Sexual Health
Your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. We provide comprehensive, confidential sexual health care in a professional, non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns.
STIs are infections passed between partners through sexual activity. While it might feel awkward discussing your sexual health, it’s a crucial part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.
When You Visit Your GP
Your doctor will ask questions about your sexual history – not out of curiosity, but to properly assess your risk and provide appropriate testing, advice, and treatment tailored to your needs.
We recommend routine STI screening when:
- You have new sexual partners (even without symptoms)
- You or your partner develop symptoms
- A sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI
- It’s been 12 months since your last screening (for sexually active individuals)
STI Symptoms to Watch For
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Unusual discharge from vagina, penis, or anus
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Lumps, ulcers, sores, or itching around genitals or anus
- Unusual growths or warts in genital areas
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sex or between periods)
- Pelvic pain or unusual abdominal discomfort
HIV Prevention (PrEP)
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive medication for HIV-negative individuals at higher risk of HIV exposure. Our GPs can assess your individual risk factors and discuss whether PrEP is appropriate for your situation.
If you have concerns, book an appointment with you doctor today.
Male and Female Condoms
- Male condoms: Thin protective covering worn on the penis
- Female condoms: Inserted into the vagina before intercourse
- Important: Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also prevents STIs
- Can be used alongside other contraceptive methods for dual protection
Diaphragm
- Soft, reusable silicone cap placed over the cervix before sex
- Prevents sperm from entering the uterus
- Must be fitted by a healthcare professional
If you want to know more about your options, book in with your doctor today.
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP)
- Daily tablet containing combination hormones
- Highly effective when taken consistently
- Additional benefits may include lighter, more regular periods
Vaginal Ring
- Flexible plastic ring inserted into the vagina
- Contains same hormones as the pill
- Replaced monthly for continuous protection
Progestogen-Only Pill
- Daily hormone tablet
- Suitable for those who cannot take estrogen
- Must be taken at the same time each day
Contraceptive Injection
- Hormone injection administered every 3 months
- Convenient option for those preferring less frequent dosing
Contraceptive Implant
- Small rod inserted under the skin of your upper arm
- Provides protection for 3 years
- Easily reversible if you want to conceive
If you want to know more about your options, book in with your doctor today.
Long-acting, reversible contraception placed inside the uterus by a trained healthcare provider. Book in with our trained doctors today.
Two types available:
- Hormonal IUD: Releases progestogen, lasts 5 years
- Copper IUD: Non-hormonal option, effective for up to 10 years
Both are highly effective and can be removed at any time if you decide to conceive.
Genital warts are a common STI caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
What to Look For
Genital warts appear as:
- Small lumps that can be seen or felt
- Single warts or clusters resembling small cauliflower
- Flat or raised bumps
- May cause itching or discomfort
Common locations:
- Vulva, vagina, or cervix
- Penis or scrotum
- Around the anus
- Occasionally in the mouth or throat
When to See Your Doctor
- Notice unusual lumps or growths on your genitals
- Experience symptoms consistent with genital warts
- Have had sexual contact with someone diagnosed with genital warts
- Haven’t had a sexual health check in the past 12 months
If you are worried, book in to speak with your trusted doctor today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vaginal thrush?
Thrush is a common yeast infection of the vulva and vagina. It’s easily treated and can be prevented. It is also called vaginal candidiasis.
Candida exists in many areas of your body, but especially in your vagina, anus and mouth. Candida can cause problems when it grows out of control in these areas. It can cause infections such as thrush or oral thrush.
Vaginal thrush can affect females of any age, although it is more common in females who get periods. It is unusual in females who have not yet begun their periods and after menopause
What are the symptoms of vaginal thrush?
The most common symptoms are itching or burning around your vulva. You might also notice:
- a thick, white or creamy vaginal discharge which may look like cottage cheese
- pain or discomfort during sex
- a stinging sensation when urinating (weeing)
- swelling or redness around your vulva and vagina
- splits in the skin of your vulva
Vaginal thrush can be present with no symptoms. This does not require treatment.
What is delayed ejaculation?
Delayed ejaculation is when you have difficulties reaching orgasm and ejaculating. Ejaculation either takes much longer than desired or does not happen at all.
You may find that you can only reach orgasm and ejaculate after long periods of stimulation, even though you have normal desire and erections.
Delayed ejaculation may happen only with sexual intercourse with a partner. Or it may happen all the time, including when you masturbate.
Delayed ejaculation can be a temporary or a lifelong problem. It’s normal to experience it from time to time, and is only a problem if it is worrying you or your partner.
What is a dry orgasm?
Dry orgasm happens when:
there is no semen made in the body
the semen travels backwards into the bladder instead of coming out of the penis. This is called retrograde ejaculation. In this case some people notice their urine is cloudy after a dry orgasm
What causes a dry orgasm?
Dry orgasm can happen after some types of surgery to the bladder or prostate. In these cases, something has physically altered the usual flow of semen out through the penis.
Other causes of dry orgasm might be:
nerve damage due to diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke surgery or a spinal cord injury.
the use of some medicines, such as certain medicines to treat high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate, or depression (antidepressant medications)
surgery or radiation therapy to treat prostate cancer
conditions where no sperm is made
a blocked sperm duct
lack of the hormone called testosterone