Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise in Ballarat, according to Headspace.
It also says unplanned pregnancies amongst the local youth population remain a problem.
A recent Kirby Institute study found gonorrhea cases climbed by 113 per cent between 2014 and 2023 in the Ballarat area.
Over the same period syphilis infections climbed by 221 per cent, but there was a 16 per cent drop in chlamydia cases.
Headspace nurse Bernie Gladman says getting tested for a sexually transmitted infection is simple.
“STI’s are probably on the increase in Victoria, especially syphilis for some reason,” she said.
“The common ones generally are chlamydia, gonorrhea and unfortunately syphilis is on the rise, but we would assess people as they come in [and] it’s as simple [as] having a wee in a cup.”
