Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health problem. More than half of all New Zealanders will get an STI at some point in their lives.

Symptoms can include:

• discharge
• sores or rash
• pain with weeing (dysuria)
• pain during sex (dyspareunia)
• pain in the lower belly.

Many people with an STI do not have any symptoms, but if untreated, they can still pass the infection to others. They are also at risk of developing longer term health problems including:

• chronic pain
• infertility
• genital tract cancer.

Pregnant women can pass the infection to their pēpi.

STIs can affect anyone, but they affect some groups more than others, including:

• rangatahi aged 15 to 29
• Māori and Pacific people
• men who have sex with men (MSM).

STIs may be diagnosed and treated by:

• sexual health services
• primary care providers
• community based providers.

The New Zealand Sexual Health Society has best practice guidelines on the management of STIs. These include information on:

• testing and treatment
• transmission prevention
• partner notification
• reducing potential health complications.

STI management guidelines — New Zealand Sexual Health Societyexternal link

New Zealand Sexual Health Society also has guidance for:

• DoxyPEP prescribing
• syphilis in pregnancy
• HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) prescribing.

Guidelines — New Zealand Sexual Health Societyexternal link

Sexually transmitted infections rates and trends

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) provides STI surveillance reports.

STI quarterly dashboard — ESRexternal link

The HIV Epidemiology Group provides national surveillance data on AIDS and HIV infection.

HIV Epidemiology Group Dashboard — HIV Epidemiology Groupexternal link

AIDS NZ newsletters — HIV Epidemiology Groupexternal link

HIV

Information about HIV including guidance on testing adults for HIV.

HIV