Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs)

What is an STI?

A sexually transmissible infection (STI) is passed from one person to another when they have sex. If you do not want to catch an STI, always use a condom and water based lubricant, such as Wet Stuff, when you have sex.

CHLAMYDIA (CLAM-ID-EE-A)

A person can have chlamydia without knowing it. Men may have a discharge from their penis and it may hurt to urinate (piss). Women might have a discharge from the vagina and pain low in the belly. If women are not treated, chlamydia can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). PID can stop women ever being able to have a baby.

Treatment: Antibiotics. All sexual partners must be treated to stop passing it on.

TRICHOMONIASIS (TRIKE-O-MOAN-EE-A-SIS)

It is often called Trike. Men often do not know they have it. Women may have a discharge that smells bad and the vagina may be sore and itchy.

Treatment: A type of antibiotic. All sexual partners must be treated to stop passing it on.

GONORRHOEA (GON-OR-EE-A)

It is often called the jack, the drip or the clap. Men usually have a discharge from the penis and sharp pain when they piss. Women might not know they have it. Gonorrhoea can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease).

Treatment: Antibiotics. All sexual partners must be treated to stop passing it on.

GENITAL HERPES

Genital herpes is a virus that causes very painful itchy sores on the penis, vagina or anus. The sores change into little blisters that burst and get better. They come and go and there can be months or years between attacks.

Treatment: There is no cure for herpes but there are things that help. Ask your doctor about these.

GENITAL WARTS

Genital warts grow around the penis, vagina and anus. They may be sore or itchy or they may not bother you. If they grow inside the vagina, women won't know they have them unless they have a check up.

Treatment: There are paints you can buy from the chemist or the doctor can prescribe a gel or destroy the warts by burning or freezing them.

PUBIC LICE (also called CRABS)

These tiny insects live in pubic hair and cause bad itching. They crawl easily from one person to another.

Treatment: Wash yourself with special lotion from a chemist. Wash clothes and sheets in hot water and dry in the sun, or iron them to kill the lice eggs.

HEPATITIS A (HEP-AT-EYE-TIS)

Hepatitis A is passed on in saliva and faeces (shit). It is very easy to catch. If you have anal sex it is very important to wash your hands after taking off the condom. Always wash your hands after going to the toilet. Signs of Hepatitis A are yellow skin, dark urine (piss), fever, sick feeling, pain in the belly and tiredness.

Treatment: See a doctor. Rest in bed.

HEPATITIS B and HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are passed on by sharing needles and syringes and hepatitis B is also passed on by having sex. They are very easy to catch and make people sick for a long time. Signs are the same as for Hepatitis A, yellow skin, dark urine (piss) sick feeling, pain in the belly and tiredness.

Treatment: See a doctor. Rest in bed.

HIV and AIDS

HIV is a virus. It is passed on in blood, semen or vaginal fluid, mainly by having sex or sharing needles. People who have HIV can stay well for years and do not know they have it unless they have a test. After some time HIV can cause AIDS. When people have AIDS they get very sick.

Treatment: There are medicines that can help but there is no cure for AIDS.

SYPHILIS (SIF-ILL-IS)

First a person gets an ulcer somewhere on their body. If it is inside their vagina or anus they will not know about it. Then they get a headache, sore throat, fever and a rash on the palms of their hands or the souls of their feet. They seem to get better but Syphilis stays in their body for years causing problems. At last the person gets very sick and will only get better if they have treatment.

Treatment: Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics, but it is best if it is treated early.

Telling Partners

If you have an STI it is important to tell the person or people you have sex with so they can get treated too. You could say, "I have an infection in my penis (or vagina). The doctor said we should both be treated so we don't keep getting it."

Remember - If you do not want to catch an STI, always use a condom and water based lubricant, such as Wet Stuff, when you have sex.

For more information

The following more detailed factsheets may also be of interest:

• Chlamydia
• HPV - Wart Virus
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis

Or contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886 or email us.

Translated Factsheet

This factsheet is also available in the following languages; Arabic, Assyrian, Burmese, Chinese, Dinka, Farsi, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Serbian, Swahili, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.