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How
do I know if I have an STI?
- The
sad truth is that you may not know you have a STI
- Many
sexually transmitted infections do not cause symptoms
- If
you think you may have a STI or have had unsafe sex, contact
your GP.
What
Will The Doctor Do?
- He
or she will take a "history" - asking questions
about your sexual habits
- It
is important to be honest as the doctor needs to know everything
before he or she can help you
- The
doctor will do some tests on samples of your urine and blood.
A swab from your genital region may be taken but is not
always necessary.
Relax
none of these tests will hurt
If
you don't want to go to your own doctor, you can contact Family
Planning Victoria for confidential advice or to make an appointment
to see one of our doctors.
How
to avoid STIs
It's
simple. If you don't want to catch an STI - use a condom.
Although they don't eliminate the risk they greatly reduce
it.
If
you have vaginal or anal sex without protecting yourself or
your partner with a condom then you run the risk of catching
an infection.
Clever
Condom Use
- Put
condom on before penetration
- Make
sure condom stays on until withdrawal is complete by making
sure the penis is still erect and the condom is in place
while you withdraw
- Check
that the condom is still intact after sex as they can break
during intercourse (if breakage has occurred see your GP)
- Water-based
lubricant may help prevent breakage's (try KY jelly, wet
stuff or lubrafax). Only use it if sex seems dry
- Make
sure your condoms are not out-of-date
- Try
other forms of sex such as mutual masturbation, massage
and oral sex with a condom.
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maintained by:FPV Webmaster
Last updated:09/01/2006
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