The Better2Know Blog

The Western Australian government has launched a new sexual health campaign ‘Healthysexual’ to promote STI prevention, testing and treatment, as well as to encourage more open conversations about the impact of STIs on individuals and society.

The University of New South Wales in Sydney is currently conducting the Gay Asian Men’s Survey (GAMS) for 2021. GAMS aims to survey Asian men who are members of the LGBTQ+ community in Australia, gathering information on their sexual health and well-being.

The concept of ‘sexual health’ is multifaceted. It incorporates both physical and psychological elements, as well as other aspects surrounding general wellbeing. Like any other part of your health, there are steps men should take to look after their sexual health.

Discussing STIs with a past or present partner is never going to be an enjoyable conversation, but it is essential. Sharing your STI status is an important part of stopping the chain of infection and protecting both your and your partner’s health. During these difficult conversations, it is normal for emotions to run high, so here are some tips on how to try to ease the process.

Hepatitis A, B and C are the most common forms of Hepatitis found in Australia. All three types of Hepatitis affect the liver, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. However, how each type is transmitted, treated and the seriousness of the infection differs.

While it is true that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are most common among women, men can also develop them. UTIs can be very painful and uncomfortable but can be easily treated. Here, we discuss the symptoms, causes and treatments for UTIs in men.

The good news is that HIV is far less common now than it once was. 2018 saw the lowest number of new HIV diagnoses in over two decades in Australia – a country that has been praised as a leader in HIV prevention. However, 2019 saw an increase in diagnoses, with a growing proportion among heterosexual Australians.

Unfortunately, once you catch Herpes, there is no getting rid of it. However, a new study may have revealed what causes recurrence of the virus and could lead to new methods of prevention.

Mycoplasma is among the most common STIs in Australia, affecting both men and women. It is often treated with antibiotics; however, a recent study has shown that this course of treatment is leading to the infection becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant, with fears that it could turn into a ‘super bug’.