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Body parts: What do I need to know?

Do you know the difference between a vulva and a vagina? What about the penis, foreskin and testicles? Does size matter? How much do you know about breasts? Have you ever checked your breasts?   This blog post was co-written by the International Student Health Hub team and Rainbow, an international […]

Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect

Do you want to have sex?  This might feel like an obvious question, but it’s important to ask yourself if you are ready to have sex and why you want to have sex. There can be a lot of pressure around sex, and it’s important that you only have sex […]

5 tips for finding your LGBTQ community in Sydney

Are you new to Sydney and looking to find your community? ACON has you covered with their ‘Top 5 tips for finding your community when you arrive in Sydney! – LGBTQ edition’.  This month, the International Student Health Hub is sharing a blog post written by our wonderful friends over […]

Visit the blog
Body parts: What do I need to know?

Do you know the difference between a vulva and a vagina? What about the penis, foreskin and testicles? Does size matter? How much do you know about breasts? Have you ever checked your breasts?   This blog post was co-written by the International Student Health Hub team and Rainbow, an international […]

Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect

Do you want to have sex?  This might feel like an obvious question, but it’s important to ask yourself if you are ready to have sex and why you want to have sex. There can be a lot of pressure around sex, and it’s important that you only have sex […]

5 tips for finding your LGBTQ community in Sydney

Are you new to Sydney and looking to find your community? ACON has you covered with their ‘Top 5 tips for finding your community when you arrive in Sydney! – LGBTQ edition’.  This month, the International Student Health Hub is sharing a blog post written by our wonderful friends over […]

What are the four C’s of Safe Sex?

What do you think about when you hear the term ‘safe sex’? People often think the term safe sex is only about protecting themselves and partners from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). But safe sex means much more than that – it’s not just about whether you’re being sexually […]

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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