What is Sexual Health Medicine?

Sexual Health Medicine includes: the testing, treatment and management of sexually transmitted infections; genital dermatology and other skin related problems; genital pain problems; reproductive health; and sexual assault care. Other areas of expertise include the sexual health of: adolescents; sex workers; gay and lesbian, transgender and prison populations; and Māori and Polynesian and other ethnic groups.

You can expect from our service:

• Friendly non-judgmental health workers
• Confidential service and confidential storage of your health information
• Your personal details will not be given to anyone without your consent
• Anonymous testing is possible – you may request testing that does not have your full name and identifying details on them
• Prompt results, given to you via phone, text or in person
• Free treatment and follow-up, counselling, education and advice
• Professional, up to date doctors and nurses with specialised training

You need to have a sexual health check:

• If you or your partner have other sexual partners
• If you notice pain on passing urine or during sex
• If you have lumps or sores on the genital area, an unusual discharge, rash, itchiness or smell, or if your sexual partner has these symptoms
• If you have had unsafe sex (sex without a condom)
• If you are worried for any reason

Important things to remember about your sexual health:

• You may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) without having any symptoms
• Some STIs can affect fertility in people of all genders
• STIs can be transferred from a birthing parent to their baby and cause problems during pregnancy or after birth
• Being in a long-term relationship is no guarantee you can't have an STI as you can have an STI for months or years.