex with one partner so I can’t get an STI.

Regular STI testing is important regardless of how often you have sex, how many partners you have or if you have symptoms.

You could have an STI and not know it – when was your last test?

Chat to your healthcare professional about STI testing to understand what’s right for you.

Make STI testing your Beforeplay. Find out more at health.gov.au/STI.

In Australia, cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis have increased, and these sexually transmissible infections, or STIs can cause reproductive issues and infertility if left untreated.

STIs are a bit sneaky and often don’t show symptoms, or if they do, they could be confused for something else.

Untreated STIs can cause inflammation and infection of the testicles and prostate, which could reduce the number and quality of sperm.

This can also lead to infertility.

For women, untreated STIs can cause a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease that can lead to infertility.

Pelvic inflammatory disease affects around 1 in 8 women in their lifetime and is most common in sexually active women aged 20 to 24.

It scars the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs, which can stop sperm from reaching the egg.

Pelvic inflammatory disease could also lead to an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg develops outside the uterus. This can be life threatening.

STIs can also cause serious problems during pregnancy for you and your unborn baby.

Some STIs can be passed to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Potential complications include preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage and stillbirth.

The good news is that some STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be cured with medication. Other STIs such as herpes and HIV can’t be cured but they can be treated effectively.

The earlier STIs are diagnosed and treated, the less likely they are to cause fertility issues.

Having a simple STI test as part of regular sexual health check-ups is the only way to know if you have an STI – and to get the right treatment if you need it.

Make STI testing your Beforeplay.

Find out more at health.gov.au/STI

The sexual health check-up

The sexual health check-up… admit it, you avoid it – right?

But here’s the thing, it’s actually easier than you think.

Regular sexual health check-ups will give you peace of mind that you’re avoiding sexually transmissible infections, known as STIs – or help you get onto an infection early!

Always using protection will help keep you and your partner covered between check-ups.

STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of your gender, age, sexuality or relationship status.

Most people don’t know that you can have an STI and not have any symptoms – so you could be passing on an infection without knowing it.

Having a simple STI test as part of regular sexual health check-ups is the only way to know you’re not infected – and to get the right treatment if you need it. Most STIs are easily treated if caught early.

So, what happens at a sexual health check-up? Glad you asked.

You can have a check-up at a local clinic or with your healthcare professional. Some clinics will ask you to make an appointment and some offer walk-in services. You will need to book with a healthcare professional.

You’ll get to chat with your healthcare professional at the start.

They will ask you about your sex life and sexual health history. You can ask them questions too. This is to make sure the tests and advice you receive are right for you.

Don’t worry, everything is confidential and they do this all the time – there’s no need to be embarrassed!

There are different tests for different STIs. Depending on what you’re being tested for, you may be asked to give a blood or urine sample, or do a swab – which you can often do yourself. It’s quick and easy.

Your test results will usually come back within a week of your appointment.

Results may be given over the phone, sent by text or you may be asked to make another appointment.

Test results are also confidential, and you will be advised on how often you should test based on your situation.

Have a positive test result?

Don’t worry, most STIs are easily treated if caught early and can be cured so you avoid possible health issues.

Other STIs such as herpes and HIV can’t be cured but they can be treated or managed effectively.

And remember to keep up regular testing and always practise safe sex.

Make STI testing your Beforeplay.

Find out more at health.gov.au/STI.