STI check-ups

With today's busy lifestyles, finding time to visit the doctor can often be difficult, but it is important not to forget about our health. STI (also known as STD) check-ups don't take long and they needn't be expensive. A quick check and treatment if necessary can prevent both women's and men's sexual health from being seriously affected by STIs. Check-ups have proven to be highly effective and in some cases, early screening has literally saved lives.

Many people find sexually transmitted infections - STIs (also known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) very difficult to discuss, but it is vital that you have as much information as possible to allow you to make informed choices. Do not be embarrassed to discuss your concerns with a doctor as this may be your opportunity to safeguard your future health. Both women and men should have regular sexual health check-ups, particularly if they have more than one sexual partner.

Safer sex reduces the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection. It includes:

  • using a male or female condom during vaginal intercourse;
  • using a male condom during anal intercourse; and
  • abstaining from sex if you or your partner has a sexually transmitted infection or symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.

Practiciting safer sex will help protect both women and men's sexual health.

If you are diagnosed with an STI/STD:

  • avoid sex until the STI/STD has been treated and has gone away;
  • always use condoms if you have sex; and
  • make sure your partner is checked out and cleared of infection before you have sex again.

Click here to view more information about STIs/STDs and frequently asked questions.

If you are planning to travel overseas and want to find out about sexual health services available in different countries, download the Marie Stopes International - Your Passport to Sexual Health below.

passport-to-sexual-health (PDF) 754.36 kB

To find out more about Chlamydia, download the Marie Stopes International Chlamydia brochure below...

Chlamydia Your Questions Answered brochure (PDF) 74.45 kB

(if you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may download it from www.adobe.com).