How can I tell if I have an STI?
Home: Survivors: Medical Information: Sexually transmissible infection
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Remember STIs can go unnoticed; there may be no signs at all. This is why you must always be careful.
Signs that do occur may be:
- an unusual discharge of fluid from the penis or vagina
- pain or irritation when urinating or during sex
- difficulty urinating
- sores, blisters, ulcers, warts, lumps or rashes anywhere near the genitals or anus
- itchiness or irritation in the genital or anal area
- vaginal bleeding after sex
What should I do if I think I may have an infection?
If you think you may have an STI, see a doctor straight away.
Do not do nothing; do not wait and see. Hoping it will disappear will only delay treatment or reassurance. The signs might go away but that does not mean the disease has gone.
If you have symptoms that could be caused by an STI, it is better to avoid sex until after you have seen a doctor so you don't pass it on. If you do have sex, it is vital to use a condom.
You're the boss of your body... aren't you?
Remember that your body is yours ... to respect, care for and enjoy!
No one knows your body as well as you do and no one has the right to abuse it.
Caring for yourself means knowing when and how to say no. If this is difficult for you, contact one of the agencies listed at the back of this brochure for advice.
What about alcohol and drugs and STIs?
Alcohol and drugs can cause people to lower or even forget the standards they set for themselves. While intoxicants (such as alcohol or drugs) do not cause STIs they can create a situation where you are less able to maintain safe conditions for yourself. It's more difficult to think things through if you are drunk or stoned, so try to keep safe habits with the help of friends you trust. People who don't care about supporting you are dangerous to your health.
Part of safe sex is making sure that what you do and who you do it with are things that you decide.
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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Copyright Updated: 9 Jun 2009
The South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault acknowledges the traditional Aboriginal owners of country throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future.