Many STIs have no symptoms, which means you can have an STI without knowing it. Regular testing, safer sex practices and early treatment can help protect your health and prevent transmission.
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) can be a bacteria, virus, parasite or other pathogen which is transmitted from one person to another during intimate physical contact or through birth.
Some common STIs include:
There are several ways to access sexual health testing and care across Tasmania. Many services are free or low cost, private, and confidential.
Public sexual health clinics offer testing, treatment, and advice. Clinics are available in Hobart and Launceston, with an outreach clinic in Devonport. Appointments are required.
Aboriginal Health Services provide culturally safe sexual health care, including testing and treatment.
Youth health services offer free, confidential sexual health care for young people, including testing and referrals.
Family Planning Tasmania provides sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing. Clinics are located in Burnie, Launceston and Glenorchy.
Appointments are required. Services are bulk billed for Medicare card holders.
Many GPs can provide STI testing, treatment, and referrals. Appointments are required, and costs may vary depending on bulk billing.
Online sexual health testing with minimal waiting time.
Low-cost or free options are available, depending on the service.
There are several ways to reduce your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Using one or more prevention options gives you better protection, but no method is 100% effective.
Using condoms and dental dams, with water- or silicone-based lubricant, helps reduce the risk of many STIs.
Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, so regular testing is the only way to know your status.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that greatly reduces the risk of HIV for people at higher risk.
Vaccines can protect against some STIs, including hepatitis B, hepatitis A, Mpox and HPV.
Safer sex is sex that is consensual and reduces the chance of exchanging semen, vaginal fluids, or blood between partners.
We provide practical support, trusted information, advocacy, referrals to help people affected by STIs.
Buy beppy sponges, condoms and lubes in reasonable prices from the TasCAHRD office.
Free safer sex packs delivered to your doorstep. Safer sex packs include 10 free condoms and sachets of lubes.
Request resources including condom wallets for your organisation, event or party. Get in touch to see how we can help.
We are here to answer your questions and support you. Call or chat with us online.
For more information or help working out which type of support it right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.