BeforePlay

Prevention

The best ways to prevent STIs are to:

• practise safe sex

• use protection such as condoms and dental dams, in combination with condom-safe lubricants.

• get tested regularly

• get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B.

Doing these things reduce your risk of getting an STI, but there is still a chance of infection. Hormonal contraception such as the birth control pill does not protect you from STIs.

Learn more about STI prevention

Testing

Regular testing is important to:

• maintain good sexual health

• prevent the spread of STIs

• ensure infections are treated as soon as possible.

Most STIs do not show symptoms. You can still pass on an STI even if you don't notice symptoms, or after your symptoms resolve.  

You can visit your doctor, a sexual health clinic, or community health centres to get a test.

Learn more about STI testing

Treatment and management

All STIs are easily treated and most are curable. 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, like permanent damage to your reproductive system which might result in infertility, chronic pain, and impact your unborn babies.

Visit healthdirect to learn more about STIs and treatments

Common STIs

STIs can affect anyone of any age, gender or sex.

Common STIs include:

• chlamydia

• gonorrhoea

• syphilis

• HPV infection

• HIV infection

• genital herpes

• hepatitis B

• mpox.

Learn more on healthdirect

Connect with services

Talking about your sexual health is important. Speaking with your health care professional is a great place to start. You can also chat to your friends, partner or someone you feel comfortable talking to.

Find a sexual health clinic near you

Use healthdirect’s comprehensive directory of healthcare professionals and services to find a service near you.

Australian information and services

Find links to national, state and territory information and services.

healthdirect hotline

Call 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. This hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

UCCs give you and your family more options to see a doctor or nurse when you need care for urgent but not life-threatening illnesses or injuries. You can get tested and treated for STIs at these clinics.

Support

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service. It is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.