Pubic lice (crab lice or ‘crabs’) are small, flat, light-brown parasites that cling to body hair. They’re easily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during sex. They can also be spread by contact with towels, undergarments and bedding used by an infected person. Pubic lice can cause small red areas, sores, and itching.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an STI-related condition and is usually the result of infection with bacterial STI such as
Tinea (Jock Itch)
Tinea is a common fungal skin condition. It can affect warm, moist areas, such as skin folds e.g. between toes, groin and under breasts.
Scabies
Scabies is caused by a tiny mite that lives underneath the skin. The female mite is only just visible to the naked eye, about the size of a pin head.
Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by bacteria and is contagious in the early stages of transmission. Without treatment, it can cause irreversible damage to the brain, nerves and body tissues.
Thrush (Candidiasis)
Thrush is a fungal condition caused by an overgrowth of the yeast candida albicans, which lives naturally all over the body, including the mouth, vagina and anus.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (trich for short) is a protozoan infection that causes inflammation of genitals.
Douching
Douching is a method of gently flushing the vagina or anus with water or solutions. Regular douching is not recommended,
Working on Your Period
Menstrual Sponges Menstrual sponges come in sterile packs and are manufactured, so there is less chance of vaginal irritation or
‘Natural’ or Unprotected Services
In some states and territories, the use of prophylactics (condoms, dams and sometimes gloves) for oral, full service and other
Sexual Health Testing in Australia
Sex workers in Australia have retained very low rates of HIV and STIs due to the rapid response led by
Sex Workers Living with HIV
There has been a high level of misinformation and hysteria about people living with HIV doing sex work. Other sex
Penile & Testicular Health
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are non-contagious bacterial infections of the urinary tract when bacteria get into the urethra. They are
Trick Sex
Variations that may be Mistaken for STIs
There are many individual differences in anal and genital anatomy. Sometimes they may be mistaken for an STI. Pearly Papules
Viagra & Other Enhancements
This resource has outlined the most common interactions and side effects for Viagra. However, many sexual enhancement medications have interactions
Touring
Abbreviations for Sex Work Services
Abbreviations or acronyms are used to shortcut the description of different sex work services. There are many variations, but the
