
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
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). |
Chlamydia |
Very common bacterial STI which can be passed on during sex without a condom or other barrier method. |
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. |
Gonorrhoea |
Common STI caused by bacteria and can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
Hepatitis A |
A viral infection which can be passed on when faeces from an infected person enters the mouth of another person. |
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. |
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. |
Herpes |
A common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact during sexual contact. |
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. |
Lichen sclerosus |
An uncommon, chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the genital area, resulting in white patches and scarring. |
Lymphogranuloma venereum |
Caused by certain strains of chlamydia which can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
Molluscum contagiosum |
A harmless skin infection caused by a virus and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact. |
Mycoplasma genitalium |
A bacterial infection which can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
Pelvic inflammatory disease |
Inflammation or infection of the reproductive system in the pelvis. It only affects people with a vagina and uterus. |
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. |
Scabies |
Infestation of the skin by a tiny eight-legged mite and can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact. |
Syphilis |
Bacterial STI and can be passed on through skin-to skin contact. |
Thrush |
A common infection caused by an overgrowth of yeasts which naturally occur in the vagina. |
Trichomonas |
An infection of the genitals and can be passed on during sex without a condom. |
Urethritis |
Inflammation in the urethra. |
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). |
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.