STIs

What you need to know about STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

A healthy sex life isn't just about having a lot of really great sex (don't get us wrong, it's a big part of it), it also means we need to talk more about STIs. The more people using condoms with casual partners, testing regularly, and being treated for STIs, the less we'll see new STI diagnoses.

There are many types of STIs and they can be viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. Different STIs are transmitted in different ways and, unlike HIV, they can often be transmitted via oral sex, saliva and condomless anal sex with partners.

Finding out you have an STI is nothing to be ashamed. But, you do need to tell all your sexual partners from the last 3 months. Don't know how to tell them? we can write the message for you 

Likelihood of acquiring STIs

This is not solely determined by the frequency of sexual activity; rather, they are often a result of luck and chance. Having multiple sexual partners or engaging in risky sexual behaviour can increase your risk of acquiring an STI, but even people who have had only one sexual partner or encounter can acquire an STI. This highlights the need for us to be proactive in our sexual health testing practices so we can treat STIs as soon as they are identified to stop chains of transmission.  

Prevention

Unlike with HIV, there aren't always clear cut prevention methods for all STIs. What we do know, is that condoms help prevent a lot of STIs. Being equipped with condoms, lube, regular STI testing and the knowledge on this page you should be ready to navigate your sexual encounters more safely. 

Remember though, that there is no shame in contracting an STI. What's important is that you get tested regularly so you can pick up anything you may have and get it treated (or get the right medical advice for STIs without treatments) quickly. 

One of the leading causes of STIs spreading is the fear of getting tested - which means they can be transmitted without people ever knowing they had them.

Can I use doxycyline (doxy) to reduce transmission of STIs? 

Recent studies have shown that taking doxycycline within 72 hours after having sex can lower your chances of contracting certain STIs such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. This is called DoxyPEP.

While we know that some doctors, both in Aotearoa and overseas, are prescribing doxycycline for this purpose, more research is needed to fully understand the pros and cons of using doxycycline in this way (including the risk of bacterial resistance to doxycycline if using DoxyPEP becomes more common).

We will be monitoring the research and availability of doxycycline as a prophylaxis in Aotearoa and will keep our communities updated as more information becomes available.

Symptoms

Symptoms can be misleading or often not exist at all when it comes to certain STIs, this is why we can't stress enough that getting tested regularly is the best way to keep track of and treat any STIs. 

If you're testing with us - remember that if you are already displaying STI symptoms, we won't be able to test you and will refer you on to Sexual Health Services or your regular clinic to be tested and connected to treatment. 

You can find your closest Sexual Health Clinic with this helpful tool on Just The Facts! 

Testing

Burnett Foundation offers self STI testing kits and STI & HIV testing  in our three centres across Aotearoa - click here to find your closest testing place. Please remember that if you are already displaying STI symptoms, we won't be able to test you and must refer on to Sexual Health Services or your regular clinic to be tested and connected to treatment.

Sexual Health Services offer full STI screening services and can connect you to treatment immediately.

You can also request STI screenings with your personal GP.

If you get an STI, your partners want to know.

If you get diagnosed with an STI, you need to tell all of your sexual partners from the last 3 months. 

Helpful Links

• JustTheFacts.co.nz has pretty much everything you need to know about STIs and it's all presented in a non-judgmental format that aims to reduce STI stigma
• The Ministry of Health has information on New Zealand's leading STIs and official treatment and prevention statements for the health system
• The New Zealand Sexual Health Society has a comprehensive list of the sexual health clinics around the country
• Tell Me Tool - Don't know how to tell a previous partner that you have an STI? We'll write the message for you.