STIs

WHAT IS BV?

BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) is a common condition caused by an imbalance of the normal bacterial flora in the vagina. When this balance is disrupted, unfriendly bacteria can overgrow, leading to BV symptoms.

BV is not considered a traditional STI because you can get it even without having sex.

The biggest concern with BV is if you’re pregnant as it can increase the chance of miscarriage or pre-term birth. Having BV may also increase the likelihood of getting an STI/HIV during vaginal/front hole sex.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

You can get BV spontaneously – no sex required! But it can also be passed sexually when fluids are exchanged between vaginas which is why BV is more common among lesbian, bi or queer women. Other body parts are not affected by BV.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

BV is one of those things that you might get regardless of what you do. However, anything that disrupts the balance of bacteria in the vagina can cause BV. That includes:

Douching or using ‘feminine washes’ – remember the vagina is self-cleaning!

Semen in the vagina may also be a trigger so using condoms for penis-in-vagina sex may help reduce BV

BV can also be passed sexually between people with vaginas. Using dams and gloves, keeping your sex toys clean, and using a different condom when sharing toys, will reduce the chance of passing BV back and forth.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

BV doesn’t always have symptoms, but it’s common to get a clear or grey watery vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

BV is not part of routine STI screening, but a vaginal/front hole swab can be done if you have symptoms.

Any time you have unexplained genital symptoms, examination by a healthcare provider is recommended to ensure you get the right tests and treatment as soon as possible.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

BV is treated with antibiotics, either oral or vaginal.

Generally, it will go away after treatment, but it’s not uncommon for symptoms to come back. If you keep getting symptoms, talk to your doctor about longer term treatment and prevention strategies.

It’s easy to mistake BV for thrush, but if you try an over-the-counter thrush treatment it won’t work on BV.

WHAT IS CHLAMYDIA?

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI and is passed through bodily fluids during genital, anal or oral sex.

Chlamydia is completely curable with antibiotics, but untreated infections can cause serious long-term issues including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Chlamydia is easily passed during any kind of sex where sexual fluids from one person enter the other person (e.g. through mouth, anus, vagina)

This can happen during penetrative sex with fingers or toys that have genital or anal fluids on them or during penetrative sex with a penis.

It is possible, but very unlikely, to pass chlamydia through oral sex on the vulva or around the anus.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Using barriers like condoms, dental dams, or gloves can prevent passing chlamydia depending on the kind of sex you’re having.

Remember to grab a new barrier if you’re changing partners or sharing a toy in one session.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Chlamydia often doesn’t have any symptoms, but if they do come up, they appear differently depending on where you have the infection.

Vagina: Often no symptoms at all. Sometimes you may notice an unusual discharge, pain when you pee, pain or bleeding with penetrative sex, or bleeding between periods.

Anus: Often no symptoms, but you can get anal discharge, bleeding, or pain.

Throat: No symptoms.

Penis and balls: Sometimes you can get a cloudy discharge from the penis, irritation/itch at the opening of the penis, pain when you pee, and pain and swelling in the balls.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Chlamydia is part of routine STI screening.

The test for chlamydia in the genitals can be done by urine sample or swab. Anal and throat tests are done by swab.

All swab tests can be self-collected when you don’t have any symptoms (and chlamydia usually doesn’t have any symptoms!)

If you do have genital or anal symptoms, it is best to book in with your healthcare provider for a genital examination. They will be able to rule out more complicated infection, get any additional tests needed, and provide you with treatment right away.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Chlamydia is very easy to treat. Most of the time it only takes a short course of antibiotics to be completely cured.

Give the antibiotics a full week (7 days) to work before having sex again and don’t forget to let your sexual partners know so they can get tested and treated if needed.

WHAT IS GONORRHEOA?

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI and can be passed through bodily fluids during genital, anal, or oral sex.

Gonorrhoea can be cured with antibiotics, but untreated infections can cause serious long-term issues including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Gonorrhoea is easily passed during sex where one person’s sexual fluids get inside another person’s genitals, anus, throat, or eyes.

This can happen during penetrative sex with fingers or toys that have genital or anal fluids on them or during penetrative sex with a penis.

It is possible, but very unlikely to pass gonorrhoea through oral sex on the vulva or around the anus.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Using barriers like condoms, dental dams, or gloves can prevent passing gonorrhoea depending on the kind of sex you’re having.

Remember to grab a new barrier if you’re changing partners or sharing a toy in one session.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Gonorrhoea doesn’t always have obvious symptoms, but if they do come up, they can appear differently depending on where you have the infection:

Vagina: Unusual discharge, pain when you wee, pain or bleeding with penetrative sex, and bleeding/spotting between periods.

Anus: Discharge, bleeding, or discomfort

Penis and balls: Yellowish discharge from the penis, irritation/itch at the opening of the penis, a lot of pain when you pee, or pain and swelling in the balls.

Throat: Usually no symptoms.

Eyes: Conjunctivitis or inflammation in the eyes.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Gonorrhoea is part of routine STI screening.

Gonorrhoea in the genitals can be tested by urine sample or genital swab. Anal and throat tests are done by swab.

All swab tests can be self-collected when you don’t have any symptoms (which is often!).

If you do have genital or anal symptoms, examination by your healthcare provider means you can get any additional tests and treatment you may need right away.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Gonorrhoea is treated with an antibiotic injection plus tablets.

Give the antibiotics a full week (7 days) to work before having sex again though, and don’t forget to let your sexual partners know they can get tested and treated if needed.

WHAT IS HERPES?

Herpes is an extremely common infection caused by two types of the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). More than 7 in 10 adults have HSV-1 and 1 in 8 have HSV-2. That means most of us have herpes!

Herpes is known for causing sores around the lips or genitals, but some people don’t get any symptoms at all. When herpes affects the lips or nostrils it’s called oral herpes (also known as ‘cold sores’). When herpes affects the genitals, inner thighs, lower back or arse it’s called genital herpes. Genital herpes is caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Oral herpes is usually caused by HSV-1.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Herpes is passed through skin-to-skin contact – but only the part of the body where you have the infection is contagious! For example: if you have oral herpes (cold sores), you can pass it from your lips to their lips through kissing or from your lips to their genitals through oral sex.

Herpes is very hard to avoid completely since it’s so common and is easily passed through kissing, oral sex, rimming and any genital-to-genital contact — with or without penetration!

Herpes may also be passed through fingering, fisting or sharing sex toys. However, it doesn’t survive outside of the body for long so definitely won’t be passed on toilet seats or handling laundry.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

The important thing to know is that herpes is most contagious when even mild symptoms are present. Avoiding contact at these times goes a long way to prevent passing on the infection.

It is possible, but less likely, to pass herpes on when there are no symptoms at all. Using barriers like condoms, dental dams, and gloves can reduce the risk of getting herpes any time you have sex. However, barriers can’t cover everything so they’re never 100% effective for STIs passed skin-to-skin.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Most people get very mild symptoms, or none at all, so it often goes undiagnosed.

If you do get symptoms, the first episode tends to be the worst. You could get painful sores and feel like you have the flu for a few days to a few weeks.

Herpes symptoms will go away on their own, but they may come back from time to time.

Recurrent episodes could feel like tingling, itching, or pain on the skin followed by a blister that breaks and then scabs over. Sometimes herpes can look like a small break in the skin that heals within a day or two.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Testing for herpes isn’t part of a regular STI check and if you don’t have symptoms there’s no recommended test.

If you do have symptoms, your doctor can swab the blister/sore to diagnose herpes.

Keep in mind, symptoms of herpes can appear days or even years after you first get the infection. This makes it hard to know where you got it or even how long you’ve had it.

A new diagnosis of herpes doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a new infection.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a cure for herpes yet, but there are treatments to reduce any symptoms. Taking antiviral medication at the first sign of symptoms helps it heal much faster.

For people who get frequent symptoms, ongoing daily medication can decrease the number of episodes, as well as the chances of passing herpes on to a partner.

Treatment isn’t necessary for everyone though. Even without medication, herpes symptoms will heal on their own, often within a few days.

WHAT IS HEP A?

Hep A is a viral infection of the liver. Most infections are from contaminated food or water, but it can also be passed through sex involving anal play.

Hep A may have no symptoms, but it can cause some people to get very sick for a few weeks.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Hep A is passed when even the tiniest amount of faeces (poo) gets into your mouth. The official advice is that men who have sex with men are at the highest risk, but anyone who enjoys anal play can get it.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Hep A vaccination is a great way to prevent infection. The vaccine is recommended for anyone who has anal sex as well as people traveling to developing countries or working jobs that put them at greater risk.

Other prevention strategies include using barriers like condoms or gloves for anal play and dental dams for rimming. Washing your hands carefully after anal play, including handling used condoms, gloves, dams, and toys is also important.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Hep A may have no symptoms, but it can cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, pale poo, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). In very rare cases, it can cause liver failure.

The good news is that most people will fully recover without any treatment.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Hep A is not part of routine STI testing, but a blood test can confirm if you have it or are immune as a result of previous vaccination or infection.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

There is no medicine for Hep A, but you doctor may offer treatment to relieve nauseas or pain symptoms. It’s important to rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol or medicines that are hard on your liver until you recover.

WHAT IS HEP B?

Hep B is a viral infection of the liver. It can be acute (healing within 6 months) or chronic (becoming a lifetime condition).

Hep B is a very common infection worldwide, but many people don’t realise they have it.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Hep B is passed during the kind of sex where one person’s sexual fluids get inside another person’s genitals, anus, or throat. This can happen during penetrative sex with fingers or toys that have genital or anal fluids on them or during penetrative sex with a penis. It is possible, but less likely to pass gonorrhoea through oral sex on the vulva or around the anus.

It can also be passed in blood by sharing needles or getting unsterile tattoos or piercings.

Internationally, Hep B is most commonly passed from a pregnant person to their baby during birth and many people don’t realise they have it.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent Hep B.

Vaccination is recommended for everyone in Australia. It’s part of the routine immunisation schedule. If you’re not sure you’ve been vaccinated, you can have a blood test with your doctor to check.

Using barriers like condoms, gloves and dams can prevent exposure during sex until you’re vaccinated.

If you inject drugs, using sterile equipment is another important prevention strategy. You can access free Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) across NSW.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Hep B usually doesn’t have any symptoms, but chronic infection can cause serious damage to the liver over time.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Hep B can be tested in the blood and is recommended as part of your routine STI check until you’ve been vaccinated.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Not everyone with Hep B will need treatment, but regular checks with your doctor are important as the virus can change over time.

There are treatments available for Hep B for those who need it.

If you’re diagnosed with Hep B, your doctor should offer advice about follow-up and monitoring. More information about Hep B is available on the Hepatitis NSW website and Infoline.

WHAT IS HEP C?

Hep C is viral infection of the liver passed through the blood. It’s commonly passed through sharing injecting equipment.

New treatment means Hep C is now curable for almost everyone.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Hep C is passed when blood from someone who has the infection gets into your blood stream.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Strategies to reduce your risk of Hep C include using gloves and sterile sharps if your sex involves blood play; not sharing injecting equipment; and avoiding tattoos or piercings outside of professional environments.

You can access free Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) across NSW.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Hep C usually doesn’t have any symptoms, but chronic infection can cause serious, and even life-threatening, damage to the liver over time.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

There are two tests for Hep C: an antibody test and an RNA test.

The antibody test will always be positive if you’ve ever had Hep C, even if it’s been cured.

Anyone who gets a positive Hep C antibody test, needs an RNA test to confirm if the infection is still there.

Hep C is generally not part of a routine STI check, but your doctor may recommend testing if they think you may be at risk. In NSW, you can also order a free Hep C kit that can be sent to your home.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Almost everyone who takes current Hep C medicine (known as direct acting antivirals or DAA) will get better. Unlike older treatments for Hep C, DAA medicine is easy to take and has few side effects.

Anyone with Hep C can get treatment, even if you’re currently injecting. Check out the Hepatitis NSW website and Infoline for more information.

WHAT IS HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that damages the immune system by attacking the cells that help fight off infections. It gradually destroys cells called CD4 cells, which usually help the body stay healthy by fighting off disease.

If HIV is not treated, most people will develop severe immune deficiency within 8 to 10 years. At this point, the body is no longer able to fight infection and stop cancer from developing. This late stage of HIV infection is called acquired immunodeficiency virus syndrome (AIDS). In other words, untreated HIV typically turns into AIDS in about 8 to 10 years.

Although there is no cure or vaccine for HIV, there are effective treatments currently available that allow a people living with HIV to stay healthy while alsosuppressing the virus so much that it is no longer possible to pass HIV on to others. This is referred to as having an undetectable viral load (UVL).

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

HIV can be passed in blood, vaginal fluids, anal fluids, semen, and breast milk. (It’s not passed through other body fluids like saliva or sweat).

Remember: HIV is not contagious from a person with HIV on treatment who has undetectable viral load (UVL).

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Most people in Australia who are diagnosed with HIV are able to access treatment and achieve an undetectable viral load.

That means you are most likely to get HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it yet. Talking to your partner/s about HIV, and getting tested, are important prevention strategies.

Condoms on a penis for penetrative vaginal/front hole or anal sex is still one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV.

HIV is extremely unlikely to be passed through oral sex or fingering/fisting unless there is a wound in the mouth or on the hands where the infection can easily enter the blood stream. Dental dams or gloves may be used as protection in this case.

PrEP and PEP are medications that are now commonly used to prevent HIV infection.

Using Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) can prevent getting HIV through shared needles.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

HIV often doesn’t have symptoms, but some people may get symptoms of “seroconversion” a week or two after being exposed to the virus. This can feel like having the flu: fever, swollen glands, sore throat, aches and pains, and fatigue.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

HIV testing is part of routine STI screening.

The way to check for HIV is with a blood test. This can be done with any doctor as well as different specialised services and even self-testing kits.

It can take up to 3 months for HIV to show up in the blood – this is called the window period. If you’re concerned about a recent contact, you can test right away, but it’s important to re-test after the window period to be 100% sure of the result.

An HIV diagnosis can be scary because there’s still a lot of fear, stigma, and misinformation. If you’ve been recently diagnosed with HIV, check out ACON’s list of support services and resources.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

While there isn’t a cure for HIV, Australia’s high-quality HIV care and health system mean you can still live a long and healthy life with HIV.

HIV treatments are known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). These treatments prevent the virus from multiplying in the body. Most people on treatment can achieve an undetectable viral load (UVL) which stops the HIV progressing to AIDS and means that you can’t sexually transmit the virus to a HIV-negative partner. Most importantly, people living with HIV who are on effective treatment have a similar life expectancy to their HIV negative peers.

HIV treatment is often one tablet a day. This medication is free with a Medicare card. If you don’t have Medicare your doctor will help you access medication for free.

Treatment should be offered by healthcare providers as soon as you’re diagnosed. Starting HIV treatment early, and staying on it consistently, will keep you healthy and is likely to result in achieving an undetectable viral load – meaning you can no longer pass HIV on to anyone else.

Telling your sexual partner/s you’ve been diagnosed with HIV is important so they can get tested and treated, but you don’t need to do it without support! Talk to your doctor for advice or referral to one of the free counsellors at NSW sexual health clinics.

WHAT IS HPV?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common STI in the world.

There are many different strains of HPV. Some strains can cause genital warts, others are linked to cervical and other cancers.

Most of the time HPV is symptomless and cleared by our own immune systems without causing problems.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

HPV is hard to avoid completely – in fact, it’s so common nearly all of us will be infected with at least one strain of HPV at some point in our lives.

HPV is easily passed through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly through oral sex, rimming and any genital-to-genital contact— with or without penetration!

It may also be passed through fingering, fisting, or sharing sex toys.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

The latest Gardasil vaccine protects you against the 9 types of HPV that cause the vast majority of HPV cancers and genital warts. However, there are dozens of strains of HPV that may be sexually transmitted.

Using barriers like condoms, dental dams and gloves can reduce the risk of HPV, but since transmission occurs through skin-to-skin contact, barriers are never 100% effective.

Keeping up to date with routine cervical screening is the best way to prevent an HPV infection from eventually becoming cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Most people with HPV don’t show any symptoms.

Some strains of HPV can cause genital warts. They often appear as small bumps with a slightly rough surface around the genitals or anal area. While warts may be annoying, they are not harmful to your health.

The strains of HPV related to cervical and other cancers are invisible. These are usually found through the cervical screening test (previously known as a pap smear).

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Most HPV is found through the cervical screening test (CST). This is a routine test separate from STI screening. Cervical screening is a cancer prevention program that looks for HPV before it can cause any problems.

Cervical screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 70 who has ever had any kind of sex. Unlike with the old pap smear, new testing technology means you may not need to have a speculum exam – self-collected swabs are a reliable option in many circumstances.

To find out more about cervical screening for LGBTQ+ people, check out ACON’s Can We website.

There is no routine test for genital warts. If you notice any unexplained bumps around the genitals, your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on examination alone.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

There’s no cure for HPV, but there are treatments that can get rid of warts and prevent many cancers.

Although most HPV infections will be cleared by your own immune system, the few that don’t go away can eventually become cancer. Keeping up to date with cervical screening from age 25 to 74 is the best way to avoid cervical cancer.

Genital warts are usually treated with self-applied paints and creams prescribed by a doctor. If these are not useful, you can attend clinic for liquid nitrogen (freeze) therapy. Keep in mind, it may take several weeks of treatment to get rid of them.

WHAT IS MPOX?

Mpox (also called monkeypox) is a viral infection that is passed through close physical contact with someone who has it.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Mpox is passed during close physical contact – sex or no sex.

It is passed through:

• Contact with rashes, lesions, or sores on the skin (these may not be visible if they’re inside the mouth, genitals or anus)

• Clothing, bedding, or objects that have been in contact with the virus

• Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing

• During pregnancy from placenta to foetus

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Strategies to reduce your chance of getting mpox include:

• Vaccination

• Avoiding close contact with people who have mpox or mpox symptoms

• Avoiding contact with infected materials like bedding or towels

• Washing your hands

Mpox vaccination is currently recommended for:

• Gay, bisexual, and queer men (cis or trans),

• People of all genders who have sex with this community, and

• Anyone doing sex work

Find out where to get the vaccine in NSW here.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Mpox can cause a rash, sores or lesions and sometimes fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache and exhaustion as well.

The rash often looks like pimples or blisters which eventually break open and then scab over.

Rash, lesions or sores can be anywhere on the body, commonly the face, arms, legs, chest or back. Symptoms may be harder to see if they’re inside the mouth, genitals, or anus.

Most people will start to get symptoms 1-2 weeks after getting the infection.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Mpox is not part of regular STI testing.

If you have symptoms or think you may have been in contact with mpox, avoid contact with other people, and get advice about testing from your doctor or sexual health clinic as soon as possible.

Do not attend a health service without calling first.

You can also call the NSW Sexual Health Infolink for information or advice.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Most people with mpox will get better within a few weeks without specific treatment, but your doctor may suggest medications to help with symptoms.

There are therapies to treat mpox which may be recommended to people who are immunocompromised or experience more complicated infection.

WHAT IS SHIGELLA?

Shigella is a stomach bug – a bacterial infection that affects your gut.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Shigella is passed when even the tiniest amount of faeces (poo) gets into your mouth. It can be passed through nonsexual contact (e.g. through contaminated food), however the official advice is that men who have sex with men are at the highest risk – but anyone who enjoys anal play can get it.

There are sometimes ‘outbreaks’ of the infection – follow ACON’s or NSW Health’s social media to stay informed!

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

You can reduce your chance of getting shigella by using barriers like condoms, gloves for anal play and dental dams for rimming.

Washing your hands carefully after anal play, including handling used condoms, gloves, dams, and toys is also important.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Shigella can cause diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps, and nausea. Blood or mucous can appear in the poo too – not a fun time.

The good news is symptoms usually get better within a week.

Some people don’t have any symptoms at all, which is when there’s a higher risk of passing it on to others.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Shigella is not part of routine STI testing. You may be tested when you’re having symptoms, or a recent partner has been diagnosed with the infection.

Shigella is tested by stool sample – you’ll be given a jar to collect a small sample of poo on your own. You then return the sample to the clinic for testing.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

If you’re diagnosed with Shigella, you may be prescribed antibiotics. It’s also essential to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

It’s best to avoid sex until you’re better, and if you’re on antibiotics, wait until you’ve finished them before you get into any anal play.

WHAT IS SYPHILIS?

Syphilis is a bacterial STI passed through skin-to-skin contact.

Syphilis has become increasingly common among young women in Australia and testing for it is recommended as part of all routine STI check-ups and at antenatal screenings.

Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, but untreated infection can cause very serious health problems.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Syphilis is usually passed through skin-to-skin contact during any kind of genital, anal, or oral sex – with or without penetration.

Syphilis can also be passed from pregnant person to baby via the placenta and occasionally through blood contact.

Syphilis is most contagious when symptoms like rash or sores are present, but it can be passed even without visible symptoms.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Avoiding sex when a person has symptoms and using barriers like condoms, dental dams and gloves can reduce the risk of syphilis. However, since transmission is skin-to-skin, barriers aren’t 100% effective.

Repeat syphilis testing during pregnancy, and treatment if positive, can prevent transmission to your baby. Using Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) can prevent getting it through shared needles.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Not everyone gets symptoms, but if you do, they’ll look different depending on the four stages of infection: primary, secondary, tertiary, and latent.

The first sign of infection often happens a few weeks after exposure and is called primary syphilis. This can cause a painless sore that shows up around the area you got the infection (e.g. genitals, mouth, or anus). It will usually heal on its own, however the infection will develop and remains contagious.

Secondary syphilis is likely to occur a couple of months after infection. Symptoms include a rash on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, chest or back. You may also get flu like symptoms and notice hair loss. These symptoms will go away eventually.

Latent syphilis is when there are no symptoms at all, but the infection can still be passed in the early part of this phase. Without treatment a person can remain with infectious Syphilis for up to two years.

Tertiary syphilis can take 5-20 years to develop, but symptoms can affect all parts of the body, commonly causing problems in the heart, eyes, ears, and brain.

WHAT IS THRUSH?

Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is an overgrowth of yeast, usually in the vagina or under the foreskin of the penis. It isn’t considered an STI because you don’t get it from a sexual partner.

Anything that disrupts that balance of healthy organisms around the genitals – including sex – can lead to thrush. Other common triggers are certain medications, hormonal changes (often around menstruation), and wearing tight clothes, especially in a hot climate.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

The best way to prevent thrush is to get to know your triggers. This may mean avoiding bubble baths or perfumed soaps around the genitals, wearing cotton undies – or none at all – to keep from overheating.

If you have a foreskin, rinsing and drying it every day can also help.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Thrush is most common in the vagina or under the foreskin of the penis.

In the vagina, thrush often feels very itchy, and you may notice a clumpy, white discharge. Sometimes it can cause irritation on the vulva too, making the skin red and sore.

Under the foreskin, thrush usually causes itch and some patchy white spots. The head of the penis may also be red and irritated.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Thrush isn’t part of regular STI check-up. Your healthcare provider can often confirm that your symptoms are thrush just by examining the area that’s bothering you. Sometimes they may take a swab to confirm the diagnosis or check if it’s an unusual strain.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Thrush is easily treated with over-the-counter medication. Usually, a three-day cream that you insert into the vagina or rub under the foreskin is enough to get rid of it. Once you know the symptoms, it’s safe to get treatment without seeing a doctor.

If the treatment doesn't help, you notice any breaks in the skin, pain, or bleeding with penetration, it is important to see a doctor. It may be that you need other tests or different type of treatment.

WHAT IS TRICHOMONIASIS?

Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a protozoa (like a microscopic bug). It can infect the genitals and the urethra (the hole where pee comes out).

Trichomoniasis is curable with antibiotics, but infections in the vagina can last a long time without people realising it’s there. Infections in the penis are more likely to clear up on their own.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Trichomoniasis is passed through body fluid during penetrative vaginal sex.

It is easily passed through penis-in vagina sex, but it may also be passed through fingering or fisting if infected fluids (vaginal fluid, semen or pre-cum) are on the hands.

Trichomoniasis doesn’t affect the mouth or anus, so it isn’t passed through oral or anal sex.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Using condoms on a penis or shared sex toys during vaginal sex is a good way to avoid passing on the infection.

Using gloves before touching someone’s genitals may also reduce the chance of passing the infection if you’ve already got genital fluids on your hands.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Trichomoniasis often doesn’t have any symptoms, but if they do come up, they appear differently depending on where you have the infection.

Vagina: Sometimes there are no symptoms, but you may notice more discharge, sometimes with an unpleasant smell. It can also cause irritation in the vagina, pain with penetration, or pain when you pee.

Penis: Often there are no symptoms but occasionally there may be some discharge from the opening or irritation when you pee.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

Trichomoniasis is not part of a routine STI check, but you should be tested if you have symptoms. You may also be recommended to test for it if you live in regional or rural areas where rates of this infection are higher.

The test is a swab from the vagina or a urine sample from the penis.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Trichomoniasis is curable with antibiotics.

Give the antibiotics a full week (7 days) to work before having sex and don’t forget to let your sexual partners know they can get tested and treated if needed.

WHAT ARE PUBIC LICE?

Public lice, sometimes called ‘crabs’, are a tiny parasite that can live on pubic and arse hair as well as hair on the chest and belly.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Pubic lice are passed by close body contact. The lice can’t live off the body for long, so you don’t need to stress about them being passed through households.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Pubic lice, like head lice, are hard to completely avoid. If you find out you have it, avoid close body contact until you’ve completed treatment and are sure it’s gone.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Public lice are itchy! If your hair is itchy, have a close look to see if you can spot any moving lice or tiny dark nits/eggs attached to the hair.

HOW CAN I TEST FOR IT?

There is no routine test for pubic lice. If you have symptoms or have spotted signs of pubic lice, your doctor can check to be sure.

HOW CAN I GET TREATED?

Public lice are treated with a topical foam. You apply it to all hair that may be infected and repeat the treatment a week later.