Getting Candid About STIs
Image: Make STI testing your Beforeplay. Image: supplied
It is the kind of topic that is at the back of everyone鈥檚 minds, and one we often avoid talking about. One in six聽Australians will get a Sexually Transmissible Infection (STI) in their lifetime. It鈥檚 time to have an open and聽honest conversation about sexual health, breaking down stigmas, and promoting safer practices and regular聽sexual health check-ups.
Firstly, let鈥檚 clear the air about STIs. They don鈥檛 discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender, race, or聽relationship status. They鈥檙e equal opportunists, and anyone who鈥檚 sexually active can get an STI. That said,聽the LGBTIQA+ community, like any other, has its unique considerations and challenges.聽One common misconception is that only certain STIs affect gay men. False! That鈥檚 a myth. STIs like HIV,聽syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and Human papillomavirus (HPV) can impact anyone, regardless of their聽sexual orientation. The key to avoiding them is knowledge and prevention.
Knowledge Is Power
In recent years, Australia has seen a surge in STI cases, with young people aged 34 and under being the most聽vulnerable.
鈥淭he number of new cases of some STIs is continuing to rise, particularly in young people aged between 15聽and 34 years,鈥� says Professor Paul Kelly, Chief Medical Officer, Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care.
鈥淪urveillance reporting shows cases of notifiable STIs have significantly increased since 2012 for chlamydia,聽gonorrhoea and syphilis. Any rise is concerning because the health consequences of STIs can be severe. But聽the good thing is that STIs are preventable, easily treatable if detected early, and in most cases, curable.鈥�
Knowing how STIs are transmitted, their symptoms, and prevention methods is key.
For instance, did you know that many STIs have no symptoms? You could have an STI and not know it, which聽could have consequences for your health later. Some STIs like HPV, herpes and syphilis can also be聽transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, for instance, via kissing or oral sex. It鈥檚 eye-opening information that聽underscores the importance of regular testing, always using protection, and open communication.
Get Tested
Testing is a pivotal aspect of sexual health. While some STIs have telltale signs like itchy genitals, discharge,聽sores, lumps or warts, most don鈥檛 come with flashy neon signs announcing their presence. That鈥檚 where testing聽becomes your superhero cape. Regular screening is vital for early detection and treatment. And as always,聽remember to use protection to help protect yourself and your partner(s) from STIs.
Most STIs are treatable and importantly, preventable. But one thing to remember is that early detection is聽crucial. If left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health problems.聽Getting tested for STIs should be a regular affair. Whether you鈥檙e in a committed relationship or exploring聽different options, the responsible thing to do is to know your status and encourage your partner(s) to do the聽same. Your healthcare provider can give you advice about how often to get tested based on your individual聽circumstances.
According to the Chief Medical Officer, any sexually active person should get tested every six to 12 months,聽and it鈥檚 recommended that sexually active men who have sex with men should have a sexual health check-up聽every three months.
鈥淚ndividual circumstances vary so people should get advice from their health care聽professional,鈥� says Professor Kelly.
Prevention
Always be prepared for safe sex. Remember to use protection:
鈥� Use condom-safe lubricants (e.g. water or silicone based) to help stop condoms from breaking.
鈥� Use condoms or dental dams during oral sex to help prevent the spread of STIs.
鈥� Use a new condom every time you switch between oral, anal or vaginal sex.
Condoms can be the armour in the battle against STIs by providing a barrier that significantly reduces the risk聽of transmission. But let鈥檚 acknowledge they鈥檙e not foolproof, sometimes not even used (but definitely should聽be) and don鈥檛 prevent all STIs all the time. Anyone who is sexually active should have regular sexual health聽check-ups.
Over the past decade, pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been a game-changer. PrEP is an additional聽armour of protection for HIV by reducing the risk of contracting HIV significantly, but not other STIs.
Where To Get Tested
Most STI tests are free or involve very little cost.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to know that health professionals don鈥檛 judge and are trained to talk about it,鈥� says Professor聽Kelly.
鈥淎ccess to STI testing is now easier than it ever has been, thanks to innovative solutions, including online聽services. You can also visit health.gov.au/STI to find a sexual health clinic near you.鈥�
STI testing is simple and may involve blood or urine tests. Sometimes, you may need to provide a swab聽sample too, which you can usually undertake yourself. You can get a test at your GP, local community-run聽sexual health clinic, community health centres, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, Aboriginal community health聽services, family planning clinics, youth health centres and women鈥檚 health centres.
Remember to prioritise your sexual health because it is fundamental to your overall health and well-being.聽It鈥檚 a shared responsibility between yourself and those you care about. So, let鈥檚 normalise this conversation by聽speaking openly, honestly, and without judgement, and by supporting regular testing, because knowledge truly聽is power.
Stay fabulous, stay informed, and stay safe!聽Make STI testing your Beforeplay. Use protection and book a check-up today.
Visit health.gov.au/STI for more information
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