Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections caused by germs (micro-organisms) which may spread from person to person during vaginal, anal and oral sex.

* Notifiable STIs
Some STIs are notifiable (Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C). This means anyone diagnosed with these infections will be asked to provide their sexual contact(s) over the last 3-6 months. These individuals will be contacted (notified) to explain the risk of infection and the need for testing and treatment as appropriate.

Chlamydia*

• The most common STI, caused by bacteria.
• It often has no symptoms.
• May cause pain when urinating, a discharge from the penis or vagina, or pain in a woman's lower abdomen.
• Can be serious as it may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and infertility in both men and women if not treated.
• Easily diagnosed with a urine or swab test.
• Treated with antibiotics.
• Sexual partners need to be treated to prevent spread of the infection.

For more information see the SHine SA Chlamydia leaflet.

You can also view the Chlamydia Video Presentation below.

Genital warts

• Caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
• May appear as lumps around the vulva or in the vagina, on the penis, around or inside the anus. 
• They may be painless or cause some irritation/itch.
• Visible warts can be removed by freezing them or applying a wart paint.
• Repeat episodes may come on with stress or ill health.
• Not all warts are visible.
• Some wart viruses infect the cervix and over time can cause cervical cancer.

For more information see the SHine SA HPV and genital warts leaflet.

Genital herpes

• Caused by the herpes virus.
• Usually appears as small painful blisters at first, which become shallow ulcers and scab over and heal up.
• First episode is usually the worst and can last two weeks. Some people never have another episode.
• Repeat episodes are usually milder and may come on with stress or ill health.
• Although the sores disappear, the virus probably remains in the body for life.
• Specific anti-viral drugs can be prescribed by a doctor to treat episodes. Anti-viral tablets can be taken to prevent repeat episodes.

For more information see the SHine SA Herpes leaflet.

Gonorrhoea*

• Caused by bacteria.
• May cause an increase in vaginal discharge or severe lower abdominal pain in women and a discharge from the penis or burning with urination in men.
• May have no symptoms.
• Diagnosed by tests and treated with antibiotics. 
• Complications can occur if not treated.
• Prompt treatment of the individual and their sexual partner(s) is important to prevent spread of infection.

Syphilis*

• Caused by bacteria.
• Initial infection may cause a sore (ulcer) on the genitals.
• Skin rash, patchy loss of hair, general unwellness or moist lumps around the genitals and anus may develop later.
• Diagnosed by symptoms and a blood test.
• Treated with antibiotics.

Trichomonas

• Caused by bacteria.
• Can cause a thin, yellow-green vaginal discharge in women which may feel irritating and have a strong smell. Men may have a similar discharge or no symptoms at all.
• Easily diagnosed by a test.
• Prompt treatment of the individual and their sexual partner(s) is important to prevent spread of infection.

Pubic lice and scabies

• Pubic lice or crabs are small lice which occur in pubic hair, upper thighs and armpits. The eggs are one millimetre in size and seen attached to the hair shaft.
• Scabies are small mites that burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. This can occur anywhere on the skin.
• Both cause intense itchiness locally.
• Both are spread by close personal contact, and are not always sexually transmitted.
• One or two applications of a lotion (available at pharmacies) applied to the skin will usually kill the mites and eggs.
• May be spread from sharing unwashed bed linen, clothes and towels.
• Anyone that has had close contact may need to be treated.

HIV/AIDS*

• HIV/AIDS stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
• HIV is spread by exchange of infected body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal discharge and anal mucus). This exchange can occur through sexual contact or other activities such as sharing needles.
• People who come into contact with the virus develop antibodies (something the body makes to fight germs) and may experience a flu-like illness for a short period.
• Blood tests can detect the antibodies from three months after exposure to the virus.
• If a person is HIV positive it means they carry the virus and can pass it on. It doesn't mean they have AIDS. AIDS may develop months or years after infection with the virus.
• Symptoms of AIDS may include recurrent sweats, weight loss, cough, diarrhoea, infections and tumors.
• Although there are treatments to keep people with HIV/AIDS healthier, there is no cure.

Hepatitis A

• A viral infection which can affect the liver.
• Spread by taking small amounts of faeces from an infected person into the mouth (e.g. licking around the anal area or another part of the body which has had contact with the anal area, such as fingers), but can also spread by contaminated food and water.
• Diagnosed by symptoms and a blood test.
• There's a vaccination to protect against Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B*

• A viral infection which can affect the liver.
• Spread by exchange of body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal discharge and anal mucus) during unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, and sharing needles.
• Diagnosed by a blood test.
• Almost 2% of Australians are carriers of Hepatitis B and may be at risk of serious liver damage.
• There's a vaccination to protect against Hepatitis B and treatment is available.

Hepatitis C*

• A viral infection which affects the liver and may cause serious damage.
• It's not classified as an STI as it's not easily spread by sexual contact. It's spread by blood, so sharing needles, tattooing or body piercing with used needles/equipment, and people with blood transfusions prior to 1990 may be at risk.
• Diagnosed by a blood test.
• Don't share needles, razors, toothbrushes or anything that comes into contact with blood.
• Anyone infected with Hepatitis C can be treated. Contact the Hepatitis C Council or Clinis 275 for details. No vaccination is available.

Prevention of STIs

• Come prepared! Use condoms.
• Practise safer sex. Make sure semen, blood, vaginal or anal fluid are not passed between partners.
• Talk about any past infections with your sexual partner/s.
• Always use clean needles.
• When there are sores, lumps or ulcers around the mouth or genital area, or unusual discharge, avoid vaginal, anal and oral sex or any activity involving skin contact with the affected area.

For more information see the SHine SA Safer sex leaflet.

Normal discharge for women

Every woman has vaginal discharge which cleans and moistens the vagina. It's clear or slightly milky and appears yellowish when dry. The genital area has a faint scent. The amount of vaginal discharge varies. An increase can occur at certain times, including:

• midway between periods
• when using oral contraception or intra-uterine device
• during pregnancy

Normal discharge for men

Apart from urine and semen, men do not normally have any discharge from the penis. Uncircumcised men produce a small amount of whitish discharge called smegma, which has a lubricating and cleansing function under the foreskin. The genital area has a faint scent, which is quite normal.

When to consult a doctor

You should see a doctor when symptoms of an STI are first noticed or if a sexual partner is diagnosed with an STI or has symptoms of an STI. Even if you have no symptoms, you can get an STI check at the doctor or sexual health clinic.

More information...

For more information on STIs contact:

Clinic 275
Tel: 8222 5075
Country callers: 1800 806 490
Address: 275 North Terrace, Adelaide
Website: www.stdservices.on.net

This information is available to download in leaflet format as Sexually transmitted infections.