Sexual Health Victoria launches new ‘Unusual Discharge?’ campaign to tackle STI crisis

Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) has launched a statewide public health campaign to tackle rapidly rising sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and lift testing rates across Victoria.

Since 2021, gonorrhoea infections have risen 52% in Victoria. Chlamydia, the most common STI, has risen 28% since 2021 with over 22,000 cases reported in the last 12 months in Victoria*. Syphilis and gonorrhoea infections have more than doubled Nationally over the past decade, yet ASHR (The Australian Study of Health and Relationships) survey results indicate only 16% of Australians have ever had an STI test. STIs are spreading fast – but testing isn’t keeping pace.

Indicators suggest diagnosis of late-stage syphilis has surged 65% in Victoria since 2021, putting people at serious risk of long-term health complications including heart damage, neurological problems, and permanent organ or tissue damage.

“Does the word discharge make you squirm? Good. That’s exactly why Sexual Health Victoria (SHV) is using it in their bold new campaign,” says Caroline Mulcahy, CEO of SHV.

That’s the provocation at the centre of SHV’s new Unusual Discharge? campaign a blunt, stigma busting message designed to break through apathy and normalise conversations about testing.

“Displayed on billboards, digital screens at train stations and the backs of buses, with social cutdowns to follow, the campaign will be impossible to miss”.

“Our goal is to challenge apathy, with messages that are short, direct, and designed to spark self-recognition, break the silence, reduce stigma, and motivate Victorians to move from passive awareness to taking a simple STI test – often a quick blood test, urine sample or a self-collected swab

“STIs are on the rise. Protecting yourself, getting tested, and treating infections early helps keeps you and your partners healthy,” says Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer for Communicable Disease Christian McGrath.

“If you’re having sex, then you should have a regular STI test at least once a year – it’s that simple.”

The issue is compounded because STIs often show no symptoms. When they do, common signs include unusual discharge, itching and burning and delayed diagnosis can cause serious complications like infertility and chronic pain. When infections are found early, treatment is straightforward.

Testing is down while infections rise, a perfect storm for future outbreaks.

“The public response isn’t matching the scale of the problem, so we are literally putting this health issue up in lights,” says Mulcahy.

“STIs are incredibly common and rising. Too many Victorians are looking the other way, and that must stop,” Mulcahy said. Victoria, this is your STI wake-up call. “Make a booking with SHV or your GP today most STIs are curable, all STIs have treatments, so let’s stop beating around the bush.”

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