Rating

Less than 6
There is a lot you need to learn before you can be confident of acting responsibly in your sexual relations. Check out the answers, and seek out further advice from a trustworthy source. There’s heaps more information on this website, just follow the links to STIs or go to the FAQ section.

7 - 9 = Poor
Your knowledge is patchy and there is a lot more for you to learn. Check out the answers, and seek out further advice from a trustworthy source. There’s heaps more information on this website, just follow the links to STIs or go to the FAQ section.

10 - 12 = Good
But there’s still a few gaps in your knowledge. Check out the answers, and seek out further advice from a trustworthy source. There’s heaps more information on this website, just follow the links to STIs or go to the FAQ section.

13+ = Excellent
You are very well informed about STIs. Share and use your knowledge wisely.

Answers

Note: From now on we’ll be referring to STIs, which is a lot shorter than writing sexually transmitted infections. By the way, they used to and sometimes still are, called STDs.

1. False. The unfortunate fact is that many STIs show no symptoms. This has serious implications: 1) you can be passing on the infection without knowing it and 2) the virus may be damaging you reproductive organs without you knowing it.

2. True. Some viruses are present on the skin around the genital area. Herpes and warts are the main culprits. Other ‘bugs’ like pubic lice and scabies live on the skin surface and can be passed on via bed sheets, pyjamas and bathers.

3. True. The Chlamydia bacteria, if not treated, may damage the internal reproductive organs, leaving the infected person infertile (unable to have children). Both men and women can be effected.

4. True. There are many strains (types) of) Herpes virus. Whilst having a cold sore does not mean you’ve got Genital Herpes, it is possible that cold sores can lead to Genital Herpes.

5. False. Herpes is most easily passed on when the sores and blisters are present, because the fluid in the lesions carries the virus. But the virus is also found on the skin around the genital area. Most people contract Herpes this way, unaware that the virus is present.

6. False. Oral sex is not safe sex. Herpes, warts and Chlamydia can all be passed on through oral sex. Condoms should be used on the penis (see our condom game to test your skill). Dams are a sensitive latex sheet (about the size of a tissue) that can be placed over the female genitals to form a protective layer during oral sex. They are available from Family Planning at Box Hill and The Action Centre in Flinders Lane.

7. False. The pill prevents pregnancy, but offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

8. True. Condoms are an excellent contraceptive when used correctly (see our condom game to test your skill). They also provide effective protection against the transmission or passing on of sexually transmitted infections.(Nothing is guaranteed – see Question 2)

9. False. The HIV virus is present in blood, semen and vaginal fluid. Any activity which allows for the transfer of these fluids is risky. Anal intercourse is a high risk activity especially for the receptive (passive) partner - the one taking it – but other sexual activity is also a risk. When you don’t know your partner’s sexual history and you’re not in a long-term monogomous relationship, condoms are a must.

10. True. Hepatitis A, B and C are different viruses that live in different body fluids. They all damage the liver. Hepatitis A can be passed on by faecal -oral contact (eg. rimming). Hepatitis C is passed on when one person’s blood enters another person’s bloodstream (eg. sharing needles, toothbrushes and razors). Hepatitis B is passed on similarly to HIV. That is, when blood, semen or vaginal fluid enter the bloodstream of another person.

11. True. A Pap Smear is a simple procedure involving the scraping of a small amount of tissue from the surface of the cervix (at the upper end of the vagina). The sample is tested for abnormal cells which may indicate cancer. All sexually active women should have regular Pap Smears. See a Doctor you trust and feel comfortable with.

12. True. Many people are unaware they have Chlamydia until they are tested. The incidence of this infection is increasing in the 15 to 24 years age group. The test uses a urine sample and the treatment (antibiotics) is very effective. But if it is left untreated, it may cause infertility.

13. True. Sharing needles often means that tiny (invisible) amounts of blood can be passed directly from one person’s bloodstream into another’s. Hepatitis C and HIV are readily transmitted this way. Recreational injecting causes many other health problems including site infections and collapsed veins.

14. False. Warts, which may be present on the penis, the anus, and inside and outside the vagina, can be removed. However, the virus which caused the warts will always be present in the body and can be passed on to a sexual partner.

15. False. Itching public hair is the first sign of Pubic Lice. It is not a serious condition and is easily treated with a lotion available at any local chemist. A second application, eight days later is necessary to kill any lice that hatch from the eggs laid by in the skin.