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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.
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