Finding the right information on sexual health can be an uncomfortable, confusing and awkward experience, but it’s important to learn how you can keep yourself, and your body, happy and healthy.
The Family Planning Australia team travels to events across NSW to help break the stigma surrounding conversations about sexual health and sexually transmissible infections, more commonly known as STIs. During Youth Week we took part in Youth Fest in Oran Park, Bowenfels Family Fun Day, Hawkesbury YouthFest and Youth Week Family Fun Day in Wellington.
Lots of questions came up in our discussions with young people, ranging from how an STI check-up works to what the best types of contraception are. Read on to learn the top 8 most common questions we heard about sexual health and STIs and the answers to them.
1. How often should I get an STI check-up?
You should get an STI check-up every 12 months if you’re having any type of sex. This includes:
- Hands touching genitals
- Genitals rubbing together
- Oral sex
- Anal sex
You should also get tested:
- After having sex without a condom
- When you change sexual partners or have sex with someone new
- If you notice any unusual symptoms
Many people with an STI don’t have any symptoms, so may not even know they have one. This is why it’s important to test regularly, especially if you have more than one sexual partner.
2. What are some unusual symptoms that might mean I have an STI?
There are several different types of STIs, which can each have their own range of symptoms – or no symptoms at all. However, these symptoms are common for STIs:
- Unusual genital discharge
- Itching in the genital area
- Pain when you pee or during sex
- Pain in the lower part of your abdomen
- Irregular bleeding from the vagina, especially after sex
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see a doctor and get an STI test as soon as possible. Even if you have no symptoms, make sure you’re getting regular tests if you’re sexually active.
3. How do doctors and nurses check for STIs?
STI testing is straightforward, simple and quick. Typically, it involves:
- Providing a urine sample by peeing in a cup
- Self-collection swabs, which go gently into the vagina and/or anus, or around the penis – but not into the penis
- A blood test
The doctor or nurse doing your test will ask you some standard questions to work out which specific tests you need.
It’s important to be open and honest when you answer these questions to make sure you get the right tests. Remember, doctors and nurses are there to help you, not judge you.
If you suspect you might have a certain STI, for example, if a partner has told you they have an STI, you can also request to be tested for it.
Visit Family Planning Australia’s Body Talk website for more detailed information on STI tests, how they work, and what they involve.
You can also head to NSW Health’s website to learn more about how the process works in NSW.
4. Where can I get an STI test?
There are lots of places you can go to get an STI check-up in NSW.
If you’re 24 or younger, you can pop into one of Family Planning Australia’s Youth Drop-in Clinics without an appointment. If you’re under 18 or have a healthcare card, you can access a free STI check at one of our clinics
Our Penrith Drop-in Clinic is open on Thursdays from 1pm to 5:30pm. Our Newcastle Drop-in Clinic is open on Tuesdays from 1pm to 6pm and on Wednesdays from 1pm to 5pm. Make sure you arrive at the clinic at least 30 minutes before closing time to make sure you get seen that day.
People of all ages can make an appointment with Family Planning Australia. We’ve got clinics in Newington, Newcastle, Penrith, Dubbo and Fairfield.
We also work with clinics across the state to provide STI tests. Visit our website find out where your closest clinic is located.
Family Planning Australia has recently launched SEARCH+, which lists locations and providers of sexual and reproductive health services in NSW. NSW Health also has an interactive map of sexual health clinics across the state where you can get tested.
For more information about where you can go around Australia for an STI check-up, visit healthdirect’s website.
5. Can I come to your clinic if I’m not 16 yet?
Yes. You can visit a Family Planning Australia clinic no matter what age you are.
We respect your right to make decisions about your own healthcare and the privacy of all our clients is protected by law. This means that we can’t share your information with others, including your parents or guardians, without your consent.
Our staff have loads of experience working with young people exploring different issues and circumstances. We’re here to help you and have your best interests in mind when we work with you. This means that if we’re concerned about you, we may need to talk to others, but we’ll always let you know first and work out a plan of action with you.
You can read more about our commitment to young people on our website and about your rights at the doctors at Youth Law Australia’s website.
6. I’m uncomfortable buying or can’t buy condoms myself. How can I get them?
Family Planning Australia provides free condoms and lube to young people under the age of 30 in NSW through our Freedom Condom program.
You can order these online for discreet delivery or drop into a Family Planning Australia clinic to get them. Visit the website to find out more.
7. Where can I find out more about sexual health and STIs?
Visit our Frank website to find answers to your questions on all things sex, bodies and relationships.
Frank provides honest, evidence-based and easy to understand information on topics that are often considered the “elephant in the room.”
From telling partners about an STI, masturbation and sex toys, to talking to your friends about their relationship that you think might be toxic – Frank is here to help!
8. I’m a parent, grandparent or carer. How can I help the young people in my life to understand the importance of sexual health?
If you’ve got children in your care, you can help them build confidence, self-esteem and healthy habits when it comes to sex and relationships.
It’s important to be open, honest and judgement-free when having these conversations with young people to establish trust. We hear from parents and carers that these discussions can be a minefield to navigate, but we’ve got a bunch of resources that can help you.
Visit the Body Talk website for tips on how you can talk to your children about reproductive and sexual health.
If you’re a parent with a child who has intellectual disability or autism, head to our Planet Puberty website for guidance on supporting them through puberty.
Family Planning Australia has also developed a series of culturally sensitive booklets on various sexual health topics, called the ‘Yarning About’ series, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can find these on our website.
If you’ve got any questions about the topics covered in this blog, please email healthpromotion@fpnsw.org.au.