Getting back into the dating game after the end of a long-term relationship can be daunting. We hear a lot about the rise of sexually transmissible infections (known as STIs) across all age groups and it is easy to feel anxious about the 'risks'.
It is important to be armed with the facts so you feel confident and prepared when it comes to managing your sexual health and navigating new relationships in a positive way.
First and foremost, practising safe sex means condoms. Women and men should feel comfortable buying them, carrying them, talking to their partner about them and, most importantly, using them. Condoms come in different sizes as well as latex and non-latex varieties, especially useful for people with a latex allergy.
Secondly, get tested for STIs if you have ever had unprotected sex with a new partner (it happens!). Don't feel anxious about talking to your doctor or nurse - medical professionals are all trained to talk about this important area of health.
- Most STIs are 'silent' which means they have no symptoms. This is why STIs can be so easily passed on to other people. You cannot tell whether someone has an STI by looking at them - so it is important to ask. Asking in a direct way -"have you ever had an STI?"- is most likely to elicit a straightforward answer.
- STIs are easy to diagnose. For the common STIs like chlamydia this usually means a simple urine test (both for women and men), although women can also be tested by a swab.
- Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI and it is increasing in all age groups including older women and men. More than 90 per cent of infections are 'silent' but in women it can cause symptoms such as bleeding after sex or between periods, painful urination and pelvic pain. In men it can also cause painful urination. The key is to diagnose it early. If you have had unprotected sex or show any of the symptoms described, you should visit your doctor for a test. Treatment is usually a single dose of antibiotics although a longer course of treatment is sometimes needed. We always treat your sexual partners as well to make sure the infection doesn't 'ping pong' back and forth between you. Having a repeat test three months later is also advised to check for a repeat infection.
- Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and are easily treated by freezing or application of special creams or ointments. HPV is also associated with pre-cancerous changes on the cervix as well as cervical cancer so it is important for all women who have ever been sexually active to have regular Pap tests up to the age of 70.
- Genital herpes usually presents as painful blisters which last for about five days. Outbreaks of the blisters may be frequent or infrequent. Websites are available to help you find out the facts, work out the best way to control outbreaks and gather tips on how to talk to your partner about herpes (Factsheet: www.fpnsw.org.au/herpes.pdf).
- Last but not least, we need to be aware that while the risk of HIV is low for most people, the number of new infections has increased in recent years. In Australia, most infections occur among men who have sex with men but heterosexual transmission is also increasing. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor so you can work out if a blood test is appropriate for you.
Communication is really the key to preventing and treating STIs. Not just communication with your doctor but communication with your partner. Talking about using condoms, talking about STIs and talking in general is the only way to go.
Deborah Bateson
Medical Director
Family Planning NSW
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