Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections spread from one person to another by close body contact (often sexual) or the exchange of bodily fluids. Blood Born Viruses (BBVs) are viral infections transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, and can sometimes be transmitted through other bodily fluids. The Scarlet Alliance STI Handbook: A Reference Guide for Sex Workers to Sexually Transmissible Infection (also referred to as the Red Book) is a resource on BBVs and STIs that was formerly published in print in 1998. This resource is written by sex workers, for sex workers. It contains information specific to sex work. In recognition of the diversity of the sex worker community, including gender diversity, language and terminology is gender neutral. The Red Book is no longer published in print, but is available online here.

Below are factsheets and information on common STIs, BBVs and other common sexual health related matters produced by the Victorian Sexual Health Network and the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. Some translated versions of the factsheets are also included below.

 

Bacterial Vaginosis

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Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria.

Balanitis

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Balanitis is inflammation of the glans or head of the penis. Symptoms include; pain, redness, itchiness and sometimes a discharge from under the foreskin.

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Chlamydia

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A very common bacterial STI affecting all genders. Many people do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms may include stinging or burning when passing urine, discharge from penis (often clear), redness at opening of penis, change in vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, including pain during sex, irregular bleeding (especially after sex).

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Emergency Contraception

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Emergency contraception effectively reduces the risk of pregnancy following unprotected sex.  It must be taken within 5 days of unprotected sex although is more effective if taken as early as possible.

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Genital skin care

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Genital skin is very sensitive. Many genital skin irritations are not caused by STIs. 3 key facts for good genital skin care:

• Avoid irritants
• Keep dry
• Don’t scratch or rub

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Genital Warts & HPV | Anal Cancer

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Many people do not notice symptoms as you can have this virus and not have any warts. Symptoms may include painless bumps around the genitals and buttocks.

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Gonorrhoea

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Gonorrhoea (also referred to as ‘gono’) is a common STI caused by bacteria and can be passed on during sex without a condom. Many people do not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Discharge from the penis, vagina or anus. 
• Stinging or burning when passing urine
• Sore, dry throat

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Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis C

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Many people do not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include :

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Herpes

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Many people do not notice any symptoms as you can have this virus and not have herpes lesions or sores. Symptoms may include blisters or sores on and around the genitals and buttocks.

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HIV

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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections. HIV can be passed on through the bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid and anal fluid) of a person who has HIV with a detectable viral load, usually by having sex without a condom or sharing injecting equipment. Many people do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• a flu-like illness
• swollen lymph nodes 
• skin rash.

Important information about early detection of HIV for gay men and other men who have sex with men: F+RST video LINK

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HIV Antibody Test- Indeterminate Result

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Occasionally, a result is neither positive nor negative. This is what we call an indeterminate HIV result.

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Lichen Sclerosus

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Skin inflammation involving the external genital skin. Symptoms may include: 

• Genital itch
• Burning and soreness of the genital skin

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LGV

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A bacterial infection caused by certain strains of chlamydia.  Symptoms may include: 

• Anal pain and discharge. 
• Pimple, blister or ulcer on the genitals. 
• Inflammation of the groin lymph nodes.

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Molluscum Contagiosum

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Mycoplasma Genitalium

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Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

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Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a HIV medication which is taken within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV infection and is taken for 28 days.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

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PrEP

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PrEP is medication used to prevent HIV. This is done by taking a pill every day, called Truvada®, that contains two HIV medications. These are the same medicines used to stop the virus from growing in people who are already infected.

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Pubic Lice

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Small parasites that infest the pubic hair, armpits or chest hair. Symptoms may include itching in the affected area.

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Scabies

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An infestation of the skin by a tiny eight-legged mite.  Symptoms may include itching in the affected area caused by the scabies mites.

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Sexual Health For Gay Men and Men who have Sex with Men

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STI and screening information for gay and other men who have sex with men.

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Sex workers Sexual Health

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Sex workers are required by law to have 3 monthly screening for STIs.

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Syphilis

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A bacterial STI. Some people may not notice symptoms. It is important to treat syphilis to avoid complications. Symptoms may include:

• Ulcer-like sore or rash
• Fever
• Swelling of glands in groin and armpits
• Hair loss
• General tiredness 

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Trichomoniasis

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A genital infection caused by the organism Trichomonas vaginalis. Some people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may include: 

• frothy yellow-green vaginal discharge, 
• unpleasant vaginal odour
• vaginal itching and burning

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Thrush

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Caused by an overgrowth of yeasts within the vagina.  Symptoms may include: 

• Itch and discomfort around the opening of the vagina
• Burning sensation and pain with urinating and sex
• Thick, white, lumpy discharge
• Inflammation of the vulva

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Urethritis

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Inflammation of the urethra (the urine passage). Some people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Discomfort in passing urine
• Discharge from the urethra

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

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Inflammation of the urethra (the urine passage). Some people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• the need to pass urine frequently, 
• feeling the bladder is still full after urinating 
• burning sensation during urination
• smelly urine and/ or blood in urine

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Vulval Pain (Vulvodynia)

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Pain at or around the vaginal opening occurring in the absence of an obvious ongoing cause.

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Sexual Health Services and STI Testing