Sexual health is far more than protecting yourself from STIs or avoiding unplanned pregnancies. Good sexual health is as important as your physical and mental health and forms an integral part of your overall wellbeing.
For example, being aware of the numerous sexually transmitted diseases, and how they’re passed from one person to another, their effects on our health is part of good sexual health.
Some common sexual health issues may include:
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Birth control and unplanned pregnancies
- Reproductive system disorder
- Gynaecologic issues
- Urinary system disorders
- Infertility
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of sexual desire
- Choosing the right contraception
- Emergency contraception
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Chlamydia – Over 97,000 Australian men and women are infected with Chlamydia each year, making it the most frequently reported infectious disease in the country. Typically, a “silent” condition, some people may complain about stinging symptoms when passing urine.
- Gonorrhoea – Often affecting the rectum, urethra and the throat, pain or burning during urination is usually the first sign of gonorrhoea.
- Syphilis – This is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that starts as a painless sore, but will disappear on its own. However, once you’re infected, you can still pass it on to someone else until 18 months.
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C – Both of these viral infections can cause chronic, long-term attack in the liver with symptoms like fever, fatigue and passing dark yellow urine within 6 months of the initial viral exposure.
- Tricomonas – Caused by a tiny parasite, it usually passes through sexual intercourse and mostly affecting women.
- Mycoplasma- Pathogenic to humans, this bacterium can cause chest colds, sore throats, ear infections as well as pneumonia.
- Ureaplasma – Although not considered a classic STI, it is very common in sexually active adults and can also be passed from mother to child.
Reproductive and sexual health vaccinations
One important tool against STIs is vaccination. Currently, vaccinations are available to protect against infection with HPV, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis A – The vaccine is given in the form of two injections over a six-month period. It is often recommended by doctors practicing from South Melbourne Medical Hub that anyone travelling to an area of high prevalence, international travellers people with occupational risk to exposure, and men who have sex with men to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is delivered through up to four injections over a 6 to 12-month period. It is often recommended by doctors practicing from South Melbourne Medical Hub that sexual partners of anyone with hepatitis B, sexually active but not in long-term relationships, people who are treated for STIs and all infants and children who have not had the vaccine to get vaccinated.
HPV – Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against cervical, head and neck cancers. It is passed through sexual contact. Sometimes there is no harm and the infection can retreat on its own. However, the virus can persist and cause cells to change, which may lead to a number of more serious complications. The HPV vaccine is delivered in three doses, spaced two and then four months apart.
South Melbourne Medical Hub is also your best contraceptive partner
- Oral contraceptive medications
- Depot injections
- Implanon insertion and removal
- Intrauterine device insertion and removal
Unplanned pregnancy
Sexual health is far more than protecting yourself from STIs or avoiding unplanned pregnancies. Good sexual health is as important as your physical and mental health and forms an integral part of your overall wellbeing.
For example, being aware of the numerous sexually transmitted diseases, and how they’re passed from one person to another, their effects on our health is part of good sexual health.
Some common sexual health issues may include:
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Birth control and unplanned pregnancies
- Reproductive system disorder
- Gynaecologic issues
- Urinary system disorders
- Infertility
- Sexual dysfunction
- Loss of sexual desire
- Choosing the right contraception
- Emergency contraception
Common STIs and their Symptoms We Conduct Tests For
At South Melbourne Medical Hub, we perform screenings for many STIs, with results being returned quickly. There are over 20 known sexually transmitted diseases and some may come with symptoms that require immediate medical help.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Chlamydia – Over 97,000 Australian men and women are infected with Chlamydia each year, making it the most frequently reported infectious disease in the country. Typically, a “silent” condition, some people may complain about stinging symptoms when passing urine.
- Gonorrhoea – Often affecting the rectum, urethra and the throat, pain or burning during urination is usually the first sign of gonorrhoea.
- Syphilis – This is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that starts as a painless sore, but will disappear on its own. However, once you’re infected, you can still pass it on to someone else until 18 months.
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C – Both of these viral infections can cause chronic, long-term attack in the liver with symptoms like fever, fatigue and passing dark yellow urine within 6 months of the initial viral exposure.
- Tricomonas – Caused by a tiny parasite, it usually passes through sexual intercourse and mostly affecting women.
- Mycoplasma- Pathogenic to humans, this bacterium can cause chest colds, sore throats, ear infections as well as pneumonia.
- Ureaplasma – Although not considered a classic STI, it is very common in sexually active adults and can also be passed from mother to child.
Reproductive and sexual health vaccinations at South Melbourne Medical Hub
One important tool against STIs is vaccination. Currently, vaccinations are available to protect against infection with HPV, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis A – The vaccine is given in the form of two injections over a six-month period. We recommend anyone travelling to an area of high prevalence, international travellers people with occupational risk to exposure, and men who have sex with men to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is delivered through up to four injections over a 6 to 12-month period. We recommend sex partners of anyone with hepatitis B, sexually active but not in long-term relationships, people, who are treated for STIs and all infants and children who have not had the vaccine to come and get vaccinated.
HPV – Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against cervical, head and neck cancers. It is passed through sexual contact. Sometimes there is no harm and the infection can retreat on its own. However, the virus can persist and cause cells to change, which may lead to a number of more serious complications. The HPV vaccine is delivered in three doses, spaced two and then four months apart.
South Melbourne Medical Hub is also your best contraceptive partner
At South Melbourne Medical Hub, we believe contraception is an integral part of your reproductive and sexual health. And when it comes to deciding your best match, our doctors can work along with you to find your perfect fit.
Our doctors will consider many factors such as effectiveness, cost, your general health and medical history, efficacy, cost and also the ability to prevent STIs when deciding the best contraceptive method for you.
We provide the following services for contraception;
- Oral contraceptive medications
- Depot injections
- Implanon insertion and removal
- Intrauterine device insertion and removal
Unplanned pregnancy
If you have become pregnant without planning you can find professional help and information at our clinic. Our clinicians can provide you with the tools to make an informed decision on the outcome of your pregnancy. If you do wish to terminate your pregnancy, all of our doctors can provide referrals for surgical termination.