Fact sheets and resources
Bacterial Vaginosis
Publication Name
Updated Date
Bacterial Vaginosis
Jul 2020
Bacterial Vaginosis
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
BV is a common cause of vaginal symptoms. BV is not a sexually transmissible infection. It occurs when there is overgrowth or change in the balance of bacteria which are normally found in the healthy vagina.
How do I know if I have BV?
Symptoms of BV may include:
- an increase in vaginal discharge
- an unpleasant odour
- irritation to the genital area
- BV is diagnosed by 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
- being sexually active
- Having multiple sexual partners
- having a new sexual partner
- some types of sexual activity between women
- lack of condom use
- smoking
- being from certain ethnic backgrounds
- 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.
- Most women 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_ Jul2020
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Candidiasis
Jul 2020
Candidiasis
What is candidiasis?
Candidiasis is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus. It is also known as candida or thrush.
Candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmissible infection.
How do I know if I have candidiasis?
Symptoms may include:
- genital itching and discomfort
- thick white discharge
- genital redness and inflammation
- discomfort with sexual activity
Candidiasis is diagnosed by taking a swab.
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.
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 reviewed by a doctor/nurse.
Be aware that antifungal vaginal creams can damage and reduce the safety of condoms.
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_ Jul2020
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Chlamydia
Jul 2020
Chlamydia
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection (STI).
How do I know if I have chlamydia?
Most people infected with chlamydia will not notice any symptoms.
Symptoms in women may include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- discomfort when passing urine
- pelvic pain and/or pain during sex
Symptoms in men may include:
- discharge from the penis
- discomfort when passing urine.
Chlamydia in the anus and throat usually have no symptoms. Anal infections can cause pain or discharge.
Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine test or a swab.
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 antibiotics.
Do not 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.
What else should I know?
- Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which may lead to ectopic pregnancies, infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
- Men may develop pain in the testes.
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_ Jul2020
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Sexual Health Counselling
Jul 2020
Sexual Health Counselling
The counselling service offers assistance for a range of issues which include:
- Difficulties associated with living with HIV
- Coping with a diagnosis of a sexually
- transmissible infection (STI)
- Sexual difficulties including desire, orgasm, pain, erection and ejaculation
- 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_ Jul2020
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Genital Herpes
Jul 2020
Genital Herpes
What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmissible infection (STI).
How do I know if I have genital herpes?
The symptoms of genital herpes can vary widely.
Symptoms may include genital:
- pain
- itch
- blisters/sores
Other symptoms may include:
- pain or difficulty when passing urine
- fever, headache, pain in the joints/lower back/legs
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.
What is the treatment for genital herpes?
Antiviral medications may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Treatment can control herpes but does not cure the infection.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
If your partners have symptoms they should be assessed by a doctor/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 | 2851_v1_ Jul2020
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Genital Skin Care
Aug 2020
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. No more than 1-2 showers a day.
Avoid hot or tight nightwear, bedding, clothes and underwear.
Avoid wool and nylon against the skin.
Avoid scratching and cut fingernails so they can’t damage your skin.
Avoid waxing, shaving and hair removal creams.
Don’t use any creams that have not been prescribed for the condition including creams from the chemist or naturopath.
Genital first aid
Salt water 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 these eg:
- QV wash
- Hamilton’s wash
- Dermaveen
- Avecyde
Some people find using Aqueous cream instead of soap is helpful.
Moisturisers
Aqueous cream can be used as a wash or moisturiser. Vegetable Oil (e.g. olive oil) can be effective, but might feel greasy.
General information and products
- Toilet paper: use non-coloured, unbleached and unperfumed. Gentle washing may be preferable to rubbing with toilet paper. Try gently washing in the shower or carrying a squeeze bottle with tap or saltwater. Alternatively, you can try a smear of Aqueous cream on the toilet paper to help wiping.
- 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.
- Use liquid laundry detergent instead of powder, as powder can leave residue on clothing. Using an extra rinse cycle removes excess detergent from underwear. Do not use fabric softener.
- 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_ Aug2020
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Genital Warts
Jul 2020
Genital Warts
What are genital warts?
Genital warts are a sexually transmissible
infection (STI).
How do I know if I have genital warts?
Genital warts may present as lumps in the genital or anal area. If you have noticed any new genital lumps, ask your doctor/nurse to check
the genital skin.
How do I get genital warts?
Genital warts occur from skin-to-skin contact with somebody who has the infection.
What is the treatment for genital warts? There are a number of ways that genital warts can be treated. These may include freezing, or
applying a treatment you can use at home. Treatment of genital warts may take several visits and recurrence may occur after any type of
treatment. Your doctor/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.
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.
- Stopping smoking may help clear the infection and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- There are many different types of wart infections and only some have been linked with cancer, including cervical cancer. This is the reason why women should have regular cervical screening.
- 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_ Jul2020
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Gonorrhoea
Jul 2020
Gonorrhoea
What is gonorrhoea?
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmissible infection.
How do I know if I have gonorrhoea?
Symptoms may occur within 2–10 days after sex depending on the site infected.
Symptoms in men may include:
- discharge from the penis
- burning or discomfort when passing urine
Women may not have any symptoms but if present may include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- discomfort when passing urine
- pelvic pain and/or pain during sex
Symptoms of gonorrhoea in the anus or throat may be very mild and go unnoticed.
Gonorrhoea can be diagnosed by a urine test or swabs.
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.
Do not 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.
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 women, which may lead to ectopic pregnancies, infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
- Men may develop pain in the testes.
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_ Jul2020
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HIV
Jul 2020
HIV
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmissible infection.
How do I know if I have HIV?
Many people with HIV will have no obvious symptoms.
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.
How can I get HIV?
HIV is passed on by having oral, vaginal or anal sex without a condom, with someone who has the infection.
Sharing of any injecting equipment may be a potential risk for HIV and other blood-borne viruses.
What is the treatment for HIV?
There are treatments available for HIV.
These treatments do not cure HIV infection but allow 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?
- Prevention is best. Safer sex and safer injecting practices are recommended.
- PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) 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 (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) is now available from your local doctor.
- Using condoms with casual and new partners, regular sexual health checkups, and not sharing needles all help prevent transmission.
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_ Jul2020
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Molluscum Contagiosum
Jul 2020
Molluscum Contagiosum
What is Molluscum contagiosum (MC)?
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection which affects the skin and may be sexually transmitted.
How do I know if I have MC?
MC can cause pearly, raised lesions which may have a dip 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/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/nurse. In most cases this is done by freezing each lesion with liquid nitrogen.
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.
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_ Jul2020
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Mycoplasma genitalium
Jul 2020
Mycoplasma genitalium
What is Mycoplasma genitalium (M.genitalium)?
M.genitalium is a sexually transmissible infection.
How do I know if I have M.genitalium?
Symptoms in men may include:
- discharge from the penis
- burning or discomfort when passing urine.
Women may not have any symptoms but if present may include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- pelvic pain
M.genitalium can be diagnosed by a urine test or
swabs.
How can I get M.genitalium?
M.genitalium is passed on by having sex without a condom, with someone who has the infection.
What is the treatment for M.genitalium?
M.genitalium is treated using oral antibiotics.
Do not have any sexual contact after you start treatment as you may be at risk of passing M. genitalium to your sexual partners or becoming
re-infected. Your doctor/nurse will advise how long this period will be.
Do sexual partners need treatment?
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. It is important to follow your doctor/nurse’s instructions on treatment and follow-up.
A repeat test after treatment is important to make sure that the infection has gone.
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_ Jul2020
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Jul 2020
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is a condition of the internal reproductive organs of women.
How do I know if I have PID?
Symptoms of PID may include:
- pain in the lower abdomen
- pain during sex
- heavier and/or more painful periods
- bleeding after sex
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- fevers
PID is diagnosed by examination by your doctor/nurse.
How can I get PID?
PID may be caused by sexually transmissible infections (STIs). PID can also occur after operations involving the internal reproductive
organs.
What is the treatment for PID?
PID is treated with 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.
- PID can lead to long-term problems such as difficulty becoming pregnant or an increased risk of ectopic 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 | 2856_v1_ Jul2020
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Post Exposure Prophylaxis
Aug 2020
Post Exposure Prophylaxis
What is Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
PEP is a 4-week course of 2–3 HIV medications which reduce the risk of acquiring HIV infection. PEP doesn’t guarantee HIV infection can be
prevented, and it will not make people immune to future HIV exposures.
How do I know if I need PEP?
PEP may be advised when somebody is concerned they may have been at risk of acquiring HIV through sexual or injecting practices. Risk of contracting HIV depends on a number of factors.
These may include:
- men who have unprotected receptive anal sex
- unprotected sex with a person known to be HIV positive with a detectable viral load
- unprotected sex while travelling overseas or with people from countries where HIV is common
- sharing of any injecting equipment
PEP medication must be commenced within 72 hours of the exposure, the earlier the better.
It is available at sexual health clinics and the emergency departments of public hospitals.
What else should I know?
- Prevention is best. Safer sex and safer injecting practices are recommended. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV)
- is now available from your local doctor.
- Using condoms with casual and new partners, regular sexual health checkups, and not sharing needles all help prevent transmission of infections.
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_ Aug2020
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Syphilis
Jul 2020
Syphilis
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI).
How do I know if I have syphilis?
Not everyone with syphilis has obvious signs of infection.
Symptoms may include:
- Primary or initial infection – a sore which is usually round, raised and not painful. This usually occurs in the genital or anal area, but may occur at other sites.
- Secondary syphilis - may involve a rash which usually affects the trunk, palms of hands and soles of the feet.
- There may also be lumps on the genitals, hair loss or swelling of the lymph glands. Syphilis may be detected from swabs taken from a sore or by a blood test.
How can I get syphilis?
Syphilis is passed on by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection.
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 6 months should be tested. Sexual partners of those with primary or secondary infection should be treated.
What else should I know?
- It is important to follow your doctor/nurse’s instructions regarding follow up.
- Blood tests are usually performed after treatment to check the infection has responded to treatment.
- Condoms and lubricant reduce, but do not completely prevent syphilis.
- Regular testing can detect people with syphilis who don’t have any obvious signs of infection.
- Men who have sex with men are encouraged to get sexual health checks, including syphilis tests, regularly or at least annually.
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_ Jul2020
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Urethritis
Jul 2020
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 with an examination by your doctor/nurse. The cause of urethritis may be diagnosed by a urine test or swabs.
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 fully resolve but if your symptoms persist or worsen please contact your doctor/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 | 2859_v1_ Jul2020
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