The Hidden Threat: STI Testing Rates Drop as Silent Infections Rise

May 2, 2025

❗ Decline in STI Testing Raises Alarms Among Health Experts

Despite rising STI rates across parts of Australia, healthcare professionals are raising the alarm over a troubling decline in routine STI testing, especially among young and sexually active individuals.

Dr. Kavya Chaganti, a respected GP-obstetrician, says many patients mistakenly believe that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) will always present clear, visible symptoms. That myth, she warns, is putting lives—and long-term health—at risk.

“One of the biggest misconceptions we face is the belief that you’ll know if you have an STI,” Dr. Chaganti said. “But infections like chlamydia are often completely asymptomatic, especially in women. That doesn't mean they’re harmless.”

In fact, up to 80% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia show no symptoms. Left undiagnosed, these infections can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

Dr. Chaganti believes the lack of proactive screening stems from multiple factors—misinformation, stigma, limited access to bulk-billed sexual health clinics, and a post-pandemic drop in health-seeking behavior. She also notes that some people avoid testing due to embarrassment or fear of judgment.

“Getting an STI test should be as normal and routine as a dental check-up,” she said. “We need to stop making people feel ashamed for looking after their bodies.”

The call to normalize STI testing comes as cities like Sydney, Geelong, and Surf Coast report spikes in syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia—a trend compounded by reduced condom use and lower testing frequency.

Sexual health advocates, including creators like Annie Knight and organizations like Family Planning Victoria, are now calling for renewed public health campaigns to destigmatize testing and educate the public on the importance of regular checkups.

“You don’t need symptoms to spread an STI—or suffer from one,” Dr. Chaganti added. “If you're sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners, testing every 3–6 months is essential.”

In a world where sexual exploration is increasingly open and celebrated, so too should be the conversations around safe sex, responsible testing, and sexual health education.