STIs are super common and for many people they won't have any symptoms.

Fortunately the concepts of safety, pleasure and respect can help you prevent STIs and have a sex life that’s a lot safer.

What you need to know about STIs

  • Many STIs have no symptoms and if left untreated can cause long-term health concerns

  • You don’t need to have sex with lots of people to get an STI

  • Regular testing (every 6-12 months, or with every new partner) is key to a healthy sex life.

  • Condoms should be used with other forms of contraception like The Pill, IUDs, Implanon etc

  • STI testing at SHINE SA is easy, painless and FREE if you’re under 25 with a Medicare card.

What you need to know about condoms

  • When used correctly condoms are highly effective at reducing the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy

  • Use water-based lubricant to prevent condoms breaking and for extra pleasure

  • You can use condoms for vaginal, anal or oral sex (dental dams are also a great option for oral sex).

  • Condoms come in different sizes and flavours, experiment with different types to find what suits you

  • If you’ve never used a condom before it’s a good idea to practice using them before you using them for real.

What you need to know about consent

  • Consent must come before any sexual activity of any kind

  • Communication is key! Talk with your partner/s and agree together about what’s OK for each of you

  • Consent must be active, voluntary, sober and continuous.

  • Consent is an ongoing process that needs to be maintained throughout sexual activity

  • Check in with your partner to see if they are still happy to go on. If at any time your partner/s are not into it, it’s their right to stop at any time. The same applies for you.

Where can I get a sexual health check?

You can visit SHINE SA for more information on sexual health and STIs as well as testing and treatment.

Find a Clinic

You can also make an appointment with your local doctor, health care provider or Aboriginal Health service.

Adelaide Sexual Health Centre also provides a free and confidential specialist sexual health service, call 7117 2800.

Have sexual health questions? Call SHINE SA’s FREE Sexual Healthline.

Call: 1300 883 793
Line is open Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 12:30pm

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