Do Bachelor contestants get STD tested? Yes, they do.

Image: Some of last year’s Bachelorettes.

The Bachelor Australia‘s producers must look for very specific traits when selecting the women who will vy for the affections of one man. The requirements seemingly include: “highly competitive”, “has long hair”, “willing to say inflammatory things on camera”, and more importantly, “must look good in slinky sequinned gowns”.

However, there’s one less obvious test all the competitors — and their tuxedo-wearing love interest — have to pass during the selection process, and it’s one we’d never even thought about before. Drum roll, please…

Every single contestant you see on screen is checked for sexually transmitted illnesses through blood and urine tests.

“It is true we had to have them [STI tests] it’s like a background check … why not given what’s happened on previous shows in other countries?” one past contestant exclusively (and anonymously) revealed to Daily Mail Australia. (Post continues after gallery.)

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For those who avoid The Bachelor like it’s a glitter-infected plague, this is a valid observation. Although the Australian versions of the reality show have been relatively chaste — to the public’s knowledge, anyway — it’s a different story over in the US.

Last season, controversial Bachelor Juan Pablo Galavis reportedly slept with three of the women competing for his love, which caused quite the stir.

While the anonymous bachelorette speculates the STI testing process comes down to “the production company [Shine] covering their arses” — which is probably quite true — she acknowledges it’s an important step to take.

“These days you want to get a background check on anyone before you engage with them sexually,” she tells the Daily Mail.

Sam Frost will star in the upcoming series of The Bachelorette

Right again.

Although the team behind The Bachelor make some questionable decisions (seriously, what is with all the sequins and chandeliers? And why does Osher have to explain the concept of the rose ceremony in such excruciating detail?), this is one move that's pretty sensible.

Although great lengths are taken to spread awareness and education about the importance of safe sex, the message isn't always getting through. In recent years it seems the rising popularity of dating apps like Tinder has coincided with a spike in STI rates in a number of countries, including Australia. (Post continues after gallery.)

Earlier this month, Queensland Health reported chlamydia cases have jumped 13 per cent since September 2012, which is when Tinder launched. Clearly, the excitement of swiping right has distracted some people from the importance of safe sex.

“There’s no question that, as a society with changing behaviours, we need to re-educate ... We’ve always seen one-off flings here and there but if [dating apps] are going to be a way of life, we need to be careful.," Dr Gary Swift told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

While checking for STIs is important in life, and, ahem, on The Bachelor, we can't help wondering what happens when one of the contestants comes back positive for herpes. Why should that disqualify them from the program? It doesn't exactly send the best message out, does it?

Have you ever thought about this while watching The Bachelor?

Popular forms of birth control

Contraceptive pillThe Pillis the most popular form of birth control. There are two types: the combined pill, containing two hormones, and theprogestogen-only, or mini, pill, which only contains one female hormone. The combined pill works by preventing the ovary from releasing an egg each month. The mini pill changes the mucus at the entrance of the uterus, which stops sperm from entering. Both are 99.7% effective; however, they don't offer protection from STDs.

Intrauterine deviceIUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus by a doctor in order to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of IUD: copper, which affects the movement and survival of sperm in the womb while changing the lining of the womb;and hormonal, which releases progestogen (a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone progesterone) into the uterus. Although IUDs have a success rate of more than 99%, only around 2% of Australian women currently use one.

CondomsThe male condom is a barrier contraception that prevents both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs. They work by collecting semen so it doesn't enter theman's partner's body. Condoms are 95 to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The female condomThe female condom is a pre-lubricated sheath, which loosely fits inside of the vagina. The condom has a removable ring, which helps to insert the sheath and keep the condom in place. A larger ring remains on the outside to cover the opening of the vagina. They are designed to fit all women and can only to be used once. Due to misuse of the product it is only 79 per cent effective.

DiaphragmLike the male condom, the diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It's a shallow silicone dome that's inserted into the vagina andcovers the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. It's held in place by the pelvic muscles, and works by preventing sperm from entering the uterus. After sex, diaphragms need to remain in placefor another six hours, in which time the sperm inside the vagina die. This method is 88 to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy, although this rate increases with experience.

Birth control implantThis is a 4cm-longimplant that is inserted into a woman's upper arm, just under the skin, by a doctor. It releases a hormone called etonogestrel, which prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, which can stop sperm from entering. Contraceptive implants - usually sold as Implanon - are removed under anaesthetic every three years, and are close to 100% effective.

Vaginal ringVaginal rings are soft plastic rings that contain the same two hormones as the combined pill - oestrogen and progestogen. The ring is inserted into the vagina, where the hormones are absorbed into the body and then prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. Once inside the ring can't be felt, and it needs replacing every three weeks (with one week's break in between). When used correctly, this method is more than 99% effective.

Depo ProveraDepo is a long lasting hormonal injection. The synthetic form of progesterone is administered every 12 to 14 weeks to woman, preventing pregnancy within this ongoing time period. The injection, which is given in the buttock or muscle of the upper arm, prevents ovulation and thickens the mucus in the cervix, helping to block sperm. The injections are 99 per cent effective but do not protect against STDs. Male contraceptive injections are currently being trialled

The morning after pillEmergency contraception (popularly referred to as the morning after pill) is used to prevent a pregnancy following unprotected sex. Other reasons include missing a contraceptive pill or a condom breaking. It is common in Australia to use the progestogen-only method. This entails a dosage of EC pills containing progestogen or the synthetic version. A doctor can prescribe the pill or they can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Emergency contraceptionis 85 per cent effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy.

SterilisationSterilisation is a permanent form of contraception. For women there are two types of sterilisation: tubal ligation, in which clips are placed on the fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion in which a device is inserted into the tubes. These methods work by preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal litigation is 99.5 per cent effective. The Vasectomy (for men) works by cutting and blocking the tubes called the vas deferens, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles. The chances of impregnation with a vasectomy are 1 in 1000.

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The test every single The Bachelor Australia contestant is required to pass.

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