Sexual Health Advice: 7 Things Your Doctor Wants You to Know Now.
Sexual health is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing, but many people still feel uncomfortable discussing it.
You may be starting a new relationship, considering contraception, concerned about a recent sexual encounter or simply wondering whether you should have an STI test. Whatever your situation, speaking openly with a GP or sexual health professional can help you receive accurate information and appropriate care.
Sexual health appointments are routine for healthcare professionals. You do not need to feel embarrassed, and you do not need to wait until you have symptoms before asking for advice.
Here are seven important things your sexual health doctor wants you to know.
Sexual Health Is About More Than STIs
Sexual health includes much more than preventing sexually transmitted infections.
It may involve:
- STI prevention, testing and treatment
- Consent and respectful communication
- Contraception
- Pregnancy planning
- Fertility and reproductive health
- Sexual function
- Pain during sex
- Changes in libido
- HIV prevention
- Vaccination
- Healthy and respectful relationships
- Support following sexual assault
- Emotional wellbeing related to sex and relationships
You can speak with your healthcare professional about any concern affecting your sexual health, even if you are unsure whether it requires treatment.
1. Many STIs Do Not Cause Symptoms
One of the most common misconceptions is that you would always know if you had an STI.
Many sexually transmitted infections can be present without causing noticeable symptoms. These may include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Human papillomavirus, commonly called HPV
- HIV during some stages of infection
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Syphilis during certain stages
Feeling well does not necessarily mean that an infection is absent.
Testing may be recommended when:
- You have started a new sexual relationship
- You have had sex without a condom or other barrier protection
- You have had multiple or changing sexual partners
- A partner has been diagnosed with an STI
- A partner has told you about a possible exposure
- A condom broke or slipped
- You are considering starting PrEP
- You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- You have symptoms that may be caused by an STI
- You would simply like reassurance about your sexual health
There is no single STI testing schedule that is right for everyone. Your doctor can recommend appropriate tests based on your sexual history, symptoms and individual risk factors.
2. An STI Check May Involve More Than a Urine Test
Some people assume that every STI can be detected through a urine sample. However, the tests you need will depend on the types of sexual contact you have had and the parts of the body that may have been exposed.
An STI check may include:
- A urine sample
- A blood test
- A self-collected vaginal swab
- A clinician-collected swab
- A throat swab
- A rectal swab
- An examination when symptoms are present
For example, a urine test alone may not detect an infection affecting the throat or rectum.
Your doctor may ask questions about:
- When the possible exposure occurred
- Whether condoms or other barriers were used
- The type of sexual contact involved
- Whether you have any symptoms
- Whether a partner has received a diagnosis
- When you last had an STI test
- Whether you have previously had an STI
- Your pregnancy intentions
- Your vaccination history
These questions are asked to determine which tests and treatments are appropriate—not to judge you.
Some infections may not be detectable immediately after exposure. Your doctor may recommend testing now and repeating certain tests after an appropriate interval.
3. Condoms Reduce Risk but Do Not Eliminate It Completely
Correct and consistent use of external or internal condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs and unintended pregnancy.
Condoms can help reduce the transmission of infections such as:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- HIV
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis B
- Syphilis
However, condoms do not completely remove the risk of every infection.
Infections such as genital herpes, HPV and syphilis can sometimes spread through skin-to-skin contact involving areas that are not covered by a condom.
To use condoms effectively:
- Check the expiry date
- Use a new condom for each sexual act
- Put the condom on before genital contact
- Follow the instructions on the packaging
- Use an appropriate lubricant to reduce breakage
- Avoid using two external condoms at the same time
- Do not reuse condoms
Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms. A water-based or silicone-based lubricant may be more suitable when using latex.
Barrier protection, appropriate vaccination, HIV prevention medication and regular testing can all play a role in reducing sexual health risks.
4. PrEP and PEP Help Prevent HIV in Different Situations
PrEP and PEP are medications used to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV, but they are used at different times.
What Is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
It is medication taken by a person who does not have HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV.
PrEP may be worth discussing if you:
- Believe you may be exposed to HIV
- Have a sexual partner living with HIV
- Have recently needed PEP
- Have had sex without condoms in circumstances where HIV exposure may occur
- Have been diagnosed with certain STIs
- Share injecting equipment
- Would like additional protection against HIV
People may use PrEP daily or, in some circumstances, according to another approved dosing schedule.
Not every dosing method is suitable for every person or type of exposure. A qualified healthcare professional must assess your medical history, kidney health, HIV status and individual circumstances before prescribing it.
Regular follow-up and testing are required while taking PrEP.
PrEP helps prevent HIV, but it does not protect against other STIs or pregnancy.
What Is PEP?
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis.
It is a course of HIV medication taken after a possible exposure to reduce the chance of HIV infection.
PEP may be considered following situations such as:
- Sex without a condom where HIV exposure may have occurred
- Condom failure
- Sharing injecting equipment
- A needlestick injury
- Certain occupational exposures
- Sexual assault
PEP should be started as soon as possible. It is most effective when started promptly and must generally begin within 72 hours of the possible exposure.
Do not wait for symptoms or test results before seeking advice. If you think you may need PEP, contact a sexual health service, suitable medical clinic or hospital emergency department urgently.
5. Contraception Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
There is no single contraceptive method that is best for every person.
The most appropriate option may depend on:
- Your medical history
- Your age
- Your medications
- Whether you smoke
- Your menstrual symptoms
- Your pregnancy plans
- How often you want to think about contraception
- Possible side effects
- Personal preference
- Whether you also need protection from STIs
Available methods may include:
- External condoms
- Internal condoms
- Combined oral contraceptive pills
- Progestogen-only pills
- Contraceptive implants
- Hormonal intrauterine devices
- Copper intrauterine devices
- Contraceptive injections
- Vaginal rings
- Diaphragms
- Permanent contraception
- Emergency contraception
Long-acting reversible contraceptives, including implants and intrauterine devices, provide contraception for an extended period without requiring daily action.
Most contraceptive methods do not protect against STIs. Condoms can be used alongside another contraceptive method when protection against both pregnancy and STIs is needed.
Your doctor can explain the benefits, limitations, possible side effects and medical suitability of each option.
6. Vaccination Is Part of Sexual Healthcare
Vaccination can help protect against some infections that may be transmitted through sexual contact.
HPV Vaccination
HPV is a common virus that can cause genital warts and several types of cancer.
The HPV vaccine provides protection against important HPV types. Vaccination is routinely offered through Australia’s National Immunisation Program, and additional recommendations may apply to some people who were not vaccinated earlier.
Your doctor can review your vaccination history and advise whether HPV vaccination is recommended for you.
The vaccine does not treat an existing HPV infection, and vaccinated people should still follow relevant cervical screening recommendations.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood and sexual contact.
Vaccination may be recommended for people who are not immune and have an increased likelihood of exposure.
Your doctor may recommend a blood test to determine whether you are already immune or whether vaccination is appropriate.
Vaccination does not replace safer-sex practices or STI testing, but it can provide important additional protection.
7. Honest Conversations Help Your Doctor Provide Better Care
It is understandable to feel nervous discussing your sexual history, symptoms or relationships.
However, accurate information helps your doctor determine:
- Which tests you need
- Which parts of the body should be tested
- Whether preventive treatment is appropriate
- Whether contraception is safe for you
- Whether pregnancy testing is needed
- Whether you may benefit from PrEP or PEP
- Whether a partner may also need testing or treatment
- Whether your vaccinations are up to date
You can tell your doctor if you would prefer:
- A clinician of a particular gender
- To answer some questions privately
- To collect your own swab where appropriate
- An explanation before any examination
- More time to discuss your concerns
- An interpreter
- A support person to attend where appropriate
You can also decline an examination or ask the clinician to stop at any time.
Are Sexual Health Appointments Confidential?
Healthcare professionals must protect the privacy of your health information and generally only use or disclose it for appropriate healthcare purposes.
However, confidentiality is not absolute.
Limited exceptions may apply when:
- You give permission for information to be shared
- Disclosure is required or authorised by law
- There is a serious threat to someone’s life, health or safety
- Mandatory reporting requirements apply
- Information must be shared as part of your direct healthcare
You can ask your clinic:
- How results will be communicated
- Whether messages will identify the reason for contact
- Whether information will appear in your health record
- Who may have access to your record
- How Medicare claims may appear
- What privacy rules apply to your situation
If you are covered by another person’s Medicare card or private health insurance, ask the clinic whether this could affect how appointments or claims are displayed.
What Happens During a Sexual Health Check-Up?
A sexual health appointment usually begins with a private discussion.
Your doctor or nurse may ask about:
- Your reason for attending
- Current symptoms
- Recent sexual partners
- Contraception
- Condom use
- Possible STI exposure
- Previous STI diagnoses
- Your last STI test
- Pregnancy possibility
- Vaccination history
- Medications
- Other relevant medical conditions
Testing may involve urine, blood or swab samples. A physical examination is not always required, particularly when you do not have symptoms.
When an examination is recommended, the clinician should explain:
- Why it may be helpful
- What the examination involves
- Whether there are alternatives
- What may happen afterwards
You can ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
When Should You Arrange a Sexual Health Appointment?
Consider arranging an appointment if you:
- Have unusual genital discharge
- Have pain or burning when urinating
- Have genital sores, blisters, lumps or a rash
- Experience pelvic or testicular pain
- Have bleeding after sex
- Experience pain during sex
- Have had sex without barrier protection
- Have had a condom break or slip
- Have been told that a partner has an STI
- Want to discuss contraception
- Need emergency contraception
- Want to discuss PrEP
- Think you may need PEP
- Are concerned about pregnancy
- Want an STI check despite having no symptoms
Seek urgent medical care if you have severe pelvic or testicular pain, heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, rapidly worsening symptoms or feel seriously unwell.
If HIV exposure may have occurred, seek urgent advice about PEP without waiting for a routine appointment.
What Happens If an STI Test Is Positive?
Receiving a positive result can feel stressful, but many STIs can be effectively treated or managed.
Your healthcare professional will explain:
- What the result means
- Whether treatment is required
- How to take any medication
- Whether you should avoid sexual contact temporarily
- When repeat testing may be needed
- Whether partners should be notified
- How to reduce the chance of reinfection
- Whether additional STI testing is recommended
Some infections require contact tracing so that recent sexual partners can arrange testing and treatment.
Your clinic can explain ways to notify partners. Depending on the situation, anonymous notification services may also be available.
Do not share prescribed antibiotics or use leftover medication. Treatment depends on the specific infection and current clinical guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have an STI Test?
There is no single testing schedule for everyone.
The appropriate frequency depends on factors such as your partners, sexual practices, condom use, previous infections and possible exposure to HIV or other STIs.
Some people may need testing after a particular exposure, while others may benefit from regular screening.
Your GP or sexual health professional can recommend a schedule based on your circumstances.
Can I Have an STI Without Symptoms?
Yes.
Many STIs can be present without causing noticeable symptoms. Testing is the only way to confirm whether many infections are present.
Can I Get an STI From Oral Sex?
Yes.
Some infections can be passed through oral sex, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV and hepatitis B.
The level of risk varies according to the infection and type of contact.
Does a Standard Blood Test Check for Every STI?
No.
A routine blood test does not automatically include STI testing, and no single test checks for every infection.
Some STIs are detected through blood tests, while others require urine or swab samples.
Ask your doctor exactly which infections are being tested.
Can My GP Prescribe PrEP?
Medical practitioners and eligible nurse practitioners can prescribe PrEP after assessing whether it is appropriate for you.
You will need HIV testing and other health checks before starting treatment, followed by regular monitoring.
Can My GP Help With Contraception?
Yes.
A GP can discuss contraceptive options, assess medical suitability, provide prescriptions and arrange or perform certain procedures where available.
Not every clinic provides every contraceptive procedure, so confirm available services when booking.
Do I Need Symptoms to Book an STI Test?
No.
Many people arrange STI screening without having symptoms. Testing may be appropriate after a possible exposure, when entering a new relationship or as part of regular preventive healthcare.
Is an STI Test Painful?
Most STI tests are quick and cause little or no discomfort.
Depending on the tests required, you may provide urine, blood or a self-collected swab. Some situations require a clinician-collected swab or examination.
Does Contraception Protect Against STIs?
Most contraception only helps prevent pregnancy.
External and internal condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs. Another contraceptive method can be used with condoms when protection against pregnancy and STIs is required.
The Bottom Line
Good sexual health begins with accurate information, respectful communication and access to appropriate healthcare.
You do not need to have symptoms to speak with a sexual health professional. A consultation can help you arrange STI testing, explore contraception, discuss PrEP or PEP, review vaccinations and receive advice tailored to your circumstances.
Cranbourne West Medical Centre’s SHIP Sexual Health Clinic offers confidential and judgement-free sexual healthcare, including STI testing and treatment, PrEP and PEP consultations, and contraception advice.
If you are concerned about a recent exposure or would like a routine sexual health check, contact the clinic or book an appointment to discuss the care you need.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Testing, treatment and preventive recommendations depend on your individual circumstances. Seek urgent medical advice if you may need PEP, as it must be started within a limited timeframe.
References
- Australian STI Management Guidelines – Standard Asymptomatic Check-Up
- Healthdirect Australia – Screening Tests for STIs
- Healthdirect Australia – Condoms
- ASHM Health – Australian PrEP Guidelines 2025
- Get PEP Australia – PEP Frequently Asked Questions
- Better Health Channel – Contraception Choices
- Australian Immunisation Handbook – Human Papillomavirus
- Australian Immunisation Handbook – Hepatitis B
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – Health Information
- Healthdirect Australia – Safe Sex