Fact sheets and resources
Bacterial Vaginosis
Publication Name
Updated Date
Bacterial Vaginosis
Mar 2023
Bacterial Vaginosis
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
BV is a common cause of vaginal symptoms. BV occurs when there is overgrowth or change in the balance of bacteria which are normally found in the healthy vagina. While it is not currently considered a sexually transmissible infection, the actual cause of BV remains unclear and is the subject of current research studies.
How do I know if I have BV?
Symptoms of BV may include:
- an increase in vaginal discharge
- strong odour
- irritation in the genital area
BV is diagnosed through examination and testing the vaginal discharge.
What is the treatment for BV?
BV may be treated with oral antibiotics or a vaginal cream if symptoms persist.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
Sexual partners do not require treatment.
What else should I know
Factors associated with an increased risk of BV include:
- vaginal douching or washing
- IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) as a form of contraception
- having multiple sexual partners
- having a new sexual partner
- having a sexual partner with a vagina
- condomless sex
- smoking
- Avoid all vaginal products including deodorants, perfumes, soaps and bath salts. Avoid douching and other products such as tea tree oil, vinegar or alcohols and disinfectants to the genital area.
- Up to 50% of people treated for BV will experience recurrence. If you experience recurring symptoms, please seek management from your regular General Practitioner.
- Most people with BV do not experience complications. In pregnancy, BV has been associated with some complications. Please seek further advice from your GP or Midwife if you have BV and are pregnant.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2849_v1_ Mar2023
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Candidiasis
Feb 2023
Candidiasis
What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus which naturally occurs in the vagina. It is also known as candida, yeast infection or thrush. Candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmissible infection.
How do I know if I have candidiasis?
Symptoms may include:
- Vaginal and/ or vulval itching and discomfort
- thick white discharge
- genital redness and inflammation
- discomfort with sexual activity
Candidiasis is diagnosed by an examination by your doctor or nurse.
How can I get candidiasis?
You are more likely to have candidiasis if you:
- have diabetes
- are taking antibiotics, hormonal or steroidal medications
- have an impaired immune system
- are pregnant
What is the treatment for candidiasis?
Antifungal creams, pessaries or oral tablets are used to treat candidiasis. These can be purchased from pharmacies.
What else should I know?
Factors associated with candidiasis can include:
- vaginal douching (this interferes with the healthy vaginal environment)
- Genital skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis
- Any ongoing or recurrent symptoms should be managed by your regular General Practitioner.
- Be aware that antifungal vaginal creams can damage and reduce the effectiveness of condoms
- Avoid all vaginal products including deodorants, perfumes, soaps, and bath salts as this can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal yeast
- While uncomfortable, thrush does not cause any long-term health problems such as infertility or pregnancy complications
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2850_v1_ Feb2023
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Chlamydia
Feb 2023
Chlamydia
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) that can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat and occasionally the eyes.
How do I know if I have chlamydia?
Most people infected with chlamydia will not notice any symptoms.
Vaginal symptoms may include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or after sex
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- pelvic pain and/ or pain during sex
- changes in vaginal discharge
- discharge from the penis
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- urethral irritation and occasionally redness at the urethral opening (pee-hole)
- testicular pain/ swelling
Chlamydia in the anus and throat usually has no symptoms. However, anal infections can occasionally cause rectal pain, bleeding and/ or mucous discharge.
Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine or swab test.
How can I get chlamydia?
Chlamydia is passed on by having vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection.
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
Chlamydia is treated with a short course of antibiotics. Symptoms, if any, will usually resolve shortly after commencing antibiotics.
It is important not to have any sexual contact for 7 days after you start treatment, as you may be at risk of passing chlamydia to your sexual partners or becoming re-infected.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
All sexual partners in the last 6 months should be tested regardless of symptoms. You may be reinfected from untreated partners therefore it is important to avoid sex until previous partners have been tested and/ or treated.
What else should I know?
- Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with a vagina and uterus, which may lead to ectopic pregnancies, infertility, or chronic pelvic pain.
- Untreated chlamydia in pregnant people is associated with premature birth and low birth weight.
- Chlamydia can be passed on to a baby during childbirth, potentially causing conjunctivitis (eye infection) or pneumonia.
- Using condoms and dams is the best way to reduce the transmission of chlamydia.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2837_v1_ Feb2023
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Sexual Health Counselling
Feb 2023
Sexual Health Counselling
The psychology service offers support and assistance for a range of issues. These include:
- Difficulties associated with living with HIV
- Adjustment to the diagnosis of a sexually transmissible infection (STI)
- Sexual difficulties (desire, orgasm, pain, erection and ejaculation concerns)
- Sexuality concerns
- Support for workers in the commercial sex industry
- At-risk sexual behaviour
- Support for partners or family members with any of the above concerns.
Booked appointments are required for this service.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2838_v1_ Feb2023
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Genital Herpes
Feb 2023
Genital Herpes
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmissible infection (STI), also known as herpes simplex virus, HSV. There are two types of herpes that can affect the genitals: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes may also affect the mouth, lips, anus and rectum.
How do I know if I have genital herpes?
The symptoms of genital herpes can vary widely.
Symptoms may include genital:
- pain
- itch
- blisters, ulcers, sores
- skin splits or cracks
Other symptoms may include:
- pain or difficulty when passing urine
- fever, headache, pain in the joints/lower back/legs
- rectal pain
Some people may experience recurrent symptoms.
Herpes is best diagnosed by swabs collected by your doctor/nurse. Blood tests are not recommended as they are not a reliable method of diagnosing herpes.
How can I get genital herpes?
Herpes is transmitted from skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the infection. Herpes can be transmitted by people who do not know they are infected or people who do not have symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic viral shedding.
What is the treatment for genital herpes?
Antiviral medications may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. People who experience frequent recurrences should consider talking to their General Practitioner about suppressive therapy. Suppressive therapy also reduces risk of passing herpes on to your sexual partners. While treatment can greatly control and help symptoms, it does not cure the virus.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
If your partners have symptoms they should be assessed by a doctor or nurse. There is no need for testing or treatment if they do not experience any symptoms.
What else should I know?
Herpes can be passed on to babies during childbirth, causing a serious infection. A pregnant person who experiences recurrent symptoms may be recommended by their doctor to commence suppressive therapy in the final weeks of pregnancy. This will greatly lower risk of recurrences and subsequent caesarean delivery. Partners who have recurrent herpes may also consider suppressive therapy throughout their partner’s pregnancy.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2851_v1_ Feb2023
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Genital Skin Care
Feb 2023
Genital Skin Care
Almost all genital skin conditions benefit from simple changes to routine washing. Sometimes it’s not possible to identify what caused the initial skin condition.
Once skin is irritated, many other things can make the situation worse and keep it from resolving. Sometimes products or practices you used in the past without any problems may make the condition worse.
Tips to prevent or minimise irritation
- Avoid soap, shampoo, body washes, bubble bath and other detergents, as they interfere with the skin’s protective layer.
- Keep to short, cooler showers: long hot showers increase itch and dry the skin. One shower per day is recommended, with a maximum of two.
- Avoid hot or tight nightwear, bedding, clothes and underwear.
- Avoid wool directly against genital skin. Also avoid synthetic garments and underwear such as lycra, nylon and polyester blends. Limit the time spent in active wear/ gym gear/ swimwear.
- Avoid scratching and cut fingernails so they can’t damage your skin.
- Avoid waxing, shaving and hair removal creams.
- Avoid perfumed products, particularly ‘hygiene’ products marketed for genitals. Also avoid using tea tree oil or any other disinfectant products.
- Avoid flavoured or perfumed lubricants or moisturisers for sexual activity. Water-based lubricants are recommended.
- Don’t use any creams that have not been prescribed for the condition including creams from the chemist or naturopath.
- Use laundry liquid detergents instead of laundry powder. Laundry powder may leave a residue in clothing/ underwear which may cause irritation. Also avoid fabric softeners as some ingredients will also cause skin irritation.
Genital first aid
Saltwater baths: One small handful of salt in a shallow bath, soak for 10-15 minutes, two-three times per day. Stop saltwater bathing/soaking after three four days as excessive soaks can over dry the skin.
Cold packs: Cold packs are very good for relieving itch and burning pain, as cold can block pain and itch sensations. Use a small ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a soft towel and apply to skin until itch or pain resolves. Reapply if symptoms return.
Soap substitutes: can be used for dry or irritated skin, although washing just with warm water is enough.
There are a wide range of brands including:
QV®, Hamilton®, Dermaveen®, Cetaphil®, Aveeno®.
Some people also find Aqueous cream to be a good substitute for soap.
Moisturisers
Aqueous cream or sorbolene cream may be used as an effective moisturiser. Ensure that moisturising products are hypoallergenic and perfume free.
General information and products
- Toilet paper: use non-coloured, unbleached, and unperfumed. Gentle washing may be preferable to rubbing with toilet paper.
- Increase fluids to produce diluted, less irritating urine. Limit caffeine, cola and chocolate which can act as diuretics. Excess chilli can cause peri-anal irritation.
- Avoid clothing with thick seams or tight-fitting crotch area such as jeans and g-strings. Cotton underwear is best.
- Natural and organic skin products may also cause irritation. Check with your clinician prior to use.
- Oil-based products may damage latex condoms and lead to breakage.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2852_v1_ Feb2023
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Genital Warts
Feb 2023
Genital Warts
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmissible infection.
How do I know if I have genital warts?
Genital warts present as lumps or rough areas of skin in the genital or anal area. If you have noticed any new lumps on your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus, seek an assessment by a sexual health specialist or General Practitioner.
How do I get genital warts?
Genital warts occur from skin-to-skin contact with somebody who has the infection. Many people who have HPV will show no symptoms, however, may still pass on the infection to their sexual partners. Warts can take several weeks to many months to appear after exposure.
What is the treatment for genital warts?
There are a number of ways that genital warts can be treated. These may include freezing (liquid nitrogen), laser treatment, or by applying a topical treatment that you can use at home. Treatment of genital warts may take several visits and recurrence may occur after any type of treatment. Your doctor or nurse will discuss which treatment is most suitable for you.
Over-the-counter treatments are not suitable for treating genital warts, as they can damage the skin.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
If your sexual partner has unexplained genital lumps then they should see a doctor/nurse, as they may require treatment. If they do not have any symptoms, they will not be required to attend for assessment.
What else should I know?
- Condoms may provide some protection against getting genital warts.
- Many people do not develop symptoms for a long time after being in contact with warts and some may never develop symptoms.
- Smoking is associated with the presentation of genital warts
- There are many different types of HPV infections and only some have been linked with cancer, including cervical cancer. This is the reason why people with a cervix aged 25 and older should have a Cervical Screening Test (formerly called a ‘pap smear’) every five years, or more regularly depending on the advice of your General Practitioner.
- Vaccination to help prevent wart infections is now available. For further information discuss with your doctor or nurse.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2853_v1_ Feb2023
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Gonorrhoea
Feb 2023
Gonorrhoea
What is gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) that can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat and occasionally the eyes.
How do I know if I have gonorrhoea?
Symptoms may occur within 2–10 days after sex depending on the site infected.
Vaginal symptoms may include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- pelvic pain and/ or pain during sex
Penile symptoms may include:
- discharge from the penis
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- urethral irritation and redness at the urethral opening (pee-hole)
- testicular pain/ swelling
Gonorrhoea in the anus and throat usually has no symptoms. However anal infections can occasionally cause rectal pain, bleeding and/ or mucous discharge.
Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed by a urine swab test.
How can I get gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is passed on by having oral, vaginal or anal sex without a condom, with someone who has the infection.
What is the treatment for gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics. This is usually a single dose of an antibiotic by injection and an oral antibiotic. Symptoms, if any, will usually resolve shortly after commencing antibiotics.
It is important not to have any sexual contact for 7 days after you start treatment, as you may be at risk of passing gonorrhoea to your sexual partners or becoming re-infected.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
All sexual partners in the last 2 months should be tested regardless of symptoms.
You may be reinfected from untreated partners therefore it is important to avoid sex until previous partners have been tested and/ or treated.
What else should I know?
- Follow up testing is advised 3 weeks after treatment to ensure the infection has been successfully treated.
- Gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with a vagina and uterus, which may lead to ectopic pregnancies, infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
- Gonorrhoea can be passed on to the baby during childbirth potentially causing conjunctivitis (eye infection).
- Using condoms and dams is the best way to reduce the transmission of gonorrhoea.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2839_v1_ Feb2023
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HIV
Feb 2023
HIV
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a blood-borne virus (BBV) that may be passed sexually via body fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid and anal fluid). HIV attacks the immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections. HIV is not the same as AIDS. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), however with highly effective treatments available, AIDS is now extremely uncommon in Australia. HIV cannot be passed on by people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load (UVL).
How do I know if I have HIV?
Many people with HIV will have no obvious symptoms, and many of the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.
Symptoms may include:
- a flu-like illness a few weeks after exposure
- fatigue and weight loss
- skin infections
- chest infections
A blood test is needed to diagnose HIV (this is called a HIV antibody test), and there is a short period of time between exposure to HIV and the ability for tests to detect HIV or its antibodies. This is called the window period and is generally six weeks after infection, although can be between 2 and 12 weeks after infection.
How can I get HIV?
HIV is passed on by:
- vaginal or anal sex without a condom
- sharing drug injection equipment or needle stick injuries
- pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding if the mother has untreated HIV
HIV has never been reported as being passed on by kissing, shaking hands or social contact, sharing cutlery, cups or glasses, toilet seats or mosquitoes.
What is the treatment for HIV?
There are very effective treatments available for HIV which stop the virus from multiplying (making copies of itself).
These treatments do not cure HIV infection but support people with HIV to live a healthy life.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
All sexual partners should be tested for HIV.
What else should I know?
- There are many ways to prevent HIV, including condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
- PEP is available from public hospital emergency departments or sexual health clinics if you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours.
- PrEP is now available from your local doctor or sexual health clinic.
- Evidence shows that if your partner has HIV and has an undetectable viral load, there is no risk of transmission. Undetectable = Untransmissible (U=U).
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2854_v1_ Feb2023
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Molluscum Contagiosum
Feb 2023
Molluscum Contagiosum
What is Molluscum contagiosum (MC)?
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a harmless viral infection which affects the skin. It may be sexually transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. While it can be treated, MC will usually self-resolve within 18 months.
How do I know if I have MC?
MC can cause pearly, firm and raised lumps which may have a dimple in the centre. They are not usually painful or irritating. On adults the lesions are commonly seen on the inner thigh, lower abdomen and genital area.
If you have noticed any new genital lumps, ask your doctor or nurse to check the genital skin.
How do I get MC?
It is spread by skin-to-skin contact with a person who has the infection.
What is the treatment for MC?
Treatment can be given by your doctor or nurse. In most cases this is done by freezing each lump with liquid nitrogen. A topical self-applied treatment is also available.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
If your sexual partner has unexplained genital lumps then they should see a doctor or nurse for assessment.
What else should I know?
Scratching, shaving or squeezing the affected area can cause spread to other parts of the body.
A person with molluscum remains potentially infectious until lesions have completely resolved.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2840_v1_ Feb2023
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Mycoplasma genitalium
Feb 2023
Mycoplasma genitalium
What is Mycoplasma genitalium (M.genitalium)?
M. genitalium is a bacterial sexually transmissible infection that can infect the cervix and urethra.
How do I know if I have M.genitalium?
Vaginal symptoms may include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods or after sex)
- changes in vaginal discharge
- pelvic pain and/ or pain during sex
- discharge from the penis
- stinging or burning when passing urine
- urethral irritation/tingling
Testing is NOT recommended in people who do not have any of the symptoms listed above, unless they are a sexual partner of someone with confirmed M. genitalium.
M. genitalium can be diagnosed by urine or swab test.
How can I get M.genitalium?
M. genitalium is passed on by having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection.
What is the treatment for M.genitalium?
M. genitalium is usually treated using two courses of oral antibiotics.
It is important not to have any sexual contact until you have completed treatment, as you may be at risk of passing M. genitalium to your sexual partners or becoming re-infected. Your doctor or nurse will advise how long this period will be.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
Recent sexual partners of people diagnosed with M. genitalium should be tested.
What else should I know?
M. genitalium can be difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance. Testing people without symptoms is not currently recommended, unless they are a partner of someone with confirmed M. genitalium.
A repeat test after treatment is important to make sure that the antibiotics have worked.
It is important to follow your doctor/nurse’s instructions on treatment and follow-up.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2855_v1_ Feb2023
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Feb 2023
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is inflammation or infection of the internal organs in the pelvis of people with a vagina and uterus. The most common causes of PID are bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
How do I know if I have PID?
Symptoms of PID may include:
- pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- pain during sex
- unusual bleeding, heavier and/or more painful periods
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- fever
PID is diagnosed by examination by your doctor or nurse.
How can I get PID?
PID is commonly caused by sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and mycoplasma genitalium. PID can also occur after pelvic operations such as pregnancy termination.
What is the treatment for PID?
PID is treated with a combination of antibiotics.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
Sexual partners should be offered testing for STIs and treatment may be recommended.
What else do I need to know?
- It is important to return to your doctor or clinic for follow-up appointments.
- Untreated PID can lead to long-term problems such as chronic pelvic pain,
- difficulty getting pregnant, and/or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2856_v1_ Feb2023
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Post Exposure Prophylaxis
Feb 2023
Post Exposure Prophylaxis
What is Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
PEP is a 28-day course of HIV medication which reduces the risk of acquiring HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of possible exposure. In most cases PEP can stop HIV from establishing itself in the body.
The sooner someone starts PEP the better, but it must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV.
How do I know if I need PEP?
PEP may be recommended if you think you may have been exposed to HIV through condomless sex or sharing injection equipment. Risk of contracting HIV depends on a number of factors.
QLD PEP information is available by calling 1343 2584 and speaking to a nurse or visiting www.getpep.info.
PEP is available at all sexual health clinics and emergency departments of public hospitals within Australia. The best place to access PEP outside usual business hours is any public hospital emergency department.
What else should I know?
- There are many ways to prevent HIV, including condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
- If your partner has HIV and has an undetectable viral load, there is no risk of transmission. Undetectable = Untransmissible (U=U).
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2857_v1_ Feb2023
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Syphilis
Feb 2023
Syphilis
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) which may be passed on through skin-to-skin contact during oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who has syphilis.
How do I know if I have syphilis?
Not everyone with syphilis has obvious signs of infection, so you may not know you have it unless you have a blood test.
Symptoms may include:
- Primary or initial infection – a sore which is usually round, raised and often painless. This usually occurs in the genital or anal area, but may occur at other sites, including the mouth.
- Secondary syphilis - may involve a rash which usually affects the trunk, palms of hands and soles of the feet.
- There may also be lumps in the genital/anal area, hair loss or swelling of the lymph glands.
- If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health complications that may affect the heart, brain, eyes and skin.
Syphilis can be diagnosed by a blood test or swab.
How can I get syphilis?
Syphilis is passed on by having penile, anal, vaginal or oral sex with someone who has the infection. You may not see any visible symptoms but may still become infected. Symptoms including sores and rashes are highly infectious. Syphilis can also be transmitted from a pregnant person to their baby.
What is the treatment for syphilis?
The recommended treatment for syphilis is injections of penicillin. There is an alternative for those people with severe penicillin allergy. Do not have any sexual contact for 7 days after you start treatment as you may be at risk of passing syphilis to your sexual partners or becoming re-infected.
This period may be longer if you are treated with a penicillin alternative.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
All sexual partners within the last 3, 6 or 12 months should be tested, depending on how long you have had syphilis. Your doctor/nurse will advise how long this period will be. Sexual partners of those with primary or secondary infection should be treated. To prevent reinfection, you should not have any sexual contact with past sexual partners until they have been tested and/or treated.
What else should I know?
- It is important to follow your doctor/ nurse’s instructions regarding follow up.
- It is important to have repeat blood tests to check that the treatment has worked – they may be recommended at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment.
- Condoms and lubricant can reduce transmission but cannot completely prevent syphilis.
- Regular testing can detect people with syphilis who don’t have any obvious signs of infection.
- Syphilis during pregnancy can cause problems for the baby like miscarriage, premature birth, still-birth, and death after birth.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Community Centre
Room G4, 6 Lawson St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2858_v1_ Feb2023
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Urethritis
Feb 2023
Urethritis
What is urethritis?
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, the urine passage inside the penis.
The most common cause is infection with chlamydia, gonorrhoea or mycoplasma genitalium. There are other causes including viral infections and non-infectious causes.
Some cases of urethritis have no identifiable cause.
How do I know if I have urethritis?
Symptoms may include:
- discomfort passing urine
- itching, tingling, burning or irritation inside the penis
- discharge from the penis
- redness in the urethral opening
Urethritis is diagnosed by examination by your doctor or nurse and can be confirmed by a urine or swab test.
What is the treatment for urethritis?
Urethritis may be treated with antibiotics.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
Sexual partners should be tested for STIs.
What else should I know?
Symptoms may take some time to get better but if your symptoms persist or get worse, please contact your sexual health clinic or local doctor.
Screening for STIs
All sexually active people should consider regular testing for sexually transmissible infections.
Gold Coast Sexual Health Service offers express STI screening that is available without an appointment providing you:
- do not have symptoms
- have not been in contact with a sexually transmissible infection.
If you have symptoms, or have been in contact with an STI, contact Gold Coast Sexual Health Service for an appointment.
Check our website at: https://www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au /our-services/sexual-health for times and locations
Southport Health Precinct
16-30 High St, Southport, 4215Phone: 1300 744 284
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au | Sexual health | 2859_v1_ Feb2023
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