STI stands for Sexually Transmissible Infection.

There are 3 types:

Bacterial like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis

Viruses like HIV, hepatitis, herpes and genital warts

Others like pubic lice

An STI is spread from one person with an infection to another person during unprotected sexual acts including anal, vaginal or oral sex.

Find out more about common STIs and how to prevent and treat them on the Play Safe Pro website.

STD stands for Sexually Transmissible Disease. You may have heard this term, but we call them STIs in Australia.

Not everyone with an infection develops symptoms, and since there is technically no disease without symptoms, STI is the more scientifically accurate term.

Read more on the difference between an STI and STD on the Play Safe website.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in young people aged 15-29 years.

Because it’s a bacteria, it is easily spread from one infected person to another.

Chlamydia can have no symptoms, so people don’t know they have it unless they have a sexual health check up.

Once chlamydia is diagnosed by a healthcare provider, it is treatable with antibiotics.

Fore more, see this chlamydia fact sheet on the Play Safe website

The only way to be certain is to get an STI test.

Some STIs such as chlamydia can be asymptomatic meaning you have no symptoms.

Some viral infections such as HIV or herpes can be in your body months or even years before you show symptoms.

Symptoms of STIs may include; pain in lower abdominal areas, discharge, rashes, lumps or ulcers in your genitals, anal region or mouth.

If you experience any symptoms, it is always recommended you have a sexual health check up.

Take the Play Safe quiz - Could I have an STI?

STIs are spread from one person with an infection to another person through skin to skin contact or shared sexual fluids.

Visit the Play Safe website to find out IF you can get an STI from phone sex, sexting, kissing, mutual masturbation, sharing sex toys, fingering, hand jobs, dry humping, oral sex, vaginal and anal intercourse?

Check out myths & facts on the Play Safe website.

An STI test may be recommended by a healthcare provider during a health check up.

The healthcare provider may ask questions to know the best STI test(s) to conduct.

STI testing may include a urine sample, blood test or swab.

If there are any visible STI symptoms, a genital examination may be required.

Watch what it’s like going to get a STI test.