STI info

What is an STI?

STIs are infections that are transmitted through close body contact or the exchange of body fluids such as semen (cum), blood, mucus or saliva. Sexual contact includes fucking, sucking, touching, fingering or kissing/licking a dick or arse.

If you or your partner have any sex with casual partners it is a good idea to get tested for STIs regularly. An annual check is a good baseline. However, the more sexual partners you have the more frequently you should get tested. That may mean every 3-6 months.

Even if you have no symptoms you could still have an STI and the only way to know is to get a test. If you are in a new relationship, monogamous or otherwise, it is a good time for you and your partner to get a check-up. You may have contracted an STI from a previous partner. Regular testing is also recommended if you are having sex outside the relationship.

How can I tell if I have an STI (sexually transmissible infection)?

Many people with an STI do not have any symptoms. Getting an STI check-up regularly is the only way to detect most STIs. Signs that may indicate that you have an STI include:

Smelly, cloudy or yellowish discharge or pus coming from your penis or if it hurts when you piss;
Blisters, sores, warts or lumps on your penis or any of the surrounding skin;
Itchiness in the genital area;
If it hurts when you have sex; and,
Fever, swollen glands (especially in the groin), flu-like symptoms or unexplained weight loss or tiredness.

If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor or health care worker as soon as you can. You should also avoid having sex until you have been tested.

If you are sexually active, and especially if you are having sex with different casual partners, you should have regular checkups for STIs even if you do not have any symptoms. Every 3-6 months is a guideline.

For the NSW Health link to all infectious diseases listed A - Z click here

This page last updated 23 July 2008