STI Prevention

Practising safer sex is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This can include using condoms or dental dams for vaginal, anal and oral sex, limiting your number of sexual partners, and not having sex if you or your partner have symptoms such as unusual discharge, sores, rashes or pain.

Depending on your sexual practices and level of risk, additional strategies may be appropriate such as HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPeP).

Many STIs can be symptomless, and some symptoms can go unnoticed, so regular testing is an important part of looking after your sexual health and protecting your partners. How often you should test depends on your sexual history and individual risk factors. Some people may only need annual screening, while others, such as those with new or multiple partners, men who have sex with men, people taking PrEP, and young people – benefit from testing every 3 to 6 months. Getting tested regularly through SISTR is a simple and convenient way to stay on top of your sexual health, with Telehealth consultations, pathology referrals, and confidential results delivered directly to you.

Useful Links

PeP

SISTR Telehealth cannot prescribe HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PeP). If you are concerned you have been exposed to HIV, or had a risky experience and want advice on whether HIV PeP is recommended, please contact;

Health Direct

Local HIV PeP Access hotlines (available in most states)

Local sexual health clinic (if within office hours),

or attend your local Emergency Department.

It is recommended to start HIV PeP within 72 hours of the exposure. The longer you wait, the less chance PEP has of working, so please do not waste your time booking in a consult with SISTR.

Australian PeP referral maps is available through Get PeP https://www.getpep.info/get-pep-now/