Some kinds of sexual activity have higher risk
Some unprotected sexual activity puts you at a higher risk of getting an STI.
Sexual activity includes:
- Kissing
- Touching/ rubbing genitals
- Oral sex
- Intercourse
- Using sex toys
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
How to avoid STIs: talk about it
How to avoid STIs: Practise safe sex
- 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.
How to avoid STIs: Get regular sexual health checks
- 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.