Sexual Safety - Sexually Transmissable Infections (STIs)
What are sexually transmissible infections?
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are also known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. STIs are infections you can get if you have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or skin on skin contact with someone. STIs are serious and may not go away by themselves. It is important to be tested and, if necessary, treated. You usually can’t tell by looking if someone has an STI. It’s not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk of getting an STI.
What are the most common STIs in New Zealand?
The most common STIs in New Zealand are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital warts, crabs and genital herpes. Some STIs have no symptoms and you may not know that you have an STI. Less common, but increasing, is HIV which causes AIDS.
How do I protect myself and my partner against STIs.
There are ways to protect yourself and your partner against STIs.
Condoms
Male and female condoms offer the best protection against STIs. They must be used correctly and used every time you have sex.
Condoms do protect you. Some people say it isn’t worth using condoms because they have holes big enough for viruses to get through. This is not true. Bacteria and viruses such as HIV cannot pass through an undamaged condom. Electronically tested condoms have been checked for holes. This is written on the packaging of reliable brands.
Condoms are know to greatly reduce the risk of catching other STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Condoms also reduce the risk of herpes and wart virus infection, but sometimes skin not covered by the condom can be infected with the viruses.
Oral Dams
Oral dams are sheets of latex. They act as a barrier between the vulva or anus and the mouth. They are thin enough to transmit heat and sensation but also are a barrier against infections from vaginal or anal secretions. If you don’t have an oral dam you can use a condom cut open lengthways.
How do I know if I have an STI?
Some STIs have symptoms such as discharge from the vagina or penis, lower abdomen pain, sore testicles, but often there are no signs at all. Many people will be infected with an STI without knowing it. You can’t tell if someone has an STI by looking at them.
Why would I want an STI check?
You may want to get tested for a range of different reasons:
- To look after yourself and your partner/s.
- You and a new partner want to be tested before beginning a sexual relationship.
- You have had unprotected sex.
- You think you may have an STI.
- You want a routine sexual health check.
- If a condom broke.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you have symptoms or just feel something is not right.
What happens?
The doctor or nurse will ask a few questions so they know what tests you’ll need.
It is really important to be honest when answering questions about your sexual health and history. They are not being nosy or judging you. They are just trying to get information to give you the best health care possible. Remember, they’ve heard it all before.
They’ll probably ask:
- How long since your last STI check.
- If you’ve had any symptoms.
- If you’ve had a recent change of partner.
- Types of sex you’ve had.
How do male STI tests work?
Don't urinate (pee) for two hours before you go for a test. There are a few things the doctor or nurse may check for. They might:
- Check the genitals, penis, scrotum and testes - the doctor or nurse may be able to see if an infection is present. They will decide what other tests may be needed and will recommend the treatment they think you should have.
- Take a urethral swab – a small cotton bud is inserted into the top of the urethra. The specimen will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
- Take a urine sample - this will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Results can take up to a week.
- If further tests are needed, they may want you to have a blood test as well – a blood test may be taken from your arm.
If you have given oral sex (blow jobs to a guy), you should also think about throat swabs. If you have received during anal sex, you should think about anal swabs too.
How do female STI tests work?
In women who have had vaginal sex with a man, STI testing will usually include taking samples of secretions from high inside the vagina. The doctor or nurse will do this using a swab which looks like a long cotton bud. Testing may include some or all of the following:
- Visual examination – the doctor or nurse may be able to see if an infection is present. They will decide what other tests may be needed and will recommend the treatment they think you should have.
- Swab test – this will be taken by gently pressing a swab against any sores, ulcers or discharge. A swab may also be taken from high inside the vagina. The specimen will be sent to a laboratory for testing.
- Urine test – you may be asked for a urine sample. This will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Results can take up to a week.
- Blood test – a blood test may be taken from your arm.
- Internal examination – the doctor or nurse may need to look inside your vagina and may want to take a swab is it seems that there is an infection. The swab will be sent away to a laboratory to be tested.
Treatment for STIs
Most STIs are easily cured. Lots of STIs are treated with antibiotics. Others need creams and other tablets. Some STIs remain in a person’s system for a long time or forever, and their symptoms are managed e.g. Herpes. HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, cannot be cured. The disease can be controlled by medication. There is currently no cure or immunisation available for HIV and AIDS.
