What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?

A Sexually Transmissible Infection (STI) is an infection that can be passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Most
STIs are transmitted through the exchange of sexual fluids, but some can be passed on through skin to skin genital
contact.

STIs can cause a wide range of health problems, from mild irritations to more serious illness. Pregnant women with a STI can pass it on
to their unborn children. Some STIs are easily cured with antibiotics if detected early, but can cause long-term problems if left untreated.
While some STIs cannot be cured, treatments can help to ease the symptoms.

Between 50%-70% of people with a STI do not know they have the infection, because they have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur
they can include:

 Unusual discharge or itchiness around the genitals

 Burning feeling when having a pee
 Rash, sore or small lumps in the genital area
 Unusual bleeding from the vagina, after sex or in between periods
 Pain and swelling in the testicles (balls)

If you notice any of these symptoms or have had sex without a condom it is important to go to Clinic 34, a Doctor,
Family Planning or your local clinic to get a sexual health check.

Common STIs

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

Fact: Chlamydia is the most common STI in young people and in the NT we have almost three times more Chlamydia
infection compared to the rest of Australia

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are transmitted through an exchange of body fluids (semen, blood and vaginal fluids) during unprotected
vaginal, anal or oral sexual activity.

Often people with Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea have no symptoms and don’t know they have an infection. Symptoms, when present, can
include a burning sensation when peeing or an unusual discharge from the penis or vagina. Both can be cured with antibiotics. If left
untreated Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can lead to infertility in men and women. In women untreated Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can lead
to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This is when the fallopian tubes are infected and become blocked and damaged and this stops a
woman from being able to become pregnant or because the tubes are blocked the egg grows in the tubes and not in the uterus and this
can cause an ectopic pregnancy which is a serious health issue.
What is HIV?

HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus:

H - Human. This virus infects human beings.
I - Immunodeficiency. This virus attacks a person's immune system. The immune system is the body's defense against
infections, such as bacteria and viruses. Once attacked by HIV, the immune system becomes deficient and doesn't work
properly.
V - Virus. A virus is a type of germ too small to be seen even with a microscope.
HIV is a virus. Some viruses, such as the ones that cause colds or flu, stay in the body for only a few days. HIV, however,
never goes away. A person who is infected with HIV is said to be "HIV positive." Once a person is HIV positive, that person
will always be HIV positive.
What does the virus do?

All viruses must infect living cells to reproduce. HIV takes over certain immune system cells that are supposed to defend
the body. These cells are called CD4 cells, or T cells.
When HIV takes over a CD4 cell, it turns the cell into a virus factory. It forces the cell to produce thousands of copies of the
virus. These copies then infect other CD4 cells. Infected cells don't work well and they die early. Over time, the loss of CD4
cells weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to stay healthy.

WHAT DOES "AIDS" MEAN?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome:
 Acquired means you can get infected with it;
 Immune Deficiency means a weakness in the body's system that fights diseases.
 Syndrome means a group of health problems that make up a disease.
AIDS is caused by a virus called the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). If you get infected with HIV,
your body will try to fight the infection. It will make "antibodies," special immune molecules the body makes
to fight HIV.
Tests for HIV look for these antibodies in your blood or mouth lining. If you have them in your blood, it
means that you have HIV infection. People who have the HIV antibodies are called "HIV-Positive." Fact
Sheet 102 has more information on HIV testing.
Being HIV-positive, or having HIV disease, is not the same as having AIDS. Many people are HIV-positive
but don't get sick for many years. As HIV disease continues, it slowly wears down the immune system.
Viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick if your
immune system is damaged. These are called "opportunistic infections." (Fact Sheet 500).