Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted during sex through body contact or the exchange of body fluids (i.e. blood, mucus or saliva). Sexual contact includes vaginal or anal intercourse or touching, fingering or sucking/kissing/licking a penis, vagina or anus.
STIs can be caused by viruses (e.g. HIV, herpes, genital warts), bacteria (e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea), or parasites (e.g. crabs, scabies).
If you manage your sexual health and play it safe you can significantly reduce your risk of getting an STI, or passing it on to a sexual partner.
Infection rates for some STIs – such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis – are much higher among gay men than in the general population.
The best way to prevent HIV transmission among men is to have safe sex by using a condom and water based lubricant for anal sex.
Using condoms can also help prevent the transmission of some other STIs, but not all STIs.
We’ve got a collection of websites that can help you understand and demystify what Sexual Health is all about.
Where to get tested
In order to End HIV, it’s important that every gay man knows his status and gets tested regularly. Find the nearest location where you can get tested for HIV using our tool below, and remember: now you can get a rapid HIV test – it’s free, easy, gay-friendly and quick: you get your results in approximately 30 minutes.
This website will show you where your local testing service is anywhere in NSW. There is a heap of other information about sexual health and testing.
The Facts
Genital herpes is much more easily spread than HIV, and has alarming and uncomfortable symptoms. To be fully informed about them may not set your mind at rest, but this site also covers visiting a doctor, treatments, and common misconceptions about the infection.
The Drama Down Under
The Drama Down Under website provides information about some of the most common STIs experienced by gay men (HIV-positive or HIV-negative). The site also has information for gay men about testing for and treating STIs.
Dr Ercel Ozser
A regular guest speaker at GAMMA meetings Ercel has been working as a General Practitioner in Sydney for over 12 years after graduating from Sydney University Medical School in 1999. His specialties include Men’s Health, Mental Health, Preventative Health and Sexual Health.
a[TEST] SERVICE
a[TEST] is a fast, free and confidential rapid HIV and STI testing site for gay men, provided by those who know them best. a[TEST] is currently available in four locations across Sydney: Surry Hills, Oxford St (Darlinghurst), Newtown and Kings Cross, and you get your HIV test results in 30 minutes!
Click the link to find out locations, booking a test, and a heap of other information about sexual health testing and treatment.