Sexual health
Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality, not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.
Good sexual health requires a positive approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having safe and pleasurable sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence (WHO, 2006).
There are a number of infections that can affect your sexual health (including your fertility) and, in some cases, be transmitted to your sexual partner(s):
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Chancroid*
- Chlamydia*
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
- Donovanosis*
- Genital warts (human papillomavirus)
- Gonorrhoea*
- Hepatitis A*
- Hepatitis B*
- Hepatitis C*
- Herpes (genital)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)*
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Pubic lice (crabs)
- Scabies
- Shigella infection*
- Syphilis*
- Thrush
- Trichomonas infection
- Urethritis, non-specific
Many sexually transmissible infections do not have any symptoms. The only way to know if you have a sexually transmissible infection, and to keep yourself and your partner healthy, is to get checked regularly.
Contact a GP or a sexual health service, such as Adelaide Sexual Health Centre or SHINE SA, to find out more or to make an appointment.