Get tested regularly

The more sex partners you have the more often you should get tested. At least yearly if you have any casual partners and every 3-6 months if you have a lot of different casual partners. Getting tested regularly reduces the chances of having an undiagnosed STI that can harm your own health as well as accidentally passing it on to one of your partners. Having an STI can increase your risk of picking up or passing on HIV.

Recognise and act on symptoms

If it stings when you urinate, if you find a sore on your vagina or arse, if you have unusual smelling or looking discharge from your vagina or arse or if you get a rash or itch don’t just hope it will go away - get it checked out.

Tell your recent sex partners

If you’ve been diagnosed with an STI, or even just think you have one, let your recent sex partners know so they can get checked. This reduces the number of STIs in the community and reduces your chances of getting it again.

Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B

There are vaccinations available for both hepatitis A and B which may be prescribed by a GP or possibly available for free from sexual health clinics.

Use condoms, gloves and water based lube

Condoms and gloves provide the most effective protection against the transmission of HIV and significantly reduce the risks of picking up a range of other STIs. Water based lube helps reduce the risk of the condom or glove breaking and also makes for smoother sex which decreases the chance of tearing the vagina or arse.

More info

Contact: ACON’s Lesbian & Same-Sex Attracted Women’s Health Project

Tel: (02) 9206 2000
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: women@acon.org.au

Web: See girl2girl.info for more information on STI’s and STI testing