Prevention is the most effective tool in sexual health. Whether you’re taking PrEP, using other forms of protection, or just staying informed, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of STIs and HIV.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication that reduces the risk of HIV infection by up to 99% when taken as prescribed. PrEP is available on the PBS in Australia and can be prescribed by any GP or authorised nurse practitioner.
PrEP is recommended for anyone at risk of HIV, including men who have sex with men, people with HIV-positive partners, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and anyone who has had a recent STI diagnosis. PrEP can also be taken on-demand (event-based dosing) for eligible patients.
PrEP users should have a sexual health check-up, including HIV and kidney function testing, every 3 months.
Find out more: ASHM PrEP Guidelines – prepguidelines.com.au
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a course of antiretroviral medication that can prevent HIV infection if started within 72 hours of a potential exposure – ideally within 24 hours. PEP is available from sexual health clinics, hospital emergency departments, and some GPs.
Find out more: Get PEP – getpep.info | ASHM PEP Guidelines – pep.guidelines.org.au
Using condoms and dental dams during sex significantly reduces the risk of transmitting and acquiring STIs. Condoms are effective against many STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and syphilis, though they cannot protect against all infections spread through skin-to-skin contact (such as herpes or HPV).
Use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to reduce the risk of breakage. Hormonal contraception (such as the pill) does not protect against STIs.
Many STIs have no symptoms. Regular testing is the only way to know your status.
People living with HIV on effective antiretroviral treatment with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. This is supported by strong clinical evidence and reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Open communication about sexual health is one of the most effective prevention tools. If you’ve been diagnosed with an STI, free anonymous partner notification is available at letthemknow.org.au.
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) is an emerging strategy where a single dose of doxycycline is taken within 72 hours of condomless sex to reduce the risk of bacterial STIs including chlamydia and syphilis. This is not yet formally recommended in Australian guidelines – speak to your doctor if you’d like to know more.
All medical content on this site is authored by registered Australian medical practitioners. Content is reviewed and aligned with the Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care as managed by the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM).
Last clinically reviewed: February 2026 by Dr Cris Quitral, Chief Medical Officer.