What is an STI?
Previously referred to as a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), an STI, or Sexually Transmitted Infection is just that, an infection or condition that is primarily transmitted sexually. This may occur through the exchange of sexual fluids during oral, vagina or anal sex, or in some case, through skin to skin genital contact. Some STIs may also be transmitted through the sharing of needles.
Around 16% of Australians, or approximately 4 million people, report having a sexually transmitted infection in their lifetime. In recent years the number of diagnosed STIs, aside from hepatitis and HIV, have increased . In part, this may be due to the increase in testing, but given that the number of cases of “silent” STIs such as chlamydia remain undiagnosed, actual infections appear to be on the rise as well.
The frequency with which you should be tested depends on lifestyle risk factors for a large art, but it’s recommended that sexually active people under the age of 25 are tested annually.
In Australia, the most common sexually transmitted infections are:
- Chlamydia - the most common STI in the country mostly affects people between the ages of 15 and 25, and is frequently asymptomatic. Chlamydia is often referred to as a “silent” infection as only around one in four people infected show any symptoms of infection, such as a stinging sensation while urinating or a discharge.
- Gonorrhoea - although still relatively uncommon, cases of gonorrhoea have been diagnosed more frequently in the last five years, especially in bisexual or homosexual men or Aboriginal of Torres Strait Islander people.
The rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in Indigenous Australians, especially those living in remote areas, are between three and seven times higher than those of the non-indigenous population.
- Syphilis - although still relatively rare, like gonorrhoea, cases of syphilis are on the rise in bisexual or homosexual men as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially those lving in remote areas. Of the most common STIs in Australia, Syphilis potentially has the worst outcomes if left untreated.
In addition to the tree most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections, testing is also done for a number of other infections, including:
- Trichomoniasis - a parasitic infection that may cause stinging when urinating or a watery discharge.
- Genital Warts - there are around 40 kinds of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause genital warts, small usually painless but sometimes itchy lumps around the genitals, mouth or anus. The types of HPV that cause genital warts are unlikely to cause cervical cancer.
- Genital Herpes - typified by outbreaks of cold sore like lesions in the groin.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Practicing safe sex is a key way of protecting yourself from contracting an STI, but even if you diligently use protection, regular STI screening is also an integral part of maintaining sexual health.
As many STIs may have few if any symptoms in the early stages, but can be dangerous if left untreated, being tested on a regular basis means that most STIs may be easily and quickly treated before they become a serious issue or you pass them on to another person,
Should I Get an STI Test?
In a word, yes. If you are sexually active, or if you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to an STI you should get an STI check. As a number of STIs are asymptomatic or only have light symptoms, you shouldn’t wait until it burns to urinate to think about testing.
Essentially, you should get an STI test if:
- You have had unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex (sex without the use of a condom or dam)
- You have had a condom break or slip off during sex
- You or your partner have other sexual partners
- You are experiencing symptoms of an STI
- You are entering into a new sexual relationship
- You have shared a needle
Although STIs are primarily diagnosed in younger people, age should not be a deciding factor for being tested. No matter your age, if you are sexually active, entering into a new relationship or you or your partner have multiple partners, you should have yourself tested.
If you are experiencing symptoms related STIs, then you should definitely see a doctor and have yourself tested. STI symptoms vary between infections, but early symptoms of STIs may include:
- Itching or irritation in the genitals
- Pain in the genitals or the lower abdominal region
- Skin rashes around the groin or mouth
- Leaking or discharge from the genitals or anus
- A burning or stinging sensation when you urinate
- General discomfort (such as feeling as though you constantly have to urinate)
Depending on the infection, symptoms may become more severe or widespread if left untreated.
What Happens During an STI Test?
All STI testing is performed by a fully qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse. Before testing is performed, the person performing the test will first gather details about your sexual history and habits.
Though this may be a little uncomfortable for some people to talk about, gathering the history can help with any potential diagnosis or to identify risk factors, and the information is held under the strictest confidence and will not be shared with anyone else.
You will typically be asked questions along the lines of:
- Your sexual orientation - such as whether you a heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, etc.
- The number of sexual partners you have/have had
- The sexual practices you regularly engage in (some sexual practices may carry more risk than others when it comes to transmission)
- If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be STI related
- If you have injected drugs or have otherwise shared a needle (potentially from a needlestick injury or stepping on a discarded syringe)
Once this information has been gathered the practitioner carrying out the test will conduct a physical examination of the genital region. In some cases this inspection may be enough for a diagnosis, but additional testing may be required.
If this is the case, for men, a urine sample will typically be taken. Depending on the infection, women may also need to perform a self-administered vaginal swab. Some STIs, most notably HIV, syphilis and hepatitis require a blood test to screen for as well.
The collected samples will be sent to a pathology lab for testing.
If you are sexually active or are experiencing symptoms that may be related to an STI, you should book an appointment with a doctor to have an STI test .
Getting tested regularly not only safeguards your health, but the health of your partner as well. The fastest and easiest way to search for and book healthcare appointments online is through MyHealth1st.