Rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Australia are raising concerns among health experts. Over the past decade, STI rates have increased by 46 percent, with significant implications for public health. In 2023, nearly 110,000 cases of chlamydia were reported, with women accounting for almost 70 percent of these notifications. Gonorrhea followed closely, with over 40,000 cases, half of which involved individuals aged 15 to 29.

Experts warn that the actual number of infections is likely much higher. Many cases go undiagnosed due to mild or absent symptoms and a lack of testing. A recent analysis by the Kirby Institute revealed that only 16 percent of Australians aged 16 to 49 have ever been tested for an STI, highlighting significant gaps in sexual health awareness and care.

Nearly half of Australian women report feeling discomfort or reluctance when discussing sexual health with healthcare providers. This stigma makes them more vulnerable to neglecting necessary testing. "There's a real sense of shame when it comes to STIs and that they say something about you personally rather than being a bacterial infection that, actually, somebody else gave you," said Jessica Lloyd, a vulvovaginal specialist naturopath. She emphasized that societal attitudes often link STIs to personal failings, particularly for women, while men do not face the same level of stigma.

To address these issues, Touch Biotechnology has developed an at-home STI self-test. This pre-screening tool allows women to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea with results available in just 15 minutes after a vaginal swab. Lloyd described this innovation as a "game-changer" for sexual wellness, stating, "Anything that makes it easier to get tested and treated is so important. So much damage is caused by untreated STIs and the longer it goes on, the worse it gets."

Many STIs can be asymptomatic or present symptoms that resemble other conditions, such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis. Testing remains the only reliable method to identify infections. Most STIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics, but without awareness of an infection, individuals cannot seek treatment. Lloyd advises that testing frequency should be based on sexual activity. "If you are having sex, get tested once a year, or if you change partners, you should make getting tested more regularly a priority," she said.

The growing crisis around STIs underscores the need for improved sexual health education and access to testing, particularly for women who may feel stigmatized or uncomfortable seeking care.