Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted through close body contact - usually sexual contact - with an infected person. Such contact and activities include: vaginal and anal sex (fucking); oral sex; touching or fingering an arse or vagina.

STIs can be caused by viruses (e.g. HIV, herpes, genital warts), bacteria (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea), fungi (e.g. thrush), or parasites (e.g. crabs, scabies). Sometimes these infections cause noticeable symptoms such as rashes, sores on or around your genitals or arse, or a discharges from the penis or vagina; however this isn’t always the case. You can have an STI without showing any symptoms at all.

The good news is that most sexually transmissible infections can be easily treated by your GP or sexual health physician, so it’s important for sexually active people have regular sexual health check-up so that the infections can be identified and appropriate treatment provided.

For people living with HIV, some STIs can be harder to treat, and can sometimes have a more severe impact on an HIV-positive person’s health. Having an STIs can also make it easier for HIV to be passed on to others. For HIV-negative people, having an STI may make you more susceptible to getting HIV that you otherwise would.

Gay men and other men who have sex with men can find detailed information on STI’s and how to look after their sexual health by visiting AFAO’s Drama Downunder campaign website.

Heterosexual men and women may want to check out the Family Planning NSW website for sexual health information; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can visit the Better to Know campaign website for information specific to Indigenous Australians