Sexual & Reproductive Health in Young People

What is sexual and reproductive health (SRH)?

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) includes preventing pregnancy, preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and having respectful relationships.

Why is SRH important for young people?

As a young person if you are sexually active, you are at increased risk of STIs compared to older people. The exact reason for this is not fully known but it likely due to several factors including biological differences and differences in sexual practices.

What are sexually transmitted infections that impact young people?

Sexually transmitted infections including several infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

In Australia, young people are the most likely age group to contract chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Chlamydia, which is the most common STI in those under 30yrs, commonly doesn’t cause symptoms in females and therefore without regular testing, you may not realise you have it. Early treatment with antibiotics can reduce the risk of long-term complications including pelvic infection, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. In Australia, in people that have ever been sexually active, we recommend testing every year

To read more about each specific STI, there is excellent information found here: https://shinesa.org.au/

What can I do to reduce my risk of STIs?

Barrier protection methods

The best way to reduce your risk of STIs is to use condoms. Barrier protection methods, such as condoms, act as a barrier to STIs and therefore reduce the risk of you getting one. It is important that you use condoms AND reliable contraception to prevent pregnancies, given condoms are great at reducing the risk of STIs but are less reliable for preventing pregnancy (see below).

Screening for STIs

In Australia, it is recommended that all people less than 30 years who have been sexually active should have a yearly STI check. This is because the most common STIs don’t cause symptoms however but screening for them, if there is any infection there, it can promptly be treated, which reduces the risk of complications. Screening can be via a urine test or swab.

Testing for STIs if you have symptoms

If you have any symptoms suggestive of a possible STI such as discharge or new lower abdominal pain, please consult your doctor or your local STI clinic.

What about cervical screening tests? When do I need to be tested?

Cervical screening tests (CSTs), previously known as the “Pap smear,” is a test that checks the health of your cervix.  It detects the human papilloma virus (HPV). If you have certain subtypes of HPV, over many years these can cause abnormal cells of the cervix and uncommonly cause cancer. In Australia, it is recommended that anyone with a cervix has a 5 yearly CST, beginning at age 25.

The best way to reduce your chance of HPV infection is by ensuring you have had your HPV vaccine. This is part of the National Immunisation Schedule and is given to female and males around 12-13 years. Using condoms when you have sex can also reduce your risk of HPV.

What about contraception? What is the best option for young people?

  • There is no perfect contraception that will work for everyone.

  • All contraceptive options have benefits, disadvantages and side effects and risks, and the ideal option for you may depend on other menstrual symptoms you have and pre-existing medical conditions.

  • Contraception options can be divided into most reliable, medium reliability and lower reliability.

  • A great summary about contraceptive options in young people, which I wrote recently, can be found here:

When should I see my Mikhaila?

If you would like to discuss sexual health including contraception, please give us a call to make an appointment with Mikhaila.  

Where are other important links for SRH for young people?

There are some amazing websites that already cover so much about relationships, sex, STIs. And the best part is they are dedicated to young people.

Here are a few places to look for reliable information

If you would like to discuss anything about safe sex, contraception and your health, please contact Mikhaila.

Melbourne Gynaecological Care

If you’re ready to start your journey to better health with one of Melbourne’s best gynaecologists, Mikhaila welcomes you to make an appointment.