International student sexual health
There’s a lot to consider as an international student – exploring a new campus, making new friends, and even dating and relationships. Find out about a range of sexual health and wellbeing topics, as well as how to access services and use the Australian healthcare system.
Using the Australian healthcare system
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Access to sexual health services
In Australia, healthcare can be accessed through either the public or private system.
The public health system is accessed through Medicare, which completely covers the cost of many services, and is usually only available to Australian citizens, permanent residents and migrants from a selected list of countries through Reciprocal Health Care Agreements.
The private health system can be accessed by anyone who pays to join an insurance fund, where services are fully or partially paid for by a private health insurance policy. You can also pay private fees in full without health insurance.
As international students, your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) will help you cover the costs of sexual and reproductive health services. However, each OSHC plan can be different depending on your provider. So, it is important to check with your provider and ask them about waiting periods, exclusions and other limitations on your plan.
Find out more about paying for healthcare in Australia.
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What is a general practitioner (GP)?
In Australia, general practitioners (GPs) are doctors and are the most common health service to use for any health concerns, including sexual health. They are usually the service you would go to first. They can help you with:
- Sexually transmissible infections (STI) information, testing and treatment
- Counselling for contraception (including providing prescriptions)
- Vaccinations (e.g. HPV and hepatitis vaccines)
- Cervical screening (previously called ‘pap smears’)
- Referrals for further investigations and treatment (e.g. blood tests, x-rays, hospitals, counselling and specialists).
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How can a GP assist me with my sexual health?
Although most GPs provide contraception and advice on STIs, not all GPs can provide all sexual and reproductive health services. For example, only GPs who have done special training can insert intrauterine devices (IUDs) or the contraceptive implant. So, it is important to check with your GP on what they can do.
In addition to GPs, sexual and reproductive health services can be provided by nurses, pharmacists, and specialists (e.g. obstetricians/gynaecologists specialise in the female reproductive system, and urologists specialises in the male reproductive system).
Learn about the roles of different health professionals in your sexual health.
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Medical privacy in Australia
Your medical privacy is protected in Australia. When you share information with a health professional, they are legally required to keep your information safe and confidential. Anything said to your doctor during a consultation is private and will not be shared with others – not even your family members, partner, university, employers, or the immigration department. If you attend the University Health Service, this information will not be shared with anyone else at the University.
Learn more
Come across a word you’re not sure about?
Sexual health services in Victoria
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Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC)
You can get free STI testing and treatment at the MSHC, including HIV PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for people who may have been exposed to the HIV virus. All their services are free, however they can refer you to another provider who may charge fees. You can walk in or book an appointment.
MSHC also works with some GPs to provide sexual health services through GP partner clinics.
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Sexual Health Victoria (SHV)
SHV provides sexual and reproductive healthcare through specialised General Practice Clinics. You can seek advice and treatment on contraceptive options, relationships and sexuality including STI testing and pregnancy options, including medical abortion. You may be required to pay fees for these services.
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Women’s sexual and reproductive health hubs
There are several hubs around Melbourne that provide information and services for contraception, STI testing, medical abortion and referral for surgical abortion. You may be required to pay fees for these services.
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University of Melbourne Health Service
GPs at our Health Service can provide sexual health advice and treatment for all genders and sexual orientations, including contraception, STIs, HIV PrEP prescriptions and any general sexual health issues. Learn more about fees and charges for these services.
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Safer Sex Practices program
Our Safer Sex Practices program provides free safer sex products, including external/male and internal/female condoms, dental dams and personal lubricants. It is available to all University of Melbourne students.
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Marie Stopes International Australia (MSI Australia)
MSI Australia provides sexual health services such as contraception, abortions and pregnancy options counselling. Interpreters are available during consultations. You may be required to pay fees for these services.
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PrEPMe Clinic at Alfred Health
The PrEPMe Clinic provides assessment and management of HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for people who are not eligible for Medicare.
To find out more about PrEP and how to access it see PrEPaccessNOW or Get PrEP'D.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
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What are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (also called STIs and STDs) are infections that can be spread from one person to another during sex. Most STIs are ‘silent’ (meaning they don’t have symptoms) but can cause serious health problems if you don’t get them treated.
You can protect yourself against many STIs by using condoms and/or dental dams whenever you have sex (vaginal sex, oral sex and anal sex). However, condoms are not 100 per cent effective at protecting against all infections, which is why it’s important to be tested for STIs regularly, even if you have used condoms with all your sexual partners.
Some STIs have symptoms. Symptoms include pain during weeing or sex and itching or unusual discharge from the genitals or anus. However, a lot of the time you can have an STI and not have any symptoms.
Find out more about STIs on StaySTIFree and Sexual Health Victoria.
Learn more about specific STIs.
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When to get tested for STIs
It is recommended that people who are having sex and are under the age of 30 have a sexual health check-up at least once a year. Some people may be at higher risk of an STI and should be tested more often than this, your doctor can tell you if this is the case for you. You should speak to your doctor about having an STI test if you:
- Have a new sexual partner
- Have been told by a sexual partner that they have an STI
- Have any symptoms (or have a sexual partner with symptoms)
- Are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
- Are concerned for any reason about your risk of STIs.
If you have symptoms, you can take this simple quiz to know how quickly you need to see a doctor.
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How and where to get tested for STIs
You can go to any general practice for an STI test, including the University of Melbourne Health Service. You can also go to specialist sexual health services, such as Melbourne Sexual Health Centre or Sexual Health Victoria.
An STI test might involve a urine (wee) sample, genital swab and/or blood sample. If you have symptoms, your doctor or nurse may also ask to do a physical examination. Find out more about STI testing.
Not sure how to ask for an STI test? You can say something like this to the nurse or doctor:
“I’m here because I would like a sexual health check-up.”
Here are some more suggestions on how to start the conversation with a doctor.
You can also explore what a healthcare provider might ask you during a sexual health check-up.
Any information you give to your health provider during your consultation will remain private and confidential and will not be shared with anyone else.
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Cost of STI testing and treatments
How much a service costs depends on where you go, who you see, and the type of private health insurance you have. Find out more about paying for healthcare in Australia and how to access free or affordable care.
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Video: International students’ experiences managing their sexual health
Hear about international students’ experiences managing STIs and their sexual health in this video from Sexual Health Victoria.
Contraception and pregnancy prevention
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Contraception options in Australia
Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy and can also be used to manage symptoms such as painful periods or conditions like endometriosis.
In Australia, everyone who wants to, can use contraception. There are many choices available, and you have the right to decide which contraception you want to try. Some options, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant, also called Implanon or ‘the rod’, are more effective at preventing pregnancy than other methods.
Different methods can have different side effects and prices. Some contraceptive options can be purchased at the supermarket or the pharmacy (for example, condoms, or emergency contraception) and some will require you to see a doctor before you can start their use (for example, the pill or an IUD).
Not all contraceptive options will suit everyone, so it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider about what contraception is best for you.
Contraception options in Australia include:
- Condoms
- Combined oral contraceptive pill, also known as ‘the pill’
- Mini pill
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs), also called the Mirena, Kyleena or copper IUD
- Contraceptive implant, also known as Implanon or ‘the rod’
- Emergency contraception, also known as ‘the morning after pill’
- Vaginal ring
- Diaphragm
- Contraceptive injection
- Sterilisation
- Withdrawal
- Fertility awareness tracking.
It’s important to remember that condoms are the only method of contraception that also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Learn more about your contraception options.
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How and where to get contraception?
The best way to decide what contraception might be right for you is to discuss it with a healthcare provider. You can book an appointment with any general practice, including the University of Melbourne Health Service or specialist sexual health services, such as Sexual Health Victoria. Students at the University of Melbourne can also discreetly access free barrier contraception through the University of Melbourne Safer Sex Practices program.
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What might happen at a contraception appointment?
A contraception counselling appointment might involve discussing all the options available to you including how effective each method is and potential side-effects. Health providers may also discuss your general health and wellbeing to ensure the option chosen will be right for you.
Not sure how to ask about contraception with a doctor? You could say something like:
“I’d like to find out more about my contraception options” or
“I’d like to start using contraception but I’m not sure which one to try, can you give me some information about this?”
You can also explore what a healthcare provider might ask you about during a contraceptive counselling appointment.
Any information you give to your health provider during your consultation will remain private and confidential and will not be shared with anyone else.
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How much does contraception cost?
Different types of contraception can cost different amounts, and some forms of contraception may be covered by your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Explore different OSHC policies.
Understanding the cost of contraception is also something you can discuss with your health provider during a contraception counselling appointment. Students at the University of Melbourne can discreetly access free barrier contraception through the University of Melbourne Safer Sex Practices program.
Explore the approximate costs of contraceptive methods.
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Want to talk to someone about contraception now?
1800 My Options is Victoria’s sexual and reproductive health information service. You can call them for information on contraception, abortion or pregnancy options counselling on 1800 696 784.
You can also contact Sexual Health Victoria on 1800 013 952.
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Video: International students’ experiences of contraception and pregnancy prevention
Hear about international students’ experiences of contraception and pregnancy prevention in this video from Sexual Health Victoria.
Consent and healthy relationships
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Consent
Understanding consent is important, whether you are single, dating or in a relationship. Consent means being able to say “yes” or “no” to something. This can include sexual activity like hugging, kissing or having sex.
For more information about consent, visit the 1800 Respect website.
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Healthy relationships
Healthy relationships can improve our general health and wellbeing, but they can sometimes be difficult to manage. Find out more about having healthy relationships.
You can also access this information in Chinese, Hindi, Arabic and Vietnamese.
If you are concerned about the safety of your relationship or want to learn more about sexual misconduct, there are resources available at the University of Melbourne, including Respect at Melbourne. There are also a range of University support services for victim/survivors of sexual misconduct. Support and advice is also available through our Safer Community Program.
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Sex and the law
In Australia, there are laws in place to make sure that everyone has the right to safe, consensual sexual relationships. These laws cover things such as sexual assault and consent and can be different depending on which Australian state you live in. Learn more about sex and the law in Victoria.
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Video: International students’ experiences of consent and dating
Hear about international students’ experiences of consent and dating in Australia in this video from Sexual Health Victoria.
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Video: International students’ experiences of healthy relationships
Hear about international students’ experiences of healthy relationships and dating in Australia in this video from Sexual Health Victoria.
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Preventing Sexual Misconduct eLearning module
The University of Melbourne has also developed a Preventing Sexual Misconduct eLearning module that provides practical information about:
- Understanding sexual misconduct
- Contributing to a safe and respectful campus
- Getting support or making a complaint.
Preventing Sexual Misconduct is mandatory for:
- All commencing undergraduate and graduate coursework students
- All commencing graduate researchers.
Avoiding unplanned fatherhood
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Not ready to be a father? Top tips
Dating, relationships and intimacy can be exciting and fun. If you’re having sex, it’s important to use contraception to ensure you don’t have an unplanned pregnancy. Avoiding accidental pregnancy is the responsibility of both partners. The following tips are about avoiding pregnancies in your sexual relationships.
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1. Learn about contraception
It’s important to know what contraception methods are available to you and your partner, how they work and how effective they are. Some contraception methods are more effective than others, and work in different ways. For example, the pill must be taken every day, and for condoms to be effective you need to use one every time you have sex. Other methods like the intrauterine device (IUD) are inserted by a health provider and are effective until they expire or are removed. Find out more about different contraception methods.
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2. Condom use
Most contraception options available stop pregnancy in a female’s body, however men have contraception options too. Condoms can be used by men to reduce the chances of accidental pregnancy during sex. Condoms are also the only method to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). No method is 100 per cent effective, but using condoms and another form of contraception at the same time (for example, your female partner might be using the pill) can help to reduce your risk of unplanned pregnancy.
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3. Communication
It’s important to talk about contraception with your partner before you have sex for the first time, and regularly after that if you have the same partner. Don’t make assumptions about what contraception your partner may be using, or its effectiveness. If you’re not sure how to talk to a new partner about contraception you could consider saying:
“I think it’s important to talk about contraception so we can protect each other, is that okay?” or
“I like using condoms when having sex, can we talk about other methods we might use too?” or
“I want to do my part to make sure we are having safe sex, is it okay if we talk about contraception?”
If you have a regular or long-term partner, you might feel comfortable also talking about how you can be involved in reducing your risk of an unplanned pregnancy as a partnership. Most contraception methods are used by females, but you can still help share the responsibility. For example, you might remind your partner to take the pill, share the cost of contraception, or help manage side effects that may be of concern to your partner.
It’s important to remember that your partner may not want your involvement or help in managing their contraception, and that’s okay too – it’s ultimately their choice how involved they want you to be. What contraception your partner is or is not using is also their personal choice, and you should always respect their decision.
Female reproductive health and screening
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Pelvic pain
If you are experiencing pelvic pain (pain in the area below your belly button and between your hips), you should see your doctor. Find out more about the causes of pelvic pain.
If you have new pain that is very severe and sudden, you should see a doctor immediately.
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Menstrual health
You should see a doctor or nurse if you have very painful or heavy periods, or if you notice any changes to your menstrual cycle (for example, your period has suddenly stopped, you are bleeding more than you usually do, you have large blood clots, or you experience pain during your period that affects your quality of life). Learn more about some of the conditions that can affect women:
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Cervical screening
Cervical cancer is usually preventable when detected and treated early. A cervical screening test (previously a ‘Pap smear’) detects a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the main cause of cervical cancer.
If you are aged between 25–74 years, have had sex, and have a cervix, it is recommended that you have a cervical screening test every five years. This test involves a vaginal swab, and it can be collected by you (self-collected) or your doctor or nurse (clinician-collected). Find out more about the Cervical Screening Test.
The HPV vaccine is another effective way to protect against most illnesses caused by HPV. Everyone can receive the HPV vaccine, and it is generally recommended for those aged 9–25. If you have not been vaccinated for HPV previously, consider discussing this with a doctor. Anyone who would like the HPV vaccine can access it in Australia, although this may include some fees. Find out more about the HPV vaccine.
Speak to your doctor if you would like more information about the HPV vaccine, cervical screening, or think you are eligible for a test.
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Breast screening
Screening for breast cancer (a breast screening or mammogram) is recommended every two years for people aged 50–74 in Australia. Sometimes it is also recommended at an earlier age. Learn more about whether you should be screened for breast cancer, or you can speak with your doctor if you have any concerns. Find out more about breast health.
Thank you to Cassandra Caddy, Helen Bittleston, Ethan Trey Cardwell and Louise Bourchier from the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, and Madeleine Lim from the Department of General Practice and Primary Care for creating the first version of this page.