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betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
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Your sexual health

Everybody's doing it!

Getting checked that is.

Sex is a normal part of life. Talking openly about your sexual health should be too.

There’s a lot more to sexual health than just sex! It’s about whether you feel safe and comfortable too. Communication is key before, during and after sex.

Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual health, pleasure, consent and protection. Talk to your doctor, nurse or health worker about your sexuality and relationships, the best protection options for you and sexually transmissible infections (STI) testing (and treatment if necessary).

If you’re sexually active, get a sexual health check at least once a year. When was your last sexual health check?

Safer sex. Get checked. Treatment.

Don’t feel embarrassed talking about sex. Share the pleasure - look after yourself, your partner(s) and your family and have a sexual health check up annually.

Sexual health

Two images - image 1 is a young man making a love sign with his hands, image 2 is a man and woman with their hands on their heart.

Sexual health, language and culture

The Multicultural Health Support Service (MHSS) helps to reduce HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs in refugee, migrant, asylum seeker communities

Emergency contraceptive pill

Choosing contraception that's right for you

You can discuss your contraception options with a GP or health nurse. Different methods may suit you at different times in your life.

Two teenagers sitting in library

Knowing when you're ready for sex

Sex can mean different things to different people. Define sex in a way that feels right for you.

Group of three young women laughing.

Women's sexual and reproductive health

Are you looking after your sexual health and wellbeing? It's important to have regular check ups including STI checks at least once a year.

Person with undies pulled down

Masturbation

Masturbation is a natural sexual activity that can be done individually or with partners. It has health benefits for people of all ages.

Sick man sitting on bed

How's your libido?

Our sex drive (or desire for sex) can vary dramatically from person to person. Lowered libido can have many causes.

Prevention

Male condoms of different colours

Let's talk about condoms

Condoms come in all different colours and textures - there are even male and female ones. But did you know condoms have a use-by date?

Group of teenagers against a brick wall

HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine is most effective when given to adolescent boys and girls before they become sexually active. The recommended age is 12 to 13 years.

Couple of men kissing in bathroom

Are you practising safer sex?

Safe sex doesn't have to be a drag. Protect yourself and your sexual partners and enjoy respectful contact.

Types of sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

Two people making a love sign with their hands

Chlamydia

Many people who have chlamydia don't have any symptoms. It is common among young people who regularly change sexual partners.

Two men walking in the street and smiling at each other

HIV

HIV is commonly spread during unprotected sex and sharing needles and other injecting equipment.

Three young people talking in a bed

Syphilis

You can catch syphilis by having unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who is in the first 2 stages of the infection.

Person having a medical check up with stethoscope

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an umbrella term for several diseases that affect the liver - including hepatitis A, B and C that can be spread through sexual contact.

Lesbian couple in bed kissing

Genital warts

Genital warts are a common STI caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Not all warts are visible.

Hand holding condom

Gonorrhoea

Anyone is at risk of gonorrhoea - it usually affects the genitals but can infect the throat and anus.

Where to get tested

Find a health services with the National Health Services Directory by HealthDirect

Find a health service near you

Use the National Health Services Directory to search for health services in your local area.

Stay STI free - Victorian Sexual Health Network - logo

Stay STI Free

Check your symptoms, find out what tests you need and where to get tested.

1800 696 784 my options for information about contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health

1800 my options

Find sexual and reproductive health information and services for contraception, abortion, pregnancy options counselling, STI testing and cervical screening.

Information in community languages

A-Z of sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

Our content partners

  • Centre of culture, ethnicity and health - multicultural health and support service logo
  • Victorian Sexual Health Network logo
  • Sexual Health Victoria
  • LiverWELL incorporating Hepatitis Victoria - logo
  • Alfred Health logo
  • Reach Out logo
  • Sexual health out and about logo

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Reviewed on: 30-08-2024