STIs: What you need to know about symptoms and testing

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise, especially among younger people. And understanding how to prevent them and when to get tested matters more than ever.

Cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea have doubled in the past 10 years, and chlamydia rates remain high.¹

Young Australians aged 15–29 are most at risk. Learning how STIs spread, how to reduce your risk, and when to get checked can help you take care of your health.²

STIs are infections that are contracted or passed on during sexual activity, including sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral) or intimate close contact.

In Australia, the most common STIs are chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Other STIs include human papilloma virus (HPV), genital herpes, hepatitis B and C and HIV.³

Many STIs can be treated with medication, but if left untreated, can result in serious illness, infertility and even death. HPV may cause some cancers if left untreated, whereas gonorrhoea and chlamydia may cause infertility and hepatitis B can cause liver cancer. ⁴

Some STIs cannot be cured, but depending on the type of STI, medication can help to manage symptoms.

Anyone can be tested for an STI if they want to be. However, if you are sexually active, regular screening for STIs (that’s at least every 6 to 12 months according to the Department of Health) is important particularly if you:^3,5

• Are aged 15-29
• Have a new sexual partner(s)
• Have had unprotected sex
• Have been exposed to potential infection through sexual or intimate contact
• Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
• Have any symptoms of an STI.

Urine, blood and swab tests can detect STIs.

Talk to your GP about how to get tested.

It’s important to know that you can have an STI and pass it on to your partner(s) even if you have no symptoms.

Not all STIs have symptoms, and not every person with an infection will experience symptoms. If you’ve been exposed to a potential infection, get tested.

Only 10-15% of people infected with chlamydia³ will experience symptoms which include stinging during urination, discharge and pain during sex.

Symptoms include discharge or pain when urinating, but most people will not experience any signs of infection.

A painless sore or blister is an indicator of syphilis³ but often clears up on its own and can be mistake for a pimple or other benign skin issue. Rashes and flu-like symptoms may follow. Even if symptoms pass, the infection remains.

Treatment can help to remove or manage infection. Even if symptoms go away, the infection may still be transmissible to others and may cause serious health issues for you in the future. If you believe you may have been exposed to a potential infection, get tested.

If you are sexually active there are ways to reduce your risk of getting an STI.

These include:⁵

• Discuss your sexual health and history with your partner(s)
• Use a condom or other barrier method during anal, oral and vaginal sexual contact
• Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner has a sore or lump on or around their mouth, anus or genitals
• Avoid sharing sex toys, always clean before and after use and use a new condom if you are engaging in more than one form of sexual contact.
• Get tested if you have been exposed to a potential infection and abstain from sexual contact until you have the results.