Too many Australians are living with undetected sexually transmitted infections with experts urging regular testing to address rising rates of some diseases.

In 2024, there were almost 6000 diagnoses of syphilis and more than 44,000 for gonorrhoea, a doubling of cases compared to 10 years ago.

Chlamydia was the most commonly reported STI in Australia with more than 100,000 diagnoses in 2024, half of which were among people aged 20 to 29 years.

Yet analysis by the Kirby Institute has found just 16 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 49 years had ever been tested for an STI, showing significant sexual health gaps.

"Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are bacterial infections that can usually be easily treated and cured with antibiotics," epidemiologist Skye McGregor said.

"However, if lef

See Full Page