Healthdirect — Safe sex
Australian health guidance covering consent, condoms, dental dams, regular checks and what to do after possible exposure.
Open trusted resource →SAFER CHOICES · TRUSTED AUSTRALIAN SOURCES
Safer sex and STI testing in Perth
A short, non-judgmental guide for adults. It supports informed choices but does not replace personal advice from a doctor or sexual health clinic.
Important: You cannot reliably tell whether someone has an STI by appearance. Barriers, clear consent, hygiene and testing guided by a health professional remain important even when nobody has symptoms.
Simple safer-sex principles
- 1Use a new condom or appropriate barrier for each activity and change it when moving between body areas.
- 2Use compatible lubricant. Healthdirect warns that oil-based products can weaken latex condoms.
- 3Talk clearly about consent and boundaries before contact. Either person can pause or stop at any time.
- 4Do not continue if there are concerning symptoms, broken skin, sores or unexpected pain. Seek professional advice.
- 5Ask a clinician how often testing is appropriate for your circumstances. A monthly reminder can help someone review their routine, but it is not a universal medical testing schedule.
- 6After condom breakage, slippage or possible HIV exposure, contact a clinic promptly. HIV PEP must be started within 72 hours.
Trusted help and testing
Scarlet Alliance Red Book
Sex-worker-led information about STI and BBV prevention, testing, symptoms, workplace safety and sex-worker-friendly services.
Open trusted resource →WA free testing information
WA Health says free online chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing is available through Get the Facts without requiring Medicare.
Open trusted resource →Royal Perth Sexual Health Clinic
Confidential counselling, testing and treatment information. WA Health lists the clinic phone as (08) 9224 2178.
Open trusted resource →Sex-worker-friendly testing locations
The Red Book directory includes WA services and notes that availability, fees and opening arrangements can change—call before attending.
Open trusted resource →Australian STI Guidelines
Clinical guidance explains that testing frequency should reflect individual practices, barrier use, breakages, symptoms, exposure and local guidance.
Open trusted resource →Cherry’s boundaries remain simple
Protection, active consent and respectful behaviour are required. Health information never changes or overrides Cherry’s published boundaries.
Read Cherry’s boundaries