PRECONCEPTION HEALTH
Sexual Health Check
Key things to know
- A sexual health check is not just about testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s also a chance to talk about reproductive health, contraception, and to make sure you’re up to date with other important tests such as your cervical screen.
- Testing for STIs is important because many don’t cause symptoms. If left untreated, STIs can damage reproductive organs and lead to infertility – but most can be easily treated with antibiotics if caught early.
- A cervical screening test checks the health of your cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer. It’s best to make sure your screening is up to date before pregnancy.
Myth busting
Fact: Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t cause any symptoms at all. You can have an infection and not even know it. That’s why regular STI screening is so important — even if you feel completely fine. It’s recommended to get tested every 6 to 12 months, or more often if you have a new partner or change partners frequently. Regular testing helps keep you and your future baby safe and ensures infections are treated early.
Fact: Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI — even if you’ve only had one partner. What matters is whether you or your partner have ever had unprotected sex. The best protection is using condoms and having regular sexual health checks.
Fact: STI testing is quick, simple and private. Health professionals do these tests every day – it’s a normal part of looking after your health.
Getting tested shows that you care about your own wellbeing and your partner’s health too.
Work as a team
Anyone can have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) without knowing it. Getting tested together as a couple can give you peace of mind about your health before trying for a baby.
Regular sexual health checks are recommended for all sexually active adults who are having unprotected sex. It’s a simple way to look after both your own health and your partner’s health, and to give your future baby the best start possible.
Facts
There are over 25 different infections that can be transmitted sexually. Unprotected sex increases your risk of these, which is why regular STI checks are important to protect your health.
Untreated infections can damage reproductive organs and lead to infertility. Getting tested regularly helps detect and treat infections early, before they cause complications.
Most women can collect their own cervical screening sample using a swab.
This is done in a private space at a healthcare centre, such as a GP clinic or sexual health service. Your sample is sent to a laboratory, and your health professional will follow up with the results.
Self-collection makes cervical screening more convenient and comfortable, while still protecting your health.
Fact sheets
Checklist for women
Download : Checklist for women
Checklist for men
Download : Checklist for men
Wait! There’s more
Many parents wait until they are pregnant to visit the GP, but visiting beforehand helps you optimise health – improving egg and sperm quality, creating a healthier pregnancy environment, and giving your baby the best start. Head to your GP before the baby bump, so you can be the healthiest you when the baby is ready to start growing
Taking steps towards health early can lead to a healthier pregnancy. Your GP can support you in this journey and consider the whole picture that is you.
Seeing your GP before the baby bump ensures your body is ready once you’re expecting, giving you more time to enjoy your pregnancy.
Support resources
Sexual health: myths vs truths
Short animated video on self-collecting for cervical screening
Stop The Rise of STIs – To support learning around sexual health and sexually transmitted infections
Find a place to have STI testing
13HealthWebtest – A free test for genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea that can be ordered online by Queenslanders 16 years and older. It is confidential and you don’t need a Medicare card to order
References
- Hart, R. J. (2016). Physiological aspects of female fertility: Role of the environment, modern lifestyle, and genetics. Physiological Reviews, 96(3), 873–909. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00023.2015
- Womens Health Victoria. (2022). Top 5 STI myths busted. 1800 My Options. Retrieved October 2025, from https://www.1800myoptions.org.au/blog/top-5-sti-myths-busted/
Understand your health before the baby bump
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