Video Transcription
The Facts about Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections are common among all young people across Australia. It’s important that young people are tested or come in and get themselves tested because, as we know, the majority of STIs are present in 15- to 34-year-olds. While STIs are common among all young people in Australia, unfortunately, they are even more common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Did you know nationally chlamydia is three times more common, gonorrhea is six times more common, and syphilis is up to seven times more common?
There are lots of reasons that this is a worry for our communities. A majority of the STIs are asymptomatic, meaning people have no idea they’re infected. They’re not giving off any signs, no symptoms. You’re not getting any warnings or any triggers that something is wrong inside you.
For example, up to 75 percent of people with chlamydia have no signs that they are sick. If you do happen to get some signs, those signs might be pain in the lower belly for women, pain, sores, or warts on sex parts, or discharge or pus from sex parts.
Well, you’re right. Order a painting wrong? What do you mean?
You’re painting?
I don’t know, burning, my learn a drool.
STIs are also a worry because they can stop us from being able to have children. It’s the damage that the STI can do, you know, internally to them. The big thing is infertility, you know, not being able to have any gorgeous little babies anymore. And I think that would be the biggest tragedy, full stop.
Sadly, if a pregnant woman has an STI, it can hurt the baby. It’s not a matter of just jumping in bed and popping babies everywhere. You’ve got responsibilities too, and babies can get sick too from these diseases. Very sick. They’re gonna learn that—oh, babe, we can pass away. You know, this thing is not one of you fixed.
If the thing gets treated, that’s why it’s important all pregnant women get tested multiple times during pregnancy for STIs and blood-borne viruses.
Condoms are the best way to prevent STIs. We talked about the fact that if you are going to have sex with one person, you need to make sure that you’re safe or that they’re safe. And whose responsibility is it?
We have all those conversations, and the fact that condoms are probably the most effective way to stop STIs. It’s not just about stopping pregnancy. If we all use condoms and get tested regularly, we can help reduce the rates of STIs.
Testing for STIs is really easy, and it’s free and private.
Is it okay? Thanks a lot.
Well, so we’ll see you back in a week for a lot.
The trick’s easy.
A minute and I did a great job today. You’re very brave.
I did have some tests, yes, and to be honest, on the inside, I was embarrassed and a little bit uncertain of their reactions and stuff. But, you know, at the end of it, I thought to myself, “It went so quick, why don’t I do it more often?” It was easy.
Treatment is available to get rid of most STIs. Testing is really important because if you’re not getting the testing, and if you’re going around with more people, then it’s just spreading.
You know, it starts with you getting tested and treated. Hope to stop STIs spreading in our communities.
Wait, we’re safe about it?
I didn’t think I had to, so we didn’t do anything about it.
Maybe we should go for a check-up just in case.
Yeah, just in case.
Okay, where you guys come with me to stop the spread of STIs? Partners need to be tested and treated too.
We’re at a point where we’re doing fantastic things in society. We need to be elevating people, empowering each other, and that’s where this comes in, because you empower yourself by getting the check.
Put a stop to it. It’s the only way these outbreaks can end.
It’s up to all of us to work together and do our bit. Together, we can stop it, either baby.
Video by youngdeadlyfree.org.au
