Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed on during sexual activity.
- There are more than 20 types of STI.
- They may cause symptoms, but you can also have an STI without noticing any symptoms.
- STIs may cause health problems if left untreated.
- Learn more about STIs on the Australian Government HealthDirect website
Common STIs
Download fact sheets about common STIs on the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre website
STI’s and other clinical conditions
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) |
Bacterial infection caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria. |
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Balanitis |
Inflammation of the head of the penis (glans penis). |
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Chlamydia |
Very common bacterial STI which can be passed on during sex without a condom or other barrier method. |
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Genital warts and HPV |
Common STI caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact during sex. |
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Gonorrhoea |
Common STI caused by bacteria and can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
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Hepatitis A |
A viral infection which can be passed on when faeces from an infected person enters the mouth of another person. |
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Hepatitis B |
A viral infection which can be passed on during sex without a condom or by sharing unsterile injecting equipment with an infected person. |
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Hepatitis C |
A viral infection which is passed on by the blood from an infected person entering another person’s bloodstream, usually through sharing injecting drug equipment. |
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Herpes |
A common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact during sexual contact. |
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HIV |
Attacks the immune system which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections. HIV can be passed on through the bodily fluids usually by having sex without a condom or sharing injecting equipment. |
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Lichen sclerosus |
An uncommon, chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the genital area, resulting in white patches and scarring. |
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Lymphogranuloma venereum |
Caused by certain strains of chlamydia which can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
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Molluscum contagiosum |
A harmless skin infection caused by a virus and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact. |
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Mycoplasma genitalium |
A bacterial infection which can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
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Pelvic inflammatory disease |
Inflammation or infection of the reproductive system in the pelvis. It only affects people with a vagina and uterus. |
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Pubic lice (crabs) |
Tiny parasite insects that infest the pubic hair, armpits or chest hair and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact. |
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Scabies |
Infestation of the skin by a tiny eight-legged mite and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact. |
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Syphilis |
Bacterial STI and can be passed on through skin-to skin contact. |
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Thrush |
A common infection caused by an overgrowth of yeasts which naturally occur in the vagina. |
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Trichomonas |
An infection of the genitals and can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
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Urethritis |
Inflammation in the urethra. |
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Urinary tract infections
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Caused by microorganisms (usually bacteria) which can cause an infection in the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract (such as the kidneys). |
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Vulvodynia (vulval pain) |
Describes pain or discomfort at or around the vaginal opening. This pain happens without an obvious ongoing cause. |
Where to get tested
You can visit your GP or our Sexual Health Services clinic for testing and treatment advice.
