Health Information

Chlamydia

What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is easily spread through sexual contact. It is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in Australia. Chlamydia is also the most common STI in people

Syphilis

What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a bacterial infection and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. However, syphilis is easy to cure if found early.

Choices in Contraception

What is contraception? Contraception is something you use or do to prevent pregnancy. There are a number of different methods available and the choice of contraception depends on your needs and circumstances. Long Acting

Menopause

What is menopause? Menopause occurs when menstrual periods cease and the ovaries no longer produce eggs (ova). Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but can occur outside the expected time.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections caused by some bacteria, viruses and other organisms. They can be passed from person to person through any form of sexual activity, including vaginal,

Bacterial Vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition where there are too many of a certain type of bacteria in the vagina. Bacteria which are normally present in small numbers can sometimes overgrow,

Gonorrhoea

What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can infect the throat, anus, genitals and eyes. What are the symptoms? Often there are no symptoms and people can catch and pass

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

What is HPV? HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a virus that can cause wart infection and certain cancers. There are many types of HPV that affect different parts of the body and some of them

Herpes

What is herpes? Herpes is a common infection caused by a virus. There are several different types of herpes virus. The most common types are herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) and herpes simplex

Mycoplasma Genitalium

What is mycoplasma genitalium? Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. It can infect the urethra, cervix and anus. What are the symptoms? Often there are no symptoms and

Trichomonas

What is 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.

HIV/AIDS

What is HIV/AIDS? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and if left untreated can lead to AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS

Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B? Spread by exchange of body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal discharge, anal mucus) during unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, and sharing injecting equipment, unsterilised tattooing/piercing equipment, and sharing personal items such

Hepatitis A

What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. People who contract Hepatitis A are likely to have symptoms lasting 1 to 2 weeks, or in severe cases,

Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C? Affects the liver and may cause serious damage. Sexual transmission is rare, although the risk of infection increases when HIV or other STIs are present. It is spread by blood, so

Pregnancy Options

The thought that you may be pregnant can be overwhelming for anyone, whether the pregnancy is planned or not. It is only you who will know whether you are ready to have a child.

Puberty for Boys

This Fact Sheet is currently under review.

Puberty for Girls

This Fact Sheet is currently under review.

Condoms

What is a condom? The most common condom is a thin piece of latex (rubber) which is shaped to fit onto an erect (stiff) penis—these condoms can also be called penile or external condoms. There

Contraceptive Vaginal Ring

What is the vaginal ring? It is a soft plastic ring that you place into the vagina once a month. It is left in place for 3 weeks and taken out for 1 week. Once

Diaphragms

What is a diaphragm? A diaphragm is a soft silicone device which fits into the vagina so it covers the cervix. The single size diaphragm (Caya) is the brand available in Australia. It is one

Emergency Contraception

What is Emergency Contraception? Emergency contraception (EC) is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sexual activity. There are 3 kinds of emergency contraception available in Australia: A 1.5mg single dose levonorgestrel emergency

Endometriosis

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when cells similar to those that line the uterus (womb) are found in other parts of the body. It most commonly occurs in the pelvis and

Fertility Awareness Methods

What are fertility awareness methods (FAMs)? These are methods where people become aware of the signs of fertility and learn to detect when they are most likely to become pregnant. This information can then be

Contraceptive Implant (Implanon)

What is the contraceptive implant? It is a white plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of the inner, upper arm to stop pregnancy by slowly releasing a progestogen hormone into the body. Implanon

Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)

What is an intra-uterine device? An intra-uterine device (IUD) is placed inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. At SHINE SA two types of IUD are used: a hormonal IUD (Mirena) made of plastic that releases

Injectable Contraception

What is injectable contraception? It’s a form of contraception that is injected into a muscle (usually buttock or upper arm) to stop pregnancy by releasing progestogen into the body. The brands available in Australia are:

The Pill (Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill)

What is the Pill? The combined oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as the Pill, contains two artificial hormones, oestrogen and progestogen – these are similar to the hormones naturally produced by the body. It

Progestogen-Only Pill

What is the progestogen-only pill? The progestogen-only pill (POP), commonly called the mini-pill is a form of oral contraception that is used to prevent pregnancy. The POP contains a very low dose of a hormone

Permanent Contraceptive Methods (Sterilisation)

What is sterilisation? Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception that is intended to be non-reversible. It involves blocking the reproductive tubes to stop the ova (eggs) and sperm coming together. Who can have a