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How Often Should You Get an STI Test? (Australian Guidelines Explained)

How Often Should You Get an STI Test? (Australian Guidelines Explained)

One of the most common questions people ask about sexual health is also one of the least clearly explained: how often should I actually be tested?

The answer depends on exposure — not judgement, symptoms, or assumptions.

What Australian guidelines say

According to the Australian STI Management Guidelines and RACGP, STI testing is recommended:

  • At least once a year if sexually active

  • After every new sexual partner

  • If a partner tests positive

  • When planning pregnancy

  • If you have never tested

These recommendations apply regardless of symptoms.

Why testing frequency is based on exposure

STIs are transmitted through contact, not behaviour labels.

Guidelines focus on exposure because:

  • Many STIs are asymptomatic

  • Early treatment prevents complications

  • Routine screening reduces community transmission

Waiting for symptoms delays care and worsens outcomes.

Relationship status and testing

Being in a monogamous relationship may reduce risk, but it does not eliminate it.

Testing is still recommended:

  • At the start of new relationships

  • If agreements change

  • If there is uncertainty

Testing is about shared responsibility, not distrust.

STI testing vs cervical screening

These are often confused, but they serve different purposes.

  • STI testing looks for current infections

  • Cervical screening detects cell changes caused by HPV

You can be up-to-date with one and still need the other.

Making testing realistic

Public health evidence shows people test more consistently when:

  • Access is easy

  • Appointments are flexible

  • Care feels non-judgemental

Reducing friction improves outcomes.

The bottom line

If you’re unsure when you last tested, you’re not alone.

What matters is having access to clear guidance and supportive care — not getting it “perfect”.

References

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Why Cervical Screening Is So Important: The 2-Minute Test That Can Save Your Life

Why Cervical Screening Is So Important: The 2-Minute Test That Can Save Your Life

Cervical screening is one of the quietest success stories in modern public health. It’s not flashy.It doesn’t trend on TikTok.No one posts a “get ready with me” for it. And yet,  it prevents cancer. Not detects it late.Not manages it after the fact.Prevents it entirely. In countries with strong screening programs, cervical cancer has dropped dramatically over the past 30 years. In National Cervical Screening Program, incidence has more than halved since the introduction of routine testing. Few health interventions are that powerful. A simple swab.A lab result.Peace of mind. So why are so many women still overdue? Why does something that takes 2 minutes still feel so hard to book? And why does this test matter so much? Let’s break it down.  What is cervical screening, actually? Cervical screening is not a cancer test. It’s a risk test. It looks for human papillomavirus (HPV) - the virus responsible for almost all cervical cancers. Here’s the key difference: Old system (Pap smear): Looked for abnormal cells after they had already changed New system (HPV cervical screening test): Looks for the virus before cell changes happen This means we can intervene years earlier, long before cancer ever develops. In public health terms, this is gold standard prevention. The biology (simple version) Here’s what’s happening inside the body: Most people will get HPV at some point Usually, the immune system clears it Sometimes, it lingers Persistent HPV can slowly change cervical cells Over 10–15 years, those changes can become cancer Cervical screening interrupts this entire process. It spots HPV early → monitors → treats abnormal cells → stops cancer forming. Cancer doesn’t just appear overnight. Which is why missing screening matters. Why cervical screening is so important 1. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers Almost all cases are caused by HPV. Which means: we can test for it we can treat early changes we can stop progression Few cancers offer that opportunity. Breast cancer? Often detected, not prevented.Ovarian cancer? Hard to screen.Cervical cancer? Preventable. Skipping screening is like ignoring a smoke alarm when the battery is still working. 2. HPV is extremely common (not a “risky behaviour” thing) This is important to say clearly. HPV is not a “you were irresponsible” virus. It’s a “you’re human” virus. Around 80% of sexually active people will get it at some point. One partner. Ten partners. Doesn’t matter. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact. So if you’ve ever thought: “I’m low risk” “I’m in a long-term relationship” “I feel fine” You still need screening. Symptoms usually appear late. Screening catches things early. 3. Early changes have no symptoms This is the trap. There is no warning. No pain.No bleeding.No weird discharge. Nothing. By the time symptoms show up, disease is often advanced. Cervical screening finds problems years before you would ever feel anything. Waiting for symptoms defeats the purpose. 4. Treatment is simpler when caught early If HPV or abnormal cells are detected early: Often it’s: monitoring repeat testing minor procedures If caught late: surgery chemotherapy radiotherapy fertility impacts long recovery The difference between a 10-minute procedure and months of treatment is literally timing. Screening buys you that time. 5. It protects fertility This part isn’t talked about enough. Advanced cervical cancer treatments can affect: ability to carry a pregnancy cervical strength menstrual health sexual function Early detection protects reproductive futures. It protects choice. And choice is everything. “But I hate Pap smears” Totally fair. Historically, cervical screening has been: uncomfortable awkward rushed clinical sometimes painful often embarrassing For many women — especially those with trauma histories, endometriosis, vaginismus, cultural barriers, or medical anxiety — it can feel overwhelming. Self-collection has changed everything You can now do your own swab. Privately.Gently.Yourself. No speculum.No stirrups.No one in the room. Clinically, it’s just as accurate for HPV testing. For many women, this removes the biggest barrier. It turns a dreaded appointment into something that feels manageable. Sometimes empowerment is just convenience. Who should get screened? In Australia: If you: have a cervix are 25–74 years old have ever been sexually active You should screen every 5 years. Even if you: had the HPV vaccine are in a same-sex relationship haven’t had sex in years feel completely fine HPV doesn’t check relationship status. Neither should screening. What happens during the test? It’s genuinely simple. Option 1: clinician-collected A healthcare professional takes a small sample from the cervix. Option 2: self-collection You insert a soft swab yourself, rotate, place it in the tube. That’s it. The sample goes to a pathology lab. Results usually return within a week. Most people get: “HPV not detected. See you in 5 years.” Five years of peace of mind for 5 minutes of effort. That’s a good trade. Why so many women still delay it Let’s be honest. It’s rarely about knowledge. It’s life. busy schedules work caregiving embarrassment cost bad past experiences “I’ll do it later” Healthcare often asks women to rearrange their lives to prove they deserve care. Which is backwards. Preventive care should fit around life, not disrupt it. This is why more flexible models. Telehealth, home testing, discreet delivery really do matter. Because access determines outcomes.Not motivation. The public health impact Cervical screening isn’t just personal protection. It’s collective protection. High screening rates mean: fewer cancers fewer deaths less strain on the system lower healthcare costs healthier communities Australia is on track to become one of the first countries to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. Not because of new miracle drugs. Because of screening and vaccination. Simple tools. Used consistently. That’s how public health wins. The emotional side we don’t talk about For many women, cervical screening is layered. It can bring up: shame body discomfort trauma cultural stigma feeling dismissed by healthcare before If that’s you — you’re not dramatic. You’re human. The answer isn’t “just toughen up.” It’s better care design. More dignity. More choice. More control. Healthcare should feel safe. The bottom line Cervical screening: ✔ prevents cancer✔ detects risk early✔ protects fertility✔ takes minutes✔ can be done at home✔ saves lives There are very few health actions with that return on investment. If you’re overdue, book it. Or order a kit. Or text a friend and do it together. Just don’t keep waiting for the “perfect time.” Health rarely arrives with perfect timing. References (evidence-based) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cervical screening and HPV data National Cervical Screening Program guidelines World Health Organization. Cervical cancer prevention and control Cancer Council Australia clinical guidelines Arbyn et al., 2018. Accuracy of HPV testing vs cytology Canfell et al., modelling of cervical cancer elimination in Australia

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STI testing

Do I Need an STI Test If I Have No Symptoms?

Do I Need an STI Test If I Have No Symptoms? Short answer: often, yes. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not cause noticeable symptoms — particularly in women. This means it’s entirely possible to feel well, have no pain or discharge changes, and still have an infection. This isn’t rare. And it isn’t a failure of awareness or responsibility. It’s how these infections behave. What “asymptomatic” really means An asymptomatic infection is one that produces no obvious signs. In sexual health, this is common rather than exceptional. Australian surveillance data from The Kirby Institute consistently shows that: Chlamydia is frequently asymptomatic in women Gonorrhoea may cause very mild or no symptoms People are often diagnosed during routine screening rather than symptom-driven testing In other words, many people only find out they have an STI because they chose to test, not because their body alerted them. Why women are more likely to have silent STIs There are anatomical and biological reasons STIs can be harder to detect in women: The cervix can harbour infection without pain Symptoms may be internal rather than external Changes may be subtle or mistaken for “normal cycle variation” Public health research shows this contributes to later diagnosis and higher complication rates in women compared to men. Why asymptomatic STIs still matter Even without symptoms, untreated STIs can lead to: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Chronic pelvic pain Fertility complications Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy Ongoing transmission to partners This is why Australian guidelines prioritise screening based on exposure, not symptoms. When Australian guidelines recommend testing According to the Australian STI Management Guidelines and the RACGP Red Book, STI testing is recommended: After a new sexual partner If a partner tests positive As part of routine preventive healthcare If it has been more than 12 months since your last test If you’ve never been tested before These recommendations apply even if you feel completely well. Why many people delay testing Despite clear guidelines, many women delay STI testing due to: Difficulty accessing GP appointments Time pressure during consultations Fear of judgement or awkward conversations Past negative healthcare experiences Australian qualitative studies show these barriers are structural, not individual. What your testing options are in Australia STI testing can be accessed through: GPs Public sexual health clinics Clinician-reviewed at-home testing services The most important factor is not where you test, but that testing is: Evidence-based Reviewed by qualified practitioners Linked to follow-up care if needed The takeaway You don’t need symptoms to “earn” an STI test. If you’re sexually active and unsure, overdue, or simply want clarity, testing is a responsible, preventive step — and one supported by Australian medical guidance. References Australian STI Management Guidelines — https://sti.guidelines.org.au The Kirby Institute — Annual Surveillance Reports — https://kirby.unsw.edu.au/report-type/annual-surveillance-reports RACGP Red Book — https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/preventive-activities-in-general-practice

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Bacterial Vaginosis and Male-Partner Treatment: A New Approach to Reducing Recurrence

Bacterial Vaginosis and Male-Partner Treatment: A New Approach to Reducing Recurrence

If you have a vagina, you’ve probably experienced vaginal discomfort at some point. You may know how to spot the symptoms of thrush or cystitis, but if there’s a persistent fishy smell or an unusual discharge, it could be bacterial vaginosis (BV). A common yet often misunderstood condition, BV affects approximately one in three people with a vagina at some point in their lives (Vodstrcil et al., 2025). What is Bacterial Vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Unlike thrush, which is caused by yeast overgrowth, BV is linked to an imbalance in bacterial communities. Symptoms include: Increased vaginal discharge (often grey or white) A strong, fishy odour (especially noticeable after sex) Mild irritation or burning during urination No itching (which is more commonly associated with thrush or STIs) Interestingly, about half of those with BV experience no symptoms, which makes diagnosis and treatment even more challenging. What Causes BV? BV isn’t classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but sexual activity is a significant risk factor. Around 85% of those who develop BV are sexually active, and certain sexual practices can increase susceptibility. Key risk factors include: Having new or multiple sexual partners Not using condoms or dental dams Engaging in vaginal sex after anal sex without changing condoms Vaginal douching or using scented products Changes in hormone levels (e.g., due to contraception or menstrual cycle changes) Prolonged or irregular bleeding from hormonal contraception Why is BV Recurrence So Common? Many people find BV frustratingly persistent. Standard treatment typically involves antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin, but recurrence rates are high—up to 50% of people experience BV again within six months of treatment (Vodstrcil et al., 2025). Until recently, treatment has focused solely on the affected person, without addressing potential bacterial exchange with male partners. New Research: Should Male Partners Be Treated? A groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Vodstrcil et al., 2025) investigated whether treating male partners could reduce BV recurrence. This open-label, randomized, controlled trial included couples where the woman had BV and was in a monogamous relationship with a male partner. Study Design: Partner-Treatment Group: Women received standard BV treatment, and their male partners took oral metronidazole (400 mg twice daily) and applied 2% clindamycin cream to the penis for seven days. Control Group: Women received standard treatment, but their partners were not treated. The primary outcome was BV recurrence within 12 weeks. Key Findings: BV recurrence was significantly lower in the partner-treatment group (35%) than in the control group (63%). Recurrence rates were 1.6 per person-year in the partner-treatment group versus 4.2 per person-year in the control group. Treating male partners reduced absolute BV recurrence risk by 2.6 recurrences per person-year. Some men in the study reported mild side effects from treatment, including nausea, headaches, and a metallic taste. These results were compelling enough that the trial was stopped early because treating the male partner was shown to be far superior to treating the woman alone. What This Means for BV Treatment For decades, BV treatment has largely ignored male partners, under the assumption that they do not contribute to reinfection. However, this study provides strong evidence that treating male partners may significantly reduce recurrence rates. While further research is needed to refine treatment protocols, this study suggests a potential shift in how BV is managed. How Can You Prevent BV Recurrence? If you struggle with recurrent BV, here are some strategies that may help: Practice Safer Sex: Use condoms or dental dams to reduce bacterial transfer between partners. Avoid Vaginal Douching and Scented Products: These can disrupt the vaginal microbiome. Consider Male-Partner Treatment: If you have a male partner and experience recurrent BV, discuss this new research with your doctor. Support Vaginal Health: Probiotic supplements with Lactobacillus crispatus may help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. Manage Hormonal Changes: If BV flares up with hormonal contraception, speak with your healthcare provider about alternatives. The Bottom Line Bacterial vaginosis is an extremely common yet frustrating condition. Until now, treatment has focused solely on the person with BV, but new research suggests that treating male partners could dramatically reduce recurrence rates. If you experience persistent or recurrent BV, talk to your healthcare provider about the latest evidence and whether partner treatment might be a viable option for you. By breaking the cycle of BV recurrence, this new approach offers hope for many people struggling with this condition. While more research is needed, this study represents an important step forward in women’s health and STI prevention. Sources Vodstrcil, L. A., Plummer, E. L., Fairley, C. K., Hocking, J. S., Law, M. G., Petoumenos, K., Bateson, D., et al. (2025). Male-partner treatment to prevent recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 392(10), 947-957. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2405404

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

June Health operates on unceded Aboriginal lands. We honour the First Nations peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial.

We recognise their enduring connection to land, waters, skies and culture, and pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present, and to emerging leaders.

This always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT

June Health is proudly ally-friendly and inclusive. We welcome and support all women and people with vaginas – including trans, non-binary and gender-diverse folks.

We believe healthcare should be safe, respectful, and affirming for everyone. Always.

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