Proximity to care key to sexual health

Sexual health epidemiologist A/Prof Eric Chow said the recent study of more than 7,000 patients revealed that distance rather than socioeconomic status was the main contributing factor behind delayed presentation to a clinic specialising in sexually transmitted infections (STI).

“This is the first time we’ve measured these barriers in such a significant manner, and it really highlighted ways we can make some significant inroads,” A/Prof Chow said.

“Improved local access to healthcare, alongside targeted strategies to encourage early healthcare seeking is likely to make significant inroads into this issue and reduce the STI burden across the state.

“We’ve already made some progress with the establishment of the Victorian Sexual Health Network in outer-Melbourne suburbs, and this has grown markedly since its establishment in 2021.”

Despite the establishment of the network, A/Prof Chow said many Victorians are still unaware of where to seek treatment for an STI.

“Interestingly, we found that gay/bisexual men sought healthcare earlier than heterosexual men, and individuals with marked symptoms or conditions such as genital herpes and gonococcal urethritis also presented earlier than those diagnosed with conditions with milder symptoms,” A/Prof Chow said.

“Despite this, many are still delaying seeking treatment, which can not only be harmful to the individual, but also puts any sexual partner they have at risk. The sooner you seek treatment, the less likely you are to pass on the infection.

“Additionally, early treatment can reduce negative health consequences such as infertility, chronic pain, and foetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.”

To locate a sexual health clinic in your area visit our Stay STI free website.