Western Australia’s new Healthysexual campaign is all about preventing, testing, treating and talking to minimise the personal and social impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The Department of Health’s Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program Manager, Lisa Bastian said STI notifications have increased over much of the State placing many populations at risk and prompting a more mainstream prevention campaign for the general community.
Ms Bastian said many people would get an STI in their lifetime. They often had no symptoms and if left untreated, caused serious long-term health issues.
“This campaign is one of the strategies we are using to raise awareness around syphilis and other STIs,” she said.
“The Healthysexual campaign also promotes consent and healthy, respectful sexual relationships by encouraging all sexually active people to talk to their partners about safer sexual behaviours.”
Testing for an STI is simple and the only way to be sure you don’t have an infection. A simple urine, swab and blood sample is often all that is needed.
Testing can be accessed from general practitioners in all parts of WA, sexual health clinics at Royal Perth Hospital or Fremantle Hospital, Aboriginal community-controlled health services and Sexual Health Quarters in Northbridge.
For more information visit the Healthysexual website (external site).
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