What puts me at risk of STIs

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Some unprotected sexual activity puts you at a higher risk of getting an STI.
Sexual activity includes:

Unprotected sexual activity is when you have sex without any kind of condom/ dental dam.
These activities include:

Unprotected sexual activity with casual partners. A casual partner is someone you have sex with, but are not in a relationship with and/or maybe don’t know very well. The more casual partners you have, the higher your risk for getting an STI.
Unprotected sexual activity with a partner who has had unprotected sex with other casual partners.
Unprotected sexual activity when travelling to some countries outside Australia
Unprotected sexual activity with a person who has had unprotected sex from some countries outside Australia
Unprotected sexual activity with a partner who has injected drugs
Men who have unprotected anal sex with other men are also at higher risk of STIs

Learn how to communicate with your partners about sexual health stuff .
Be open with your sexual partners about your sexual history and health. It’s okay to ask them if they’ve ever had an STI or have been tested recently.

If you or your sexual partner has signs of an infection (sores or a rash), don’t touch or rub the area.
If you think you have an STI, don’t have sex again until you have been to the doctor.
Use condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex. Always check the use-by date, as old condoms can break easily.
Use a dental dam (a thin plastic barrier) for oral sex.
Use a water-based lubricant to reduce the chance of the condom/ dam breaking, don’t use Vaseline or massage oil as this can weaken the condom/ dam.
Use a new condom/dam each time you have sex (even if he didn’t ejaculate). Never wash out a condom and use it again.

If you often have sex with new or different partners, get a sexual health check every three months.
If you notice any symptoms or signs of an STI, see a doctor. Don’t have sex again until you have seen a doctor and finished your treatment.