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Treatment is Good - Prevention is Best

What we all need to know

Everyone who is sexually active needs to know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and how best to protect against them. The consequences of STIs can be very serious for ourselves and anyone we have sexual contact with.

You really do need to know what STIs are, the effects they can have, how you can prevent them and how to tell if you've got one or not. Then you need to know how to treat them!

Many people feel a mixture of fear and anger if they think they have caught an STI. It's common to feel shame or guilt as well. Because these can be strong feelings some people decide to avoid the issue. Embarrassment can also stop people getting help.

The time to get advice, reassurance or treatment is as early as possible.

Doctors treat these diseases all the time ... and information about you is confidential.

Waiting and worrying is always a bad idea because even if signs of the infection go away, you can still have the disease.

Special clinics offer excellent free care. Look in the contacts section to find one near you.

Published by Public Health Division
Victorian Government Department of Human Services
Melbourne Victoria
July 2001
Copyright State of Victoria 2001
For further information, contact:
Health Protection Services
Department of Human Services
GPO Box 4057
Melbourne 3001
Telephone: (03) 9637 4000

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Department of Human Services

Disclaimer Copyright Updated: 9 Jun 2009