Unusual Discharge? Burning? Itching?

STIs and blood borne viruses (BBVs) can affect anybody. Some infections can be cured, some clear on their own and some may stay in the body long-term.

STIs don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, some common signs can include:

• Unusual discharge
• Itching, irritation or discomfort
• Burning when urinating
• Pain during sex
• Unexplained pelvic pain or bleeding

If something feels different, don’t ignore it. Getting tested helps protect you and the people you have sex with.

STIs aren’t the only cause of these symptoms. Things like thrush, skin irritation, ingrown hairs or heat rash can cause similar changes. But because the symptoms can overlap, the only way to know for sure is to get checked.

Getting tested is one of the easiest ways to look after your sexual health, and it’s much simpler than most people expect. Depending on your situation, testing may involve:

• A quick blood test
• A urine sample
• A simple self-collected swab

Many STIs are easily treated with a course of antibiotics, especially when found early. Even when there are no symptoms, regular testing is an important part of your sexual health regime.

STIs can be passed on through:

• Vaginal, anal and oral sex
• Skin-to-skin contact with the genital, oral or anal area
• Sharing injecting equipment
• From a pregnant person to their baby

You don’t need to have penetrative sex to get an STI. Oral sex and genital skin-to-skin contact can still pass some infections on.

Some of the most common infections people are tested for include:

STIs

• Chlamydia
•  Gonorrhoea
•  Syphilis

Blood-borne viruses (BBVs)

• HIV
• Hepatitis A, B and C

Normal vulval discharge should be clear or white, without a bad odour. It’s normal for the thickness of discharge to change throughout cycle. Normal discharge might appear:

• Texture: Thin and watery, creamy, or stretchy (similar to egg whites)
• Colour: Clear, milky white, or slightly cloudy
• Amount: Everyone makes different amounts of discharge. If you have a vagina, discharge might increase around ovulation, pregnancy or with sexual arousal, and can be impacted by factors such as the use of hormone treatments
• Smell: Mild or slightly musky, but not strong or unpleasant

Unusual discharge can be a sign something is wrong and you may need a check-up. Unusual discharge might appear:

• Texture: Thick, clumpy (like cottage cheese-like), very foamy or unusually watery
• Colour: Yellow, green, grey or brown (if not related to a period)
• Amount: A sudden increase or change from what’s normal for your body
• Smell: Strong, fishy or unpleasant odour
• Other symptoms: Itching, burning, irritation, pain when peeing or pain during sex

If you notice changes like these, it may be a sign to get checked by a healthcare provider. Many causes of unusual discharge are common and treatable.

At Sexual Health Victoria we offer confidential, non-judgemental STI screening at two Melbourne locations. Appointments can be booked Monday to Friday (we’re closed public holidays).

If you’ve noticed symptoms, had a recent change in partners, or just haven’t tested in a while, now is a good time to check in.

Where else can I get checked?

You can visit:

• Your local GP
• Sexual health clinics
• Family planning clinics
• Community health centres
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

Find a service near you using the National Health Services Directory, where you can filter by location, cost and more.