You need to get a blood test to test for syphilis.

Syphilis cases are increasing in WA so it is important to ask your doctor to include a syphilis blood test in your STI screening. Learn more on our syphilis page: https://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/sexually-transmitted-infections/syphilis

The only contraceptive that protects against STIs and unintended pregnancy is condoms.

See where you can get free condoms in WA here.

It is a myth that the hymen 'breaks'. The hymen is made up of elastic folds of tissue just inside the entrance of the vagina. Hymens come in different shapes and sizes and cover varying amounts of the vaginal opening. The hymen stretches and the opening usually gets larger as a young person grows and matures. If something is put into the vagina that is bigger than the opening (e.g. a tampon, finger, penis, sex toy), they hymen will stretch. Sometimes when it stretches there may be some small tears which can bleed. Going slowly and using lubricant may help. Watch this YouTube video which explains more about the hymen and common myths:

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and can be passed on through blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. You can get HIV from having vaginal or anal sex without a condom, sharing needles and other injecting equipment, sharing body piercing or tattooing equipment, or through pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Learn more about HIV from WAAC: Promoting HIV education in Australia | WAAC.

Each STI can spread in different ways.

The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested.

According to the Western Australian survey of secondary students and sexual health (2021), 42.5% of students in years 10, 11 and 12 identified as something other than heterosexual. Gay or lesbian (5.6%), bisexual (24.9%), a different term (6.8%) or unsure (5.2%). With 57.5% identifying as heterosexual.

Just because you’re in a relationship or you’ve had sex with someone before, consent should never be assumed.

You always have the right to say no to anything sexual.

Make sure to get consent from someone before doing anything.

Learn more about consent by watching Consent - The REAL sex talk.

There is no age limit for getting STI tests and treatment. 

At 15 years of age, you can get your own Medicare card.

This means you can make your own appointments. Appointments are usually free or low cost for young people.

Although it is good to talk to a trusted adult about any concerns you have, some people would prefer to access sexual health care without their parents having to know. Having your own Medicare card means you can do this.

Visit this link for more information about getting your own Medicare card.

If you are unable to get your own Medicare card, there are still places that you can get STI testing and treatment. The Sexual Health Helpline can tell you some of the options available 9222 6178 (Metro callers) 1800 198 205 (Country callers). 

You can also use the Healthysexual online testing to get free STI testing.

Image-based abuse is when someone shares, or threatens to share, an intimate photo or video online of you without your consent. The images can be real photos or videos, or ones that have been changed or altered, for example, Photoshopped. It is also image-based abuse if someone threatens to share an intimate image of you without your permission. You can report image-based abuse to eSafety. They can help to get the intimate images or video removed and, in some cases, take action against the person who shared it. Image-based abuse | eSafety Commissioner

Using a water-based lubricant is best to avoid breaking or tearing the condom.

It can also increase pleasure for everyone involved.