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Women Living with HIV

Many international students told us they didn’t know much about HIV before coming to Australia. “More awareness is needed about any costs of testing and to clear up some common myths and misunderstandings around it (HIV),” student from Macau, China. The International Student Health Hub has information to help you […]

New semester, big celebrations: Staying well this February

This month, we’re sharing practical health tips, student voices, and helpful services to support you while you study in Australia.   February is a busy month for international students in Australia. It’s a time for new beginnings, celebrations and for many, the start of a new semester. With Valentine’s Day, O-Week, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year, it’s a great […]

How to talk about sex

Have you ever wanted to talk about sex with your friends or peers and didn’t know how or where to start? Maybe you had a question about a sexual experience, or you wanted to hear their thoughts.   Some international students have shared with us that they felt unsure on […]

Visit the blog
Women Living with HIV

Many international students told us they didn’t know much about HIV before coming to Australia. “More awareness is needed about any costs of testing and to clear up some common myths and misunderstandings around it (HIV),” student from Macau, China. The International Student Health Hub has information to help you […]

New semester, big celebrations: Staying well this February

This month, we’re sharing practical health tips, student voices, and helpful services to support you while you study in Australia.   February is a busy month for international students in Australia. It’s a time for new beginnings, celebrations and for many, the start of a new semester. With Valentine’s Day, O-Week, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year, it’s a great […]

How to talk about sex

Have you ever wanted to talk about sex with your friends or peers and didn’t know how or where to start? Maybe you had a question about a sexual experience, or you wanted to hear their thoughts.   Some international students have shared with us that they felt unsure on […]

Busting myths about hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be confusing, and that’s led to some common myths. This Hepatitis Awareness Week (28 July – 3 August), let’s look at the facts to clear things up.  Firstly, what is hep B?  Hepatitis B (hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hep B virus. It’s […]

What is a sexually transmissible infection (STI)?

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) can be passed from person to person during sexual activity with someone who already has an STI. Sexual activity includes:

  • penis in vagina (vaginal sex)
  • penis in bottom/anus (anal sex)
  • licking, sucking, kissing partner’s genitals (oral sex)
  • sharing sex toys

Watch this video to learn more about STIs.

This video was developed in collaboration with students from the University of New South Wales Peers Advocating for Sexual Health (PASH) Program. NSW Health thanks them for their contributions.

How do you prevent getting an STI?

  • Use condoms and dams during sex. Condoms will prevent STIs from being passed on. Make sure you change condoms between partners and when sharing sex toys.
  • Take PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) if you are at risk of HIV. PrEP is a medication taken to prevent HIV for people at risk of becoming infected.
  • Take PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) if you think you have been exposed to HIV. PEP is a medication you take for one month to reduce the risk of getting HIV.
  • Test for STIs and HIV every 3-12 months. Testing is important and part of a healthy confident sex life.

How do I know if I have an STI?

Many STIs have no signs or symptoms so you may not know if you or your partner have one until you get an STI test.

You can get an STI test at your local doctor, a sexual health clinic and some university health clinics. You can call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (free call) to find the closest service to you. HIV tests are easy, confidential and nothing to be ashamed about.

When should I get an STI test?

You should get an STI test:

  • every 6-12 months
  • when you have a new partner
  • if you notice any unusual symptoms

STI tests are easy, confidential and nothing to be ashamed about. STIs are tested for by a urine sample or a self collected swab, and a blood test.

If you would like an interpreter to help you access health services or information, you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

 

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