Safe, Smart, Sexy : A Guide to STI Screening and PrEP
Let’s Talk About It — Like Adults
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, often silent, and completely manageable with regular screening and a smart plan. Whether you're in a new relationship, ethically non-monogamous, or just want peace of mind, sexual health should be part of your routine healthcare.
No awkward silences, no judgment — just a proper plan that suits your life.
You'd have to try pretty hard to shock me, but a thorough sexual history is of course essential - don't stress - I've heard it all before.
Who Should Be Screened?
All sexually active people under 30 (especially men who have sex with men)
Anyone with new or multiple partners
People not consistently using condoms
Those engaging in group sex or chemsex
Anyone on PrEP (or considering it)
Pregnancy planning or during antenatal care
Frequency matters: every 3–12 months depending on your risk profile.
What Does an STI Screen Involve?
It’s quick, discreet, covered by Medicare and surprisingly easy:
Urine test or swabs for Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea for men and women
Blood tests for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis A/B/C if at a higher risk
Throat and rectal swabs if relevant to your sexual practices
Optional: Herpes serology, HPV testing in some cases
Results usually return within a few days — and most STIs are curable or easily managed. We know it can be stressful waiting for your results - I try to message my patients as soon as their results become available - whether the results are positive or negative.
PrEP: Game-Changer for HIV Prevention
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a once-daily or event-based medication that can reduce HIV transmission by over 99% when taken correctly.
Safe, subsidised in Australia
Requires 3-monthly check-ins (HIV, STI, kidney tests)
Can be used continuously or around specific risk periods
Great for men who have sex with men, serodiscordant couples, and sex workers
Event-Based (On-Demand) PrEP Dosing – 2-1-1 Rule:
2 tablets: Take 2–24 hours before sex
1 tablet: Take 24 hours after the first dose
1 tablet: Take 48 hours after the first dose
On-demand PrEP is only recommended for cisgender men who have sex with men. Not suitable for daily use in women, trans individuals, or people with chronic Hep B.
For more detailed guidance, visit the ASHM PrEP Guidelines — Australia’s leading HIV and STI education body.
You can stop and restart as needed — it’s flexible, doctor-guided, and incredibly effective.
What About HPV and Genital Warts?
HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone up to age 26 (and catch-up possible to age 45)
HPV can cause cervical, throat, anal, and penile cancers — screening and vaccination work
Genital warts are usually caused by non-cancerous strains and are treatable