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AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection. An HIV-positive person is generally diagnosed as having AIDS when they develop additional diseases or illnesses as a result of their already weakened immune system. Although the body can generally fight off infection, someone who is HIV positive will have less protection by their immune system, and so is more likely to fall ill with diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia or cancer. There is currently no cure for AIDS.


Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

BV is not considered to be an STI. It occurs when the normal balance of different bacteria in the vagina changes, usually resulting in a change to a woman’s vaginal discharge. Although BV may clear up without treatment, symptoms of BV should be treated with antibiotics to avoid complications.


Candidiasis

Also known as thrush, candidiasis is not spread sexually. It is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus that, although it normally lives in the vagina, can multiply to cause soreness, itching or discharge. It can be treated using creams and tablets.

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Donovanosis

Donovanosis is very uncommon in Australia. It can cause painless ulcers on the genitals or around the anus. Symptoms generally appear from 10 to 40 days after infection. It can be treated with antibiotics.


Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a short-term viral infection that affects the liver. Hepatitis A may be spread sexually through oral to anal contact with an infected person. Symptoms can be debilitating but most people infected with hepatitis A recover completely following treatment. A vaccination against hepatitis A is available.


Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause inflammation of the liver. It can be spread sexually through exposure to infected blood or body fluids including breast milk, saliva, vaginal secretions and semen. It can lead to severe liver diseases and liver failure. There are several types of medication available to treat hepatitis B and most adults will recover completely. A vaccination against hepatitis B is available.


Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and liver disease. Spread through blood-to-blood contact, it can lead to severe liver diseases and liver failure. People with hepatitis C can experience flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, headaches, fatigue and muscle aches. Only around a quarter of Australian adults get rid of the virus after initial infection. Chronic hepatitis C can be treated and symptoms managed with medication from a doctor. Up to 80% of people will get rid of the virus after treatment for chronic infection. Hepatitis C is not a sexually transmissible infection.


LGV (Lymphogranuloma Venereum)

LGV is an infection caused by certain strains of chlamydia. It is transmitted by unprotected sex and can result in ulcers, bleeding, pain and discharge. There is no vaccine against the bacteria but it can be treated with antibiotics. LGV is uncommon in Australia and is mostly found in tropical developing countries.

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Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection, spread by skin-to-skin contact. It produces small pimples or lumps which are normally painless but may be slightly itchy. Molluscum contagiosum lesions can heal by themselves but treatment will shorten the infection.


PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)

PID occurs when bacteria move from a woman's vagina or cervix into her reproductive organs. PID results in inflammation or infection of the reproductive system. It is a common and serious complication of some STIs especially chlamydia and gonorrhoea. PID can be cured with antibiotics, however antibiotic treatment does not reverse damage that has already occurred to the reproductive organs.


Pubic Lice

Pubic lice or crabs are small parasites that infest the pubic hair, armpits or chest hair, sucking blood and causing redness, sores or itching. Pubic lice are usually sexually transmitted, passed on by direct skin-to-skin contact. Topical creams are the most common treatment for pubic lice.


Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a curable STI that can infect men and women. Symptoms can include discharge, pain when urinating and during sex and itching of the genital area. The infection can usually be cured with antibiotics, however if left untreated can lead to infertility or early labour in pregnant women.


UTIs (Urinary tract infections)

UTIs are an infection of the urinary tract caused by micro-organisms or germs, usually bacteria. The germs are not sexually transmitted and are easily treated with antibiotics.

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