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Sexual Health Information and Services

Looking After Your Sexual Health

Sexual health is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing. Looking after our sexual health means looking after ourselves, our partners, our families, and our communities.

Good sexual health is about more than preventing infections. It includes:

  • having respectful, healthy relationships
  • understanding consent
  • making informed choices about sex and contraception
  • preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • accessing testing and treatment when needed
  • planning pregnancies if and when you choose
  • enjoying positive sexual wellbeing free from shame, stigma or discrimination.

Sexual health is everyone’s business. No matter your age, gender, sexuality or relationship status.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can also be passed during pregnancy or birth.

Many people with an STI have no symptoms at all. This means someone can have an infection without knowing it and pass it on to others.

The only way to know is to have a sexual health check.

Syphilis 

Syphilis is increasing across Western Australia, including in metro, regional and remote communities. 

Syphilis develops in stages, and symptoms can change over time. 

Early symptoms may include: 

  • a painless sore (chancre) 
  • rash 
  • swollen glands
  • flu-like symptoms

Without treatment, syphilis can damage the brain, heart and other organs. 

Syphilis during pregnancy can pass to an unborn baby which is called congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight or neonatal death. Testing during pregnancy is important for the health or the pregnant person and baby. At least 3 tests should be done during pregnancy. 

Testing includes either a blood test or a Point of Care test (finger prick).  

Treatment includes injections of antibiotics.  

Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in Australia, particularly among young people. 

Up to 90% of people have no symptoms. 

Possible symptoms include: 

  • unusual discharge 
  • pain when urinating 
  • bleeding between periods or after sex 
  • pelvic or testicular pain.  

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems including pelvic inflammatory disease and difficulties becoming pregnant. 

Treatment is simple with antibiotics. 

Gonorrhoea 

Gonorrhoea is another common STI in Australia for young people and in currently on the rise. 

80% of people have no symptoms. 

Symptoms may include: 

  • unusual discharge 
  • pain when urinating 
  • bleeding between periods or after sex 
  • pain in the pelvis, testes, throat or rectum  
  • conjunctivitis (gonorrhoea in the eye) 

 Gonorrhoea is treated differently in different areas. Most commonly, it includes one injection of antibiotics and a course of oral antibiotics.  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 

HPV is very common. 

Some types can cause genital warts, while others can increase the risk of cervical, anal, penile and throat cancers. 

Vaccination helps protect against HPV. 

Regular cervical screening remains important even if vaccinated. Cervical screening tests are recommended for all women and people with a cervix from 25 years old.

Other STIs 

Other STIs that affect Aboriginal people in WA include: 

Blood-borne viruses include: 

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) 
  • Hepatitis B 
  • Hepatitis C

 BBVs are different from STIs, although some can also be transmitted through sexual contact. 

Information about testing, prevention, treatment and support for blood-borne viruses is available on our Blood Borne Viruses page.  

You can reduce your chance of getting or passing on an STI by: 

  • using condoms and dams; 
  • using water-based or silicone-based lubricant; 
  • having regular sexual health checks; 
  • talking openly with partners about your STI history; 
  • getting vaccinated against HPV, Hepatitis B and Mpox if eligible; 
  • seeking treatment early
  • taking Doxy-PEP

 No method is 100 per cent effective, but regular testing and safer sex practices greatly reduce risk.

Getting tested is simple, confidential and usually free or low cost.

They are part of many routine health assessments, especially at Aboriginal Medical Services as part of a ‘715’.

It is important to get a test at least once a year if you are sexually active.

You should also get a test when you:

  • get a new partner;
  • are pregnant or planning pregnancy (at least three times during pregnancy);
  • have symptoms; or,
  • have been told that a partner has an STI.

The Health Department recommends you should get tested every three months if you have more than one sexual partner.

A sexual health check may include:

  • a blood test
  • a finger prick test (also known as a point of care test)
  • a urine sample (pee in a cup)
  • swabs in the throat, vaginal, rectum and/or on the tip of the penis (patients can do themselves, or healthcare workers can assist)
  • a physical examination and swabs if symptoms are present.

Not every test is required for every person. Your healthcare provider will recommend the right tests based on your circumstances.

Many people have no symptoms, so regular testing is important.

See a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • unusual discharge
  • pain when urinating
  • sores, ulcers or blisters
  • lumps or warts
  • pelvic pain
  • bleeding after sex
  • pain during sex
  • testicular pain or swelling
  • unexplained rashes

Even if you have no symptoms, testing is recommended if you’ve had unprotected sex or a new sexual partner.

Most bacterial STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, can be cured with antibiotics. 

Some viral infections, such as herpes and HPV, cannot currently be cured but can be managed with treatment. 

If diagnosed with an STI: 

  • complete your treatment; 
  • avoid sexual contact until told it is safe by a healthcare worker; 
  • let recent sexual partners know so they can be tested and treated; 
  • return for follow-up testing if recommended

Sexual wellbeing is about feeling physically, emotionally, mentally and culturally well in relation to sexuality and relationships. 

Healthy relationships are built on: 

  • mutual respect, 
  • trust, 
  • communication, 
  • consent, 
  • equality, 
  • feeling safe

Everyone has the right to: 

  • say yes or no to sexual activity; 
  • receive clear information about sexual health; 
  • access confidential healthcare; 
  • choose whether or when to have children; 
  • access culturally safe, respectful healthcare

If a relationship does not feel safe, support is available. 

Sexual health also includes reproductive health.

Healthcare providers can support you with:

  • contraception options,
  • emergency contraception,
  • pregnancy planning and options,
  • fertility information,
  • antenatal care,
  • menopause,
  • men’s reproductive health

Ask your healthcare provider about the option that best suits your needs.

Sexual health services are available across Western Australia, including metro, regional and remote communities. 

You can access testing and advice through: 

  • Aboriginal Medical Services, 
  • General Practitioners (GPs), 
  • Community health services, 
  • Public sexual health clinics, 
  • Hospitals

If you live in a regional or remote community, your local Aboriginal Medical Service or hospital can provide testing and arrange referrals if needed. 

Use these service finders to locate a clinic near you: 

All sexual health services provide confidential care. 

Reliable information and resources are available from: 

Aboriginal sexual health 
WA general sexual health 
 Young people, parents and schools 
LGBTQIA+ communities 
 Pregnancy, contraception and reproductive health 
For clinicians  

Do I need symptoms to get tested? 

No. Many STIs have no symptoms. 

Is testing confidential? 

Yes. Sexual health services provide confidential care.  

Can STIs be treated? 

Most bacterial STIs can be cured. Viral infections can usually be effectively managed. 

How often should I get tested? 

It is important to get a test at least once a year if you are sexually active.

You should also get a test when you:

  • get a new partner;
  • are pregnant or planning pregnancy (at least three times during pregnancy);
  • have symptoms; or,
  • have been told that a partner has an STI.

The Health Department recommends you should get tested every three months if you have more than one sexual partner.

If you have concerns about your sexual health, make an appointment with your local Aboriginal Medical Service, GP, or sexual health clinic. 

Getting tested is quick, confidential, and one of the best ways to look after your health and the health of your community. 

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