Sexual & Reproductive Health Information Find answers to all your questions. Popular Topics Sexually Transmissible Infections Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections which are passed from one person to another during sexual contact or exchange of body fluids. Genital Conditions These infections include candidiasis (also called yeast infection or thrush) and bacterial vaginosis. Menopause Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when she stops having periods. Menopause is a natural life...

What are STIs? Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another during sexual contact or the exchange of body fluids. They are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They can affect areas of the body other than the genitals. They do not always cause signs or symptoms. What puts me at risk of getting an STI? Having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex can put you at risk of getting an STI. You can also get some STIs from skin-to-skin contact. Some activities can place you at higher risk. Riskier activities include...

WHAT IS BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS  Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. One in ten people with a vagina will have BV at some time in their life. WHAT CAUSES BV? BV is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that is naturally found in the vagina. It is not really understood why this happens.   IS BV A SEXUALLY TRANSMISSIBLE INFECTION? BV is not a sexually transmissible infection although it is associated with sex. We know that having a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of BV. Using condoms can help to reduce this risk. WHAT...

WHAT IS MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM? Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that can cause infection of the cervix, urethra (penis), and anus. It is a sexually transmissible infection and is like chlamydia, but less common. HOW DO YOU GET IT? You can get mycoplasma genitalium by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection. Some people may not have any symptoms but can still pass on the infection. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? There are often no symptoms with mycoplasma genitalium. If symptoms do occur they include: If you have a vagina: Lower abdominal pain or discomfort Pain...

Safe sex is sexy. Sex is meant to feel good and be fun, but it can be risky if not treated with respect. When entering into sexual relations with someone, the first thing you should do is talk about it and make sure you seek consent. Always ask someone before you start touching them or engaging in intercourse. This article talks about: safe sex, consent, decision making,  STIs, unplanned pregnancy, emergency contraception, and where to go if you need advice or help.

You’re So Sexy is a sexual health comic designed to reach adults and young people who may have difficulty finding sexual health resources. This publication was created by Isabella Rotman in collaboration with Sexual Health & Family Planning ACT. It has been clinically reviewed and contains accurate local information about: Communication and consent Important sexual health checks Contraception options Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) – prevention, testing and treatment References, links to more information and also to specialist local services DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION...

Many people find the idea of a sexual health check awkward or embarrassing. After all, it’s not every day someone you barely know asks you intimate details about your sex life or asks to examine your genitals.

What are genital warts? Genital warts are growths on the skin’s surface or mucous membrane that occur in the genital area. What causes genital warts? A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts. HPV is a group of viruses that are common in humans and nearly all sexually active people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. There are over 100 types of HPV that can infect humans, and around 40 types can infect the genital area. Some HPV types cause genital warts, while other HPV types cause warts on the hands, feet, or other areas. There are different types of...

What is syphilis?  Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It is not as common in Australia as in some countries, but cases are increasing.   Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. Without treatment serious health problems can occur. The infection has different stages: primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, latent syphilis, and tertiary or late syphilis.   How do you catch syphilis? Syphilis is passed on through skin-to-skin contact. You can catch it by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has syphilis.  It is highly...