Everything you need to know about external and internal condoms.
STIs & BBVs
Sexually Transmittable Infections and Blood-borne Viruses.
WHAT ARE STIS AND BBVS?
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections which can be passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are viruses transmitted from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact.
This is often in the form of sharing drug injecting equipment/needles, body piercing equipment, or unsterilised tattoos such as tattoos done overseas.
HOW DO YOU STAY SAFE FROM STIS AND BVVS?
STIs and BBVs often have no symptoms so you may not know if you or a partner have one. If left untreated, STIs and BBVs can cause damage to the body and lead to health problems.
It doesn’t matter who you are, anyone can get an STI or BBV.
Check out the information below to learn more about STIs and BBVs so you can protect yourself and your partner(s).
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTABLE INFECTIONS (STIS) CAN BE:
- Passed on during sexual activities (oral, vaginal, anal) involving direct skin-to-skin contact and/or the exchange of bodily fluids.
- Bacterial, viral or parasitic infection and often have no signs or symptoms.
- Detected early and easily treated.
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER
- A vaccine is available for hepatitis B (speak to a doctor to receive this)
- No vaccines exist for hepatitis C and HIV
- Use condoms during sex.
BLOOD-BORNE VIRUSES (BBVS) CAN BE
- Transmitted from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact.
- Transmitted through sharing drug injecting equipment/needles, body piercing equipment, or unsterilised tattoos such as tattoos done overseas.
- Passed on through blood-to-blood contact and also through other bodily fluids (semen and vaginal fluid).
- Undetected as they often have no early signs or symptoms leading to long term damage to your body.
- Types such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER
- Practice safe sex (using condoms)
- Get tested regularly (every 6-12 months or when you have symptoms)
- Most STIs are curable and treatments are easy.
WHERE CAN I GET TESTED?
REDUCING THE RISK
Safe sex methods could reduce the risk of catching or transmitting STIs.
Dams
Everything you need to know about dams for safe sex.
Gloves
Using gloves for safe sex.
Lubricant (Lube)
Everything you need to know about lube for more pleasurable sex.
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Have you met Frankee, our sexpert elephant in the room?
Frankee addresses those awkward topics about sex, the body and relationships that everyone wants to know about but are too afraid to ask.
