Campaign shines a spotlight on syphilis and safer sex

‘Talk. Test. Protect.’ is the key message of Western Australia’s Healthysexual campaign to minimise the impact of sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

STIs are more common than people realise and often show no symptoms, so people may not know if they have an STI. If left untreated, they can cause serious long-term health issues.

The Department of Health’s Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program Manager, Lisa Bastian said syphilis notifications have more than doubled throughout the State between 2016 and 2020, placing many populations at risk.

Ms Bastian said infectious syphilis was particularly dangerous during pregnancy.

“We’re encouraging pregnant women to get tested early and often throughout pregnancy to protect both themselves, and their unborn babies.”

With borders now open, it is also a timely reminder that STIs such as syphilis, HIV and gonorrhoea are more common overseas.

“This campaign is one of the strategies we are using to raise awareness around sexual health while travelling. Talking to your doctor about HIV prevention such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before you travel may be useful,” she said.

“We are encouraging travellers to always use a condom and when they return home to ask their healthcare worker for an STI test. It’s important to ask for a blood test and for syphilis and HIV to be included in screening. Testing is the only way to be sure you don’t have an STI.”

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. Young people can access free STI testing by completing an online form at healthysexual.com.au.

For more information visit healthysexual.com.au.

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