Further information
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected partner.
This can be vaginal, anal or oral sex. Some STIs can be passed on from one partner to another through skin-to-skin contact.
Chlamydia is the most commonly notified STI in Western Australia. The number of chlamydia notifications in WA increased by 16% in the first quarter of 2006 compared with the same period in 2005, from 1294 to 1496 cases.
Prevention
- STIs are preventable by using contraception and the majority are curable.
Being at risk
You could be at risk of having an STI if you:
- have had unsafe sex (sex without a condom / condom has not been used properly / condom fell off)
- have a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner
- have discharge, sores or pain in the genital area
- have been named as a contact of someone else with an STI
- cannot remember if you had unsafe sex (for example, if you were drunk)
- you or your partner have ever injected drugs
- have had contact with someone else's blood (for example, getting a tattoo).
If you are at risk it is important to get tested.
Symptoms
Most people do not experience any symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms they may include:
- unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- pain or irritation when passing urine or during sexual intercourse
- sores, blisters, ulcers, warts, lumps or rashes in the genital or anal area
- itchiness or irritation in the genital or anal area
- pain in the lower abdomen.
Some STIs such as HIV and Hepatitis B can initially seem like a 'flu-like' illness. Do not wait for these symptoms to go away – the infection could still be in your body and cause health problems in the future.
Types
Common
-
Genital Warts (Human Papilloma Virus)
- HIV/AIDS
Less common
Other
These are not always classified as STIs but can be transmitted through sexual activity.
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Cystitis
- Non-specific Urethritis and Cervicitis
- Thrush
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Pubic Lice (Crabs) and Scabies
- Hepatitis C
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Syphilis
Sexual Health Services provides further information on STIs and sexual health issues, including pdf documents you can download and print.
University information
CRICOS Code: 00126G
