Consent

What is consent?

Consent means:

• both people say yes to sex, through clear words or actions
• you feel good about your choice
• you and the person you are with have the sex you both want
• you can say stop anytime.

You can’t say yes to sex if you are drunk, high, feeling threatened or if you’re asleep.

Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI)

What is an STI?

An STI is a sexually transmissible infection.

It is passed from one person to another person during sex.

You can’t get an STI from a toilet seat.

Most STIs are easily treated.

Who can get an STI?

Anyone having sex can get an STI.

You can’t tell if someone has an STI by looking at them.

Testing

Why should I get tested for an STI?

Get STI tests to keep yourself and other people safe:

• every 6 to 12 months if you have sex with more than 1 person
• every 3 months if you are a male who has sex with other males
• if you have symptoms - any changes to your penis, vagina or genitals that make you feel worried
• if your partner tests positive for an STI or has symptoms.

How do I get tested for an STI?

See a doctor or nurse at a health clinic.

At Canberra Sexual Health Centre you don’t need a Medicare card; STI testing and treatment is free.

At other clinics, you might need to bring a Medicare card, and the visit may cost some money.

What might the doctor or nurse do?

The doctor or nurse might:

• ask you questions
• do a blood test
• ask you to pee in a jar
• ask you to swab your vagina, throat or bottom in the bathroom.

You can have a support person or carer with you.

Safe sex

How to stop the spread of STI

You can stop the spread of STI by:

• using condoms every time you have sex
• having regular testing.

How to prevent pregnancy

You have choices including:

• the pill
• IUD
• the rod
• condoms.

Ask your doctor or nurse for more information.

Call to book an appointment

Canberra Sexual Health Centre
Canberra Hospital
Building 8 Level 4
(02) 5124 2184