Sexual Health

At Ocean Medical Practice, our Bondi doctors are experienced in diagnosing and treating STIs. Many people who have an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) do not have any symptoms. In general, a sexual health screen can check for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C. Depending on your sexual history and risk factors, our Bondi GPs may recommend additional tests or screenings. If you have symptoms, additional tests may include a urine test for Mycoplasma Genitalum or Swabs for Genital Herpes (HSV) If you have concerns about your sexual health or recent sexual contacts, it's important to speak to your GP about a sexual health check and discuss whether medications are appropriate depending on the risks. For heterosexuals, regular STIs are advised depending on the number of sexual partners you have and whether you use condoms properly.
For men who have sex with men, an STI screen is recommended every 3-12 months depending on the number of sexual partners you have. In addition to sexual health screens and treatment, it is important to consider Sexual Health Prevention - taking steps to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. Some considerations to reduce your risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancy include:

1. Using barrier methods: Such as Condoms and Dental dams to reduce the risk of STIs during oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
2. Getting tested for STIs regularly can help detect infections early and prevent the spread of infections to others.
3. Communicate with your partner: Open and honest communication with your partner(s) about sexual health can help reduce the risk of infections.
4. Use Contraception such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) to prevent unplanned pregnancies. However, this does not reduce your risk of STIs.
5. Get vaccinated: Some STIs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), can be prevented with vaccination. Hep A and Hep B vaccines can prevent Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B infection.

Sexual Health Prevention is just as important as test and cure. 
At Ocean Medical Centre, our Bondi doctors and GP team maintain strict confidentiality and treat all patients with courtesy and respect. Our doctors take a holistic approach to your health care needs and ensure that all Sexual Health concerns are treated in a sensitive manner. 
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