Sexually Transmissible Infections Beforeplay For People in A Relationship

Sexually transmissible infections – Beforeplay – For
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are common – in fact 1 in 6 people will get an STI in
their lifetime. Yep, they’re that common, but the good news is they don’t have to be!
By making regular STI testing and safe sex part of your Beforeplay, you can help protect
yourself and your partner(s) from STIs.
Are my partner(s) and I at risk of STIs?

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI.
They are most common in young people aged 34 and under.
If you’re having sex, you should get a regular sexual health check, even if you use protection
every time and feel healthy. You should encourage your sexual partner(s) to do the same.
STIs occur when viruses, bacteria or parasites are passed on through unprotected vaginal,
oral and anal sex, and skin-to-skin contact.
STIs among young people often remain undiagnosed and untreated. STIs like gonorrhoea
and chlamydia can cause infertility if left untreated, but are easily diagnosed with an STI
check and are treatable.
You could have an STI and not even realise

STIs often have no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your sexual health
and test regularly. Symptoms vary depending on the STI and your gender. If you notice any
changes, you should talk to a healthcare professional about it.
How to start a conversation about sexual health

Being on the same page as your partner(s) when it comes to having sex is important. You
should talk with your partner(s) about whether they’ve:
• had a sexual health check recently and been given the all clear or been treated
• practised safe sex, like using barrier protection such as a condom.
Being open with your partner(s) about your sexual health means you can enjoy the moment
knowing you’re both protected.
Sexually transmissible infections – Beforeplay – For people in a relationship 1

If you’re not quite sure how to approach this subject with your partner, you can visit
au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-talk-about-sexual-health
Healthcare professionals regularly speak about STIs and sexual health, so they are also well
placed to speak with you about any questions you may have and can provide practical tips to
help start a conversation. Your conversation with your healthcare professional will be
confidential.
Always be prepared for safe sex

Being on the same page as your partner when
it comes to sex is important. Make sure you:
• Use protection
– Always use a condom or dental dam if you have vaginal, oral or anal sex.
– Using condom-safe lubricants (e.g. water or silicone based) can help stop condoms
from breaking.
– Use a new condom every time you switch between oral, anal or vaginal sex, or
between partners.
• Get tested regularly by getting a sexual health check at least once a year.
• Before any sexual activity, it’s important you have your partner’s consent, and that you
give yours too. It’s ok to say no if you are not in the mood or don’t feel comfortable.
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. Talk to
your healthcare professional about whether it could be right for you. You can find more
resources about PrEP at prepguidelines.com.au/patient-resources/
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication that can sometimes prevent HIV from
infecting a person who has been exposed. It involves taking medication for 4 weeks after
exposure and is best started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure. Some healthcare
professionals can provide PEP. Otherwise, PEP is available from the emergency
department of most public hospitals and sexual health clinics.
Where can I get an STI test?

You can get a test at:
• Your healthcare provider or any GP
• Sexual and reproductive health services
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
• Community health centres

• Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.
Remember that most STIs are easily treated if detected early, and are usually curable.
Other STIs, such as herpes and HIV, can’t be cured, but they can be treated and managed
effectively.
Your healthcare professional will talk to you about the best treatment options for you.
Some things to remember

• You could have an STI and not know – STIs often have no symptoms, but if left untreated
can have life-long health impacts.
• Regular sexual health check-ups are the only way to know for sure if you have an STI.
Resources
Department of Health and Aged Care

health.gov.au/STI
Health Direct Service Finder

healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services
Emen8 Service Finder

emen8.com.au/find-a-service/
Health Direct
healthdirect.gov.au/sexually-transmitted-infections-sti
Reach Out
au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-talk-about-sexual-health
PrEP Guidelines
prepguidelines.com.au/patient-resources/
Staying on top of your sexual health means you can enjoy the moment knowing you’re both
protected.

Use protection and book a check-up today.
Visit health.gov.au/STI for more information.

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Sexually transmissible infections – Beforeplay – For

Are my partner(s) and I at risk of STIs?

You could have an STI and not even realise

How to start a conversation about sexual health

Sexually transmissible infections – Beforeplay – For people in a relationship 1

Always be prepared for safe sex

Where can I get an STI test?

Sexually transmissible infections – Beforeplay – For people in a relationship 2

Some things to remember

Department of Health and Aged Care

Health Direct Service Finder

Emen8 Service Finder

Sexually transmissible infections – Beforeplay – For people in a relationship 3

Sexually transmissible infections – Beforeplay – For people in a relationship 4

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