Sex!Life! - Guide to STIs - Frequently Asked Questions

STI FAQs

What infections can I pick up when I have sex?

Chlamydia, genital warts, herpes and gonorrhoea are the most common sexually transmitted infections causing genital symptoms. Trichomonas is a less common sexually transmitted infection and can also cause genital symptoms in both men and women. Hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis can also be transmitted sexually. Less commonly, Hepatitis A can be sexually transmitted. This can occur with anal intercourse or when there is other contact with the anus or faeces during sex. Hepatitis C can occasionally be sexually transmitted, though is more commonly spread through blood products. In addition, pubic lice (crabs), scabies, and other less common infections called molluscum contagiosum, donovanosis, chancroid and lymphogranuloma venereum can be sexually transmitted.

How can I protect myself from other sexually transmitted infections?

The most risky forms of sex are penetrative anal intercourse and penetrative vaginal intercourse with no condoms. You can reduce your chance of infection greatly by using a condom.

It is important to make sure the condom is put on before any penetration takes place, and to make sure the condom stays on until withdrawal is complete. This means withdrawing before the erection is lost and holding the condom in place during withdrawal. Condoms can sometimes break, so it is important to check the condom is still intact after sex.

Ensuring the condom is not out of date, and using a water based lubricant (KY jelly, wet stuff, lubrafax) when you feel dry may help prevent breakages. Oil based lubricants (such as moisturiser or massage oils) can damage the latex of condoms and so should be avoided. Other sexual activities put you at less risk of sexually transmitted infections. These include mutual masturbation, penetrative sex with condoms, massage, and oral sex with a condom.

How do I get my partner to use a condom?

Explain to your partner that it reduces your chance of infection. If you are not able to persuade him, consider other forms of sex rather than penetration or consider using a female condom yourself.

What are the safest forms of sex?

Sex doesn't have to involve penetration. There are numerous other ways two people can have a satisfying sexual relationship such as mutual masturbation and massage.

It is possible to pick up a sexually transmitted infection even if you do not have intercourse:

Some infections such as genital warts, crabs, scabies and molluscum contagiosum can be passed by skin-to-skin contact during sex without any penetration taking place
Herpes can be passed on by kissing, oral sex or intercourse (remember a lot of people who have herpes don't know they are infected).

There is less risk of infection if

Both you and your partner have been tested for sexually transmitted infections and are free of infection.

There is a risk of infection if

You and your partner are having sex with other people
You are unsure about whether your partner might be having sex with other people.

How do you know if you've got a sexually transmitted infection?

Often you won't. Many sexually transmitted infections do not cause any symptoms. If you feel you have been at risk of a sexually transmitted infection then you should ask your doctor about a check up. Your doctor will need to ask you some detailed questions about your sexual habits (history) and will need to do some tests.

Some of these tests can be done on a urine specimen, and some need swabs from the genital region or blood tests.

If you are uncomfortable talking to your own doctor about this, you can contact Family Planning Victoria. We can give you advice, suggest who you could see confidentially or we can arrange an appointment to see you ourselves.

What symptoms does Chlamydia cause?

In both men and women it is common for Chlamydia not to cause any symptoms. This means that a lot of people who are infected with Chlamydia are unaware of their infection. When it causes symptoms in women, it may cause irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, pain when passing urine, pain during sex or lower abdominal pain. In men it may cause pain when passing urine, discharge from the penis and pain in the testicles and scrotal area.

If you have Chlamydia, it is important, that your sexual partners are treated as well. If Chlamydia is not treated it can cause long term problems, such as pelvic pain and infertility in women. In untreated men, it may be associated with infection in the testicles and possibly infertility.

If you feel you are at risk of infection, because you have have symptoms you are worried about, or because you have had a new sexual partner, it is important to see a doctor to be tested for Chlamydia. Your doctor will need to ask you some questions and do some tests. These tests can be done on a urine specimen, but sometimes in men and women it is also necessary to take swabs. Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics. Sometimes this can even be with a one-off single dose.

How can I protect myself from Chlamydia?

Using a condom when you have vaginal and anal intercourse will decrease your chance of getting Chlamydia. It is possible to get Chlamydia in the throat after oral sex. It is therefore a good idea to use a condom when you have oral sex as well.

If you can, persuade your partner to be tested for Chlamydia. If you are both free of Chlamydia at the start of a relationship, and neither of you have sex with anyone else then you are safe.

How can I protect myself from other sexually transmitted infections?

The most risky forms of sex are penetrative anal intercourse and penetrative vaginal intercourse with no condoms. You can reduce your chance of infection greatly by using a condom. It is important to make sure the condom is put on before any penetration takes place, and to make sure the condom stays on until withdrawal is complete. This means withdrawing before the erection is lost and holding the condom in place during withdrawal. Condoms can sometimes break, so it is important to check the condom is still intact after sex. Ensuring the condom is not out of date, and using a water based lubricant (KY jelly, wet stuff, lubrafax) may help prevent breakages. Oil based lubricants (such as moisturiser or massage oils) can damage the latex of condoms and so should be avoided. Other sexual activities put you at less risk of sexually transmitted infections. These include mutual masturbation, penetrative sex with condoms, massage, and oral sex with a condom.