A fear of attending health clinics during COVID-19 has led to a drop in screenings for sexually transmitted infections, with a leading health advocate urging people in central and north-west Victoria to make the tests a priority.
The use of barrier contraceptives, including condoms, has also decreased in the past year as low-cost condoms became less available, says the head of Women's Health Loddon Mallee.
Chief executive officer Tricia Currie said Victoria's lockdowns affected people's ability to get tested and some feared going to medical clinics as the pandemic spread.
During Victoria's second lockdown, which lasted almost two months in regional Victoria, the number of active coronavirus cases peaked in August, reaching the mid 50s. Another snap five-day lockdown was called in mid-February this year.
"Consequentially, that opportunity for screenings or hearing what women may have to say about their own health (decreased)," she said.
Ms Currie said this also lowered the chance of early detection.
STIs on the rise
In the lead-up to the pandemic, Victorian Health Department statistics show there were 269 cases of sexually transmitted infections reported in Greater Bendigo in the 12 months to January 11 last year.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed that in the decade from 1996 and 2016 cases of chlamydia and gonorrhoea rose sharply across the nation.
Reported chlamydia cases nearly quadrupled, while gonorrhoea cases almost doubled between 2010 and 2016.
Lack of condoms, screenings will be reflected in data
Ms Currie said she expected medical data in coming months to reflect the recent drop-off in demand for screenings and access to barrier contraceptives.
"You sort of go, 'Oh my gosh, unexpected outcome there'.
"Access to condoms is something to be mindful of."
