Going Down Under With A Clean Bill Of Health

Australia is famed for its tight border controls; this is a country which recognises the impact that prohibited items can have on its fragile ecosystem. However, there aren’t such strict procedures in place to protect the natives of Australians when potentially STI-riddled Brits enter their country looking for new adventures.

We’ve put together a few tips to ensure that you visit Australia with a clean bill of health and conscience. Perfect if you are hoping to meet bronzed surf gods and sexy Sheilas on your travels.

Get A Doctor’s Note

Before flying to Oz, make sure you aren’t travelling with any excess baggage by getting yourself checked out at a sexual health clinic. The NHS Choices website can help you find your local clinic so you can get yourself check out and cleaned up. Even if you have not been sexually active prior to your travels, the clinics can offer professional advice and support – helping you keep safe and protected whilst travelling through Australia.

Klaus Erling Johansen, a GUM Specialist Nurse at CNWL says, “It couldn’t be easier to get yourself checked out so there’s no need to take the risk of passing on an infection. Anyone who is sexually active should be tested regularly.” A clean bill of health can help you travel with a clear mind and truly enjoy the new experiences. Additionally, a 26 hour flight can be uncomfortable for anyone with itchy bits.

Pack Wisely

If you are travelling to Australia to experience the great outback or work in an isolated vineyard stomping grapes – chances are, there won’t be a local Boots nearby to stock up on condoms and other forms of contraception. Don’t let this be an excuse for yourself, your fellow-travellers and hosts by packing a sufficient supply of condoms or your protection of choice.

This applies for women and men alike – with the former accounting for 40% of global condom sales. Girls – if you think you may be sexually active in Australia, either take female contraception such as cervical caps or pack condoms in a range of sizes.

Locate Sexual Health Clinics

Despite an increase last year, Australian internet speeds are significantly slower than the rest of the developed world – so it may be prudent to research sexual health clinics and centres close to your new Australian address. This can help you immediately seek out advice and treatment in Australia if you believe you are at risk of infection or suspect you may be developing STI symptoms.

If you are relocating to shared accommodation, there is no guarantee your new dwellings will even have an internet connection so a little research can help you avoid an embarrassing search around the outback for a doctor.

Reach Out can help you discover your local clinic with links to centres in each of the country’s territories.

Demand The Same Level Of Respect

As well as entering Australia with a clean bill of health, you’ll be wanting to leave with the same standard of wellbeing – so it is important that demand all of your Aussie partners treat you with the same level of respect you are showing their country. Disregard any locals who claim that condoms are not part of their culture and completely ignore any alternatives which don’t have full and sufficient medical backing and authorisation.

It is also important to be wary of the contents of any goon bags which are passed your way. The low cost of this boxed wine has made the drink a rite of passage in Australia, but it is important you are aware of what you are consuming – so the only ill effect is the inevitable banging headache in the morning.