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Look at the FAQ below or use the form to submit a question. Please note it may take up to 7 days to receive a response.

If your question is urgent, please call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Please be advised that if questions contain content where yours or someone else's safety/wellbeing is perceived to be in jeopardy, the appropriate authorities will be notified.

Symptoms can sometimes go away by themselves, but this does not mean that the infection isn’t still in your body causing harm. If STIs are left untreated it can make it harder for you to have a baby. If you are pregnant with an STI it can cause harm to your baby.

STIs caused by bacteria can be treated and cured with antibiotics (although it is important to remember than you can get reinfected with an STI).

STIs caused by viruses, such as genital herpes, genital warts, HIV and hepatitis B can be effectively treated to manage symptoms.

It is important that you let your sexual partners know that you have tested positively for an STI so they can get tested and treated as well.

STIs often don't have any symptoms, so your partner/s might not know if they have an infection and, if left untreated, STIs can cause long term health complications.

Partner notification is an important way of controlling the spread of STIs and can also ensure you don't get reinfected by your partner.

Most people like to be told in person. Discuss it when you are feeling relaxed and confident, and not before having sex.

There are other ways to tell your partner such as sending a personal or anonymous email or SMS through sites like:

Yes. You always have the right to say no to sex, even if you have already started to have sex with someone.

It doesn’t matter if you are naked or if you are midway through sex, your partner should respect your decision and stop when you indicate you are no longer consenting.

If your partner continues after you have withdrawn your consent, then this is called sexual assault and it is against the law.

If you have been sexually assaulted, you can contact the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (external site) on (08) 6458 1828 or free call on 1800 199 888.

It is all partners' responsibility to ensure that you have safer sex and use contraception to prevent both an unintended pregnancy and STIs.

It is all partners’ responsibility to think about and discuss contraception.

Have a look at the Talk page for tips on how to talk to your partner about sexual health.

It is important to talk to your partner about using condoms before you have sex.  Some people think that condoms can be a buzzkill and 'get in the way of the moment' but using a condom means you don't have to worry, and you can focus on having fun and pleasure.

It can be as simple as pulling out a condom and saying ‘condom?’ before you’re about to have sex. It’s a good idea to have your own supply of condoms handy and to be prepared with a few go-to lines depending on your partner’s response.

You could try:

  • ‘I’ll bring the condoms.’
  • ‘Don’t worry if you don’t have a condom with you, let’s go get some.’ 
  • ‘Sometimes people don’t even know they have an STI, so it’s better to be safe.’
  • ‘Here, let me show you how to put it on.’

Have a look at our Talk page for some more tips on how to talk to your partner about safer sex.

You can get tested at a doctor’s clinic.

Many hospitals, sexual health clinics, and non-government services offer confidential, free tests for STIs. 

You can find a clinic (external site) here.

You can also take a test to see if you are eligible to receive a free STI test at a PathWest clinic.

Most clinics require a Medicare card. When making an appointment, check whether a Medicare card is required.

A person 15 years and over can get their own card so when visiting a Medicare office bring identification.

The cost of an STI test can vary depending on where you go for your test. There are a lot of low-to-no cost options for an STI test in WA.

Try our free online test. This is a quick, easy and discreet STI self-assessment.

Some GPs offer bulk billing services. This means they bill Medicare directly and you pay no fee.

Most doctors will test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea and may also offer blood tests for syphilis and blood-borne viruses such as HIV. Talk to your doctor to find out exactly what they are testing you for.

Visit our Find a Clinic (external site) search for more clinics in your local area that offer free services.

Other places people can access an STI test include:


The most common way to test for an STI such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea is a simple self-collected vaginal swab and/or urine test.

Testing may also involve a throat or anal swab if you have had unprotected oral or anal sex.

Depending on your sexual behaviours and risk, a blood test to check for other STIs such as HIV and syphilis may be required.

You can get test at any doctor, sexual health clinic (external site) or online (external site).

Many doctors will ask you to come in for your STI results. 

If any of your test results are positive, your doctor will explain what treatment is available.

STIs caused by bacteria (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis) are usually able to be treated and cured by antibiotics. 

STIs caused by viruses (herpes, genital warts, HIV) can be treated to manage symptoms and lower the risk of passing the virus to partners.

It is important to let your sexual partners know that you have tested positively for an STI so that they can get tested and treated as well. Your doctor can help you to do this. 

Not all STIs can be cured. Gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis can be cured. Other STIs (like HIV, herpes and genital warts) can only be managed to reduce the symptoms and lower the risk of passing it on to others.

It is still important to seek treatment for gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis quickly as if left untreated they can cause permanent damage, such as infertility.

Without early treatment infections can cause serious issues. The issues are different for different STIs and different bodies.

For people with a uterus, untreated gonorrhoea or chlamydia can spread to the cervix, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. This is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and can cause infertility.

For people with a penis, untreated gonorrhoea or chlamydia can lead to prostatitis (infection and swelling of the prostate gland), epididymo-orchitis (infection in the sperm-conducting tubes and testicles) and infertility.

During pregnancy, STIs can also be passed on to the baby, causing serious health problems.

For more information about STIs visit HealthyWA (external site).

Condoms are 98 per cent effective at protecting against most STIs. 

Some STIs, such as herpes, genital warts and syphilis, can be spread from skin-to-skin contact. Condoms can only protect the skin that is covered, so if any sores or bumps are uncovered by the condom, these STIs can still be spread.

Regular STI testing is important for anyone who is having sex. It is recommended that you get tested once a year or each time you change sexual partners.

No. The oral contraceptive pill does not protect a person against STIs. It only works to prevent pregnancy. 

Other contraceptives such as implants and intra-uterine devices (IUDs), do not protect against STIs.

Condoms are the only form of contraception that prevent most STIs and pregnancy.

Some STIs can be vaccinated against, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV (the virus that can cause genital warts and most genital cancers) and mpox.

Visit HealthyWA (external site) for further information on immunisation. 

Condoms are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, with lots of different features available. Finding condoms that fit correctly is important for safer, pleasurable sex.

Condom sizing is based on the width (sometimes called girth) not the length. 

The right fit ensures the condom is doing its job of preventing pregnancy and STIs and helps to make sex more comfortable and enjoyable. A good fit should feel snug – not too tight so it feels constrictive, and not too loose so it might slip off. If you find a condom doesn’t fit well, take note of the width measurement and go up or down next time.

Condom packaging usually includes a nominal width, which is the width of the condom at the open end. Use the nominal width and the width of the erect penis to find a good fit. It is a good idea to look at the measurement as condom sizes vary across brands; what is regular in one brand might be large in another brand.

Once you have the right size, have fun trying new condoms and find the ones right for you and your partner/s – flavoured, ribbed, ultra-thin, textured – there are lots of options!

Last Updated: 02/10/2025