How to manage your sexual health and prevent STIs

Published September 2025 | 5 min read
Expert contributors: Dr Sara Whitburn, Chair of the RACGP Sexual Health Medicine Specific Interest Group; Dr Anita Moss, Rural Women’s GP service; Dr Marny Lishman, psychologist and author
Words by Lucy E Cousins

From STI testing to mental wellbeing, here’s what women in their 40s, 50s and beyond need to know about looking after their sexual health.

From our teenage years through to menopause and beyond, our sexual health is more than just a physical issue – it’s closely tied to how we feel, how we connect and how we live each day.

“Our sexual health is a core part of our general health and wellbeing,” says Dr Sara Whitburn, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ Sexual Health Medicine Specific Interest Group. “Good sexual health supports both our physical and mental health, reduces the risk of illness and builds our self-respect, communication and confidence.”

While looking after our sexual health is important at any age, Dr Whitburn says women should prioritise it during their 40s, 50s and into their senior years.

Sexual health and older women

As we age, our sexual health can sometimes be overlooked. But a 2023 global study of people aged 60 and over found many continue to value their sexuality, expression, desire and identity throughout the ageing process, with almost half the participants (48%) engaging in sexual activity at least weekly.

At the same time, rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have also risen in this age group, with another 2023 report finding a rise in chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in Australians aged 40 and older. 

According to Dr Whitburn, these are the most common STIs affecting Australian women:

• Chlamydia: A common bacterial STI that often has no symptoms – especially in midlife – but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues like pelvic pain and complications in the reproductive system.
• Gonorrhoea: A bacterial STI that can infect the genitals, rectum or throat, often with few symptoms, and lead to complications if untreated.
• Syphilis: A bacterial STI with stages, starting with painless sores. If not treated, it can lead to serious long-term health problems.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): A viral infection with many strains – some cause genital warts, others can lead to cervical and other cancers.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV): A viral infection that can cause painful sores or blisters, usually around the mouth or genitals.

“This rise in STIs is due to a few factors,” says Dr Whitburn. “Condom use tends to be lower in this age group, and many [older] women may not have received comprehensive sexual health education when they were younger. Plus, there’s also still some stigma around testing, and doctor costs can be a barrier.”

Many older Australians are part of the ‘boomer’ generation – the women of the ‘60s and ‘70s who were part of the sexual revolution. As they navigate later-life divorce and online dating, and live longer, healthier lives than previous generations, they may not feel represented in the current sexual health conversation, says Dr Whitburn – or feel as confident in asking for what they need from a GP or partner.

Women in rural or remote areas face additional challenges when it comes to sexual healthcare.

“The biggest issue for women in rural and remote areas is lack of access to regular healthcare, due to low numbers of healthcare workers in these areas,” says Dr Anita Moss, a GP with the Rural Women’s GP service (RWGP). “Sometimes there can be a two- to three-month wait time for a face-to-face appointment. Women can be put off by this delay and don’t make the appointment at all, and they continue soldiering on.”

To make it easier to access critical primary care for our rural and remote members with hospital or extras cover, we’ll cover the cost of one 15-minute annual GP consult with our partner, GP2U^*.

How to improve your sexual health

When it comes to protecting your sexual health, prevention and safe-sex practices are key. Dr Whitburn recommends the following steps.

1. Use protection consistently

“Choose barriers like the internal or external condom or dental dam as they are very effective in reducing transmission of common STIs,” she says.

2. Get regular screenings and testing

“This includes routine cervical screenings every five years and if you’re over 26 years old, speak to your GP about the pros and cons of having the HPV immunisation later in life,” she explains.

3. Start the conversation

“Take the first step in speaking with your GP about your personal sexual health needs and concerns,” she says. This could include how to avoid bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections and vaginal thrush, which can sometimes be triggered or worsened by sex. The Australian Government has also recently approved increased Medicare rebates for longer GP appointments for women with complex gynaecological conditions.

4. Don’t ignore symptoms

“If you have symptoms like pain on urination, genital rash, genital ulcers, new or abnormal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse and irregular bleeding or bleeding after sexual intercourse, see your health professional,” she says.

If you live in an under-resourced area, it’s vital to be proactive and have regular, open conversations with your GP about your health, says Dr Moss. “Having a comprehensive discussion with your doctor at least annually about any health concerns means your doctor can ask more targeted questions to get a comprehensive history, to arrange appropriate investigations and follow up, before a treatment plan can be implemented.”

How does STI testing work?

Booking a test for the first time can feel a little daunting, but most STI testing is quick, private and easy. In some cases, a urine sample may be all that’s required, otherwise, a general STI screening usually includes:

• a blood test
• a vaginal swab
• a throat swab
• an anal swab (if relevant).

“The swabs look like a long cotton bud,” says Dr Whitburn. If you prefer, you can usually carry out the vaginal and anal swabs at the testing clinic yourself.

Mental health and sexual health

It’s completely normal for your emotional wellbeing to also affect your sexual health, says psychologist Dr Marny Lishman, who explains some issues are linked to psychological factors.

These are some of the factors that can affect both your emotional wellbeing and your sexual health.

• Your stage of life – for example, changes in a long-term relationship, perimenopause and menopause. Find out more on our Women’s Health Hub, as well as episode 3 (‘Menopause and your sex life’) of our Menopause Matters podcast.
• Your mental health – you may be living with a condition like anxiety or mood disorders.
• Your physical health – issues like an acute illness, a chronic condition, injury, medication side effects or when you’re just not operating at your best.
• Your previous sexual experiences – these can affect your emotions, thoughts (and beliefs) and behaviours.

Dr Lishman says that while everyone’s needs and experiences are different, there are three main ways to manage mental health challenges that might be impacting your sexual health.

1. Talk to family, friends and partners

“In many cases, we don’t talk enough with the closest people around us, but often these difficult conversations allow for a deeper connection.”

2. Speak to your GP

“Your GP is a great starting point. They can support both your physical and mental health and refer you to the right specialist.”

3. See a mental health professional

“Often mental health professionals offer longer sessions where they can focus entirely on your mental wellbeing.”

Eligible members^{^} can access a free annual HealthyMinds Check-in with a psychologist, helping to guide you to the mental health support you need.

Speak to a GP without leaving home

Regular check-ins with a GP play a key role in helping you manage your sexual health. Our partnership with GP2U, an online video GP service, makes it easier for eligible members⁺ to access telehealth services. All HCF members with health cover can access a standard GP consultation (up to 10 minutes) for a fee of $50.