Get the facts

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria.

• BV is a common bacterial infection of the vagina 
• BV-causing bacteria can also be carried on the penis 
• BV-bacteria can be transmitted during sexual activity
• Condoms reduce the risk of BV
• BV often causes a vaginal discharge or unpleasant odour, but may cause no symptoms
• BV is usually treated with antibiotic tablets or intravaginal antibiotic cream 
• Treating regular sexual partners who have a penis, at the same time as the person with BV is receiving treatment, improves BV cure

This factsheet has information about selfcare following wart treatment.

Chlamydia is a very common bacterial STI which can be passed on during sex without a condom or other barrier method.

• Chlamydia can infect the cervix, urethra, anus, throat and eyes
• Most people infected with chlamydia have no symptoms
• Chlamydia is treated effectively with antibiotics

Genital warts is a common STI, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact during sex.

• Most people infected with genital HPV have no symptoms but can still pass the infection on to others during sex
• Many people infected with HPV don’t even have any warts
• Warts are passed on by having vaginal or anal sex or genital skin-to-skin contact with someone who has genital HPV
• Treatment options are prescription creams or paints as well as freezing and laser treatment

Gonorrhoea is a common STI caused by bacteria and can be passed on during sex without a condom.

• Gonorrhoea most commonly infects the urethra and the cervix, but can also infect the anus and throat
• It is spread by having sex without a condom with a partner who has gonorrhoea
• Urine samples and swabs from the urethra, cervix, throat or anus are sent to the laboratory for testing
• It is treated effectively with antibiotics

Hepatitis A is a viral infection which can be passed on if faeces from a person with Hep A enters the mouth of another person.

• Hep A is one of several viruses which can cause hepatitis
• Symptoms can be severe, but most people infected with Hep A recover completely
• A blood test can show if you have been infected with or vaccinated against Hep A
• There is no specific treatment available for Hep A
• Vaccination against Hep A is available

Hepatitis B is a viral infection which can be passed on during sex without a condom or by sharing unsterile injecting equipment with someone who has Hep B.

• Hep B is one of several viruses which can cause hepatitis.
• Some people may experience flu-like symptoms including muscle aches and pain, fever and swollen glands
• Effective treatment for Hep B is available and can prevent serious liver damage
• Vaccination against Hep B is available

Hepatitis C is a viral infection. Hep C can be passed on if the blood from a person with Hep C enters another person’s bloodstream. This can happen through sharing injecting drug equipment.

• Hep C is one of several viruses which can cause hepatitis
• Many people do not feel unwell when first infected with Hep C 
• Effective treatment for Hep C is available and can prevent liver damage
• There is no vaccination for Hep C

Herpes is a common STI, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact during sexual contact.

• Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmissible infections
• Many people have no symptoms
• Testing is usually done with a swab of the ulcer or itchy spot
• Treatment is available to manage herpes symptoms

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections. HIV can be passed on through the bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid and anal fluid) of a person who has HIV with a detectable viral load. This is usually by having sex without a condom or sharing injecting equipment.

• HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids, anal mucus and breast milk
• HIV can be passed on during sex without a condom or when sharing injecting drug equipment
• Some people get flu-like symptoms such as a fever, sore throat, swollen glands and muscle aches and pains
• Very effective treatments are available to keep people living with HIV healthy
• There is no cure for HIV. But there is medication to prevent HIV infection for those at high risk (PrEP) and medication to prevent infection after a risk (PEP)

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an STI caused by certain strains of chlamydia which can be passed on during sex without a condom.

• LGV is an STI caused by chlamydia
• LGV can cause pain, discharge or bleeding in the anus or ulcers on the genitals
• The test sample you provided for chlamydia is sent back to the laboratory for further testing
• Treatment is usually a longer course of antibiotic tablets

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a harmless skin infection caused by a virus and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact.

• MC appears initially as painless firm, round, flesh-coloured lumps with a central dimple
• If a lump is scratched, MC can spread to the surrounding area
• MC is diagnosed by a doctor looking at the lumps
• The lumps can disappear on their own, but most people prefer treatment

Mpox is a viral infection that causes lumps or blisters on the skin. It usually has mild symptoms and clears up by itself with the symptoms lasting from 2 to 4 weeks.

• If you have mpox you must stay at home and avoid close contact with others
• Call your doctor to make a  phone appointment
• Refer to the instructions from the department of health
  • www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/mpox

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a bacterial infection which can be passed on during sex without a condom.

• Mycoplasma genitalium is a STI affecting the cervix, urethra and rectum
• Most people infected with mycoplasma genitalium have no symptoms at all
• The test is usually a urine sample, a vaginal or a cervical swab,or an anal swab
• Mycoplasma genitalium can be treated with antibiotics

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is inflammation or infection of the reproductive system in the pelvis. PID can be caused by STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and mycoplasma genitalium. PID only affects people with a vagina and uterus.

• Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are the most common cause of PID
• PID is common and often does not cause symptoms
• Using condoms with any new partner and regular STI testing can help prevent PID
• If left untreated, PID can scar the fallopian tubes and cause infertility
• PID is rare in people who aren't sexually active, don't have menstrual periods or do not have a uterus or ovaries. 

Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a HIV medication which is taken within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV infection and is taken for 28 days.

• In most cases, PEP can stop HIV from establishing itself in the body and can prevent you from becoming HIV positive
• PEP can be one tablet taken daily or a combination of two or three tablets taken daily
• You must take the medication every day for 28 days for PEP to work

PrEP is medication used to prevent HIV.

• PrEP is suitable for you if you are at high risk of HIV infection
• PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV when taken consistently every day or on-demand under the advice of your doctor
• PrEP can be prescribed by any GP
• You need to have regular appointments with your doctor once you start PrEP

Pubic lice are tiny parasite insects that infest the pubic hair, armpits or chest hair and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact.

• Pubic lice are tiny parasite insects that cling to pubic hair and suck blood
• The main symptom is itchiness in the pubic area; some people have no symptoms at all
• Pubic lice are diagnosed by careful inspection of the affected area
• Topical creams or lotions are usually used to treat pubic lice

Scabies is an infestation of the skin by a tiny eight-legged mite and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact.

• Scabies is an infestation of the skin
• The main symptom of scabies is itching
• Scabies is most often diagnosed by its symptoms
• Scabies is usually treated by applying a topical cream to the skin

Syphilis is a bacterial STI and can be passed on through skin-to skin contact.

• Syphilis is passed on through direct contact during oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who has syphilis
• Symptoms vary based on the infection stage; there may be no symptoms at all
• Testing is usually by a swab from skin lesions and by blood tests
• It is curable, but if left untreated can lead to serious problems in the brain, heart and eyes
• Syphilis is treated using antibiotics

Thrush is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of yeasts which naturally occur in the vagina.

• Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast in the vagina known as candida albicans
• Symptoms usually include thick, white vaginal discharge, itchy vagina or vulva (or both), vulval soreness or splits and discomfort and a burning sensation or pain when having sex or passing urine
• Thrush is not regarded as an STI, but sexual partners with a penis can sometimes get redness and irritation of the penis
• Vaginal creams, pessaries and tablets help reduce yeast overgrowth and ease symptoms
• While uncomfortable, thrush does not cause any long-term health problems such as infertility or pregnancy complications

Trichomonas is an infection of the genitals and can be passed on during sex without a condom.

• Trichomonas is a genital infection caused by the organism Trichomonas vaginalis
• Many people have no symptoms
• Examination, urine samples and swabs are used to diagnose trichomonas
• Trichomonas is treated with antibiotics

Urethritis is the term used to describe inflammation in the urethra.

• The most common causes of urethritis are chlamydia, gonorrhoea and mycoplasma genitalium
• Urethritis often has no symptoms at all
• It is diagnosed by a urine test or a swab
• Urethritis is usually treated with a single course of antibiotics

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by microorganisms (usually bacteria) which can cause an infection in the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract (such as the kidneys)

• UTIs are not considered an STI
• The most common symptoms are a burning sensation when urinating and frequently passing small amounts of urine
• UTIs can be diagnosed without any tests but ideally a urine sample should be sent to a laboratory for testing
• Occasionally UTIs may be mild and will get better without antibiotics but usually antibiotics are needed