Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs are infections that can be spread by sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral) and some, like herpes and warts, can also be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.

Common STIs in Australia include:

Some STIs have no symptoms so you won’t know you have them. Young people are especially at risk of an STI called chlamydia. If chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease with can cause infertility.

Most STIS are easily treated so it's important to have a test for STIs if you have had unprotected sex or think you have any symptoms. These tests are quick and painless and can be free of cost.

Symptoms of STIs in women:

  • an unusual vaginal discharge
  • a sore, lump, wart, blister or rash around the genital area
  • pain during sexual intercourse
  • pain when passing urine
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • painful, irregular periods
  • bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of STIs in men:

  • a discharge from the penis or rectum
  • a sore, lump, wart, blister or rash around the genital or anal area
  • an itch or soreness of the penis
  • pain when passing urine
  • painful or swollen testicles
  • abdominal pain.

Any genital change – such as an ulcer – or symptom that appears and then settles without treatment should be reported to your doctor; this may indicate the presence of an STI such as syphilis. Untreated this could lead to significant health problems.

Remember that condoms are the only form of contraception that will protect you from STIs and an unplanned pregnancy.

HPV and HPV vaccinations Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common virus that affects both men and women. It is highly contagious and is passed from person to person through sexual contact. Over 80% of people have had or will have some type of HPV at some time in their lives.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common virus that affects both men and women.

It is highly contagious and is passed from person to person through sexual contact. Over 80% of people have had or will have some type of HPV at some time in their lives.

In most people HPV is harmless, but in some cases the virus can stay in the body for years and cause some cancers. HPV is the most common cause of cervical cancer in women. In men, HPV can be related to anal cancer, and some cancers of the penis, head and neck.

The HPV vaccine causes the formation of antibodies to produce immunity and therefore protects the body from HPV. The HPV vaccine currently available in Australia is called Gardasil.

Gardasil prevents infection with HPV types 16, 18, 6 and 11. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for most cervical cancers and HPV 6 and 11 are responsible for ninety percent of genital warts.

Having the vaccine will protect those who have never been exposed to these types of HPV and is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active.

The vaccine does not protect against all the types of HPV that cause cancer so it is still important for women to have regular Pap smears even if they have been vaccinated.

The vaccine is most effective if given to girls and boys before they become sexually activity and, therefore possibly exposed to HPV. Under the National Immunisation Program, Gardasil is available free through a school-based program for boys and girls aged 12 to 13 years. It is also available as a catch-up for 14 to 15 year old boys.

For all others, the vaccine costs about $460. This does not include the cost of the visit to the GP who must prescribe the vaccine.

For more information, see the Australian government's HPV School Vaccination Program site and the Cancer Council's HPV vaccine fact sheet.