STIs increased in Queensland: what you need to know
Queensland Health’s latest BBVs and STIs in Queensland 1 January – 31 December 2025 report shows that sexually transmissible infections (STIs) increased significantly in Queensland in 2025, compared to the previous five-year average:
• Gonorrhea increased by 13% (from 6618 cases to 7,499 cases)
• Infectious syphilis increased by 23% (from 1196 cases to 1,467 cases)
• New HIV diagnoses increased by 27% (from 129 cases to 164 cases)
Chlamydia, the most common STI in Queensland, decreased 4%. However, the total number is still high, with 22,761 cases reported in 2025.
The actual numbers may be even higher because many people with an STI do not have any symptoms, so they may not know they need to get tested. For example, about 80% of people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all.
Some people do get symptoms. These can include rashes, unusual discharge, unusual smell, pain when urinating, or bleeding not associated with periods/menses. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why is testing important?
If an STI is not treated, it can cause serious health problems over time, including:
• Infertility (not being able to have children) for both men and women
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb)
• A higher risk of getting HIV
• Joint pain
• Organ damage including the brain
If a pregnant woman has syphilis, it can seriously harm her baby- including still birth, premature birth, bone problems, blindness and other serious health issues. This is why all pregnant women in Queensland are required to have three syphilis tests during pregnancy.
When should I get tested?
You should get an STI test if:
• You are sexually activity – get tested every 12 months, or more often if you have more than one sexual partner
• You have changed sexual partners
• You have had an unprotected sex (sex without a condom or oral sex without a dental dam) – even just once, either in Australia or overseas
• A condom broke or slipped off during sex
• You have any symptoms
• You are pregnant or planning to have a baby
How do I get tested?
STI testing may involve a urine sample, a swab or a blood test. You can get tested at:
1. Your GP (local doctor)
2. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (bulk billed)
3. 13 Health Webtest – free testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea for people aged16 years and over. No Medicare card is needed. https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/sexual-health/chlamydia-test
4. Sexual Health Clinics
5. A community testing service such as True Relationships and Reproductive Health or Rapid Clinic
What if my test is positive?
You should get treated immediately and it is important to let your sexual partner/s know so they can get tested and treated as well. Your doctor or nurse can help you with this.
You can also use the free anonymous services at www.letthemknow.org.au to send a text message or email without giving your name.
These can help to prevent further spread of the infection and potential reinfection from the same partner
Treatment and prevention
Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis can all be treated easily. However, you can get re-infected after treatment, so it is important to keep protecting yourself.
There are currently no vaccines for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes and HIV. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine is available to help prevent genital warts and some cancers.
Condoms are still a better way to prevent STIs. You can order free condoms at https://eccq.com.au/condoms/ or www.qc.org.au/wrapped-n-ready. You can purchase condoms at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Your sexual health matters
Getting STIs tested is a normal and responsible part of looking after your health. There is nothing to be ashamed of. The sooner an STI is found, the easier it is to treat and the lower chance of passing it on to someone else or developing serious health problems. You can access multilingual sexual health resources at www.eccq.com.au/bbv or contact [email protected] for more information.
