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.