The Unseen Truth About Sexual Health
Did you know you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and not even know it?
It’s a startling reality—many STIs don’t come with obvious signs. This means countless individuals may unknowingly live with and transmit infections, believing everything is fine.
That’s why understanding STIs is so important. Knowledge is more than power—it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re in a new relationship, exploring your sexual health, or simply curious, this guide offers a clear framework: Symptoms, Silence, and Simple Steps to Test. It’s time to take control of your health with confidence and clarity.
The “Symptoms” You Might See: What to Look For
Disclaimer: While this section highlights common symptoms, many STIs show no symptoms at all. That’s what makes them so dangerous—and why routine testing is vital.
Genital or Anal Area
- Unusual discharge (e.g., thick, coloured, or foul-smelling)
- Itching or irritation
- Burning sensation during urination or intercourse
- Sores, ulcers, or blisters
- Bumps, lumps, or visible warts
- Pain during sex or while passing urine
Oral Area
- Cold sore-like blisters
- Redness or white patches
- Difficulty swallowing (in certain infections)
General Body Symptoms
- Unexplained rash (often on palms or soles)
- Fatigue or general weakness
- Fever or night sweats
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Unexplained weight loss
Key STIs and Their Common Symptoms
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: Often silent, but may cause discharge and painful urination
- Herpes: Painful blisters or sores on mouth or genitals
- Syphilis: Painless sore followed by rashes
- HPV: Visible genital warts in some strains
- Trichomoniasis: Itchy genitals, frothy odorous discharge
- HIV: Early flu-like symptoms, then often silent for years
Actionable Takeaway: If you notice any of these signs—or if you’re unsure—get tested. Never self-diagnose or delay seeking help.
The “Silence” That Speaks Volumes: Why Asymptomatic Is Alarming
You might think, “I feel fine—why would I need an STI test?”
That’s the dangerous myth. Many STIs lie silent, causing no symptoms until they progress into more severe health problems.
Why Do STIs Go Undetected?
- The body doesn’t always show signs of infection immediately
- Symptoms might be mild and dismissed as something else (e.g., yeast infection, irritation)
- Infections like Chlamydia, HPV, and HIV can persist for months or even years silently
The Hidden Consequences
- Infertility, especially from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in people with female reproductive systems
- Organ damage from untreated syphilis or HIV
- Pregnancy complications and risk of infecting the newborn
- Higher HIV risk due to weakened immune defence or existing STI
Think of it as a silent alarm going off in your body—you can’t hear it, but the damage continues.
Key Message: No symptoms ≠ no infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure.
“Simple Steps to Test”: Taking Control of Your Health
Good news—testing is more accessible, private, and easy than most people think.
Where Can You Get Tested?
Uniwell.Health offers bulk billed sexual health consultations for all Medicare card holders—making it easy and affordable to prioritise your health.
If further diagnostic testing is required, a $45 referral fee applies. This covers the processing of referrals to pathology providers and the clinical review of any incoming reports.
You can also access testing through other services such as:
- GPs or doctors’ offices
- Sexual health clinics
- Community health centres
- At-home STI testing kits (Note: while convenient, they should be followed up with a professional for accurate results and treatment advice)
What Happens During a Test at Uniwell.Health?
1. Consultation
You’ll start with a Consultation Booking at 4Uniwell Health and a confidential discussion after at your scheduled time. This helps determine which tests are appropriate based on your sexual history and any symptoms.
2. Sample Collection
Depending on the tests needed, your clinician may organise:
- Urine sample: Often used for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing
- Blood test: Common for HIV, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis
- Swabs: Taken from the genitals, throat, or rectum for infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes
Note: The $45 referral fee is only applicable when additional pathology services are required beyond the initial consultation.
Who Should Get Tested?
- Anyone sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners
- Pregnant individuals
- Those with any symptoms
- People whose partner tested positive for an STI
No judgment, no fear. Just a step toward clarity and care.
Beyond the Test: What Happens Next?
Getting Your Results
- Timing varies (some within 24–48 hours, others may take up to a week)
- You’ll be contacted via call, SMS, or secure message – depending on where you tested
If Your Result is Positive
- Bacterial infections (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis): usually treated with antibiotics
- Viral infections (like herpes or HIV): managed with ongoing treatment to reduce symptoms and transmission risk
- Partner Notification: It’s essential your sexual partners are informed so they can get tested too
- Retesting: Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure treatment success or monitor long-term conditions
If Your Result is Negative
- Continue to practise safer sex (e.g., condoms, regular testing, communication)
- Discuss when to test again (depends on your sexual activity and exposure)
Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge
STIs are not a reflection of your worth, character, or lifestyle – they’re simply a health issue that requires awareness, responsibility, and action.
Let’s recap:
- Symptoms may exist, but most STIs don’t show signs
- Silent infections can cause serious harm if ignored
- Testing is easy, confidential, and the only way to know
- Whether positive or negative, every result is a step forward in your health journey
Your sexual health deserves attention, not avoidance.
Make regular STI checks part of your self-care routine, just like a dentist appointment or health check-up.
Because when it comes to your body, silence is never golden. Speak up. Get tested. Stay empowered.