Healthy Sexy & Wise - January 2006
Volume 4, Issue 1, 2006
Editors Note
Welcome to the first edition of Healthy Sexy & Wise for 2006.
In this issue:
Please feel free to circulate and distribute this newsletter to anyone you know that may benefit from the information. They can go on the mailing list by emailing me their details.
If you have any suggestions, ideas or comments about the newsletter, you can email me – be sure to let me know if there are any topics you would like to see covered in the future. The next edition of Healthy Sexy & Wise will be out in April.
Rebecca Smith
Editor
National Condom Day
Romance and passion are usually on the agenda for Valentine’s Day, and what do these things often lead to? Sex.
So what better time to remind people to always use a condom to help prevent getting or passing on a sexually transmissible infection (STI).
On National Condom Day, FPWA wants people to think about the consequences of having unprotected sex and to take responsibility for their sexual health by always using condoms.
The state-wide campaign aims to not only raise awareness about practising safe sex, but to encourage people to feel as though condoms are a normal thing to talk about, and to help them become comfortable bringing up the subject with their partner. The more comfortable people feel talking about condoms, the more likely they are to use them.
If your organisation would like to be involved in National Condom Day, FPWA will provide you with condoms, posters and other promotional material to give away (please note – the posters available are the same ones as last year).
Please phone Rebecca Smith on 9227 6177 for more information.
STI tests – what do they involve?
Many people are wary of having an STI (sexually transmissible infection) test as they are not sure what it involves.
STI tests are designed to detect if a person has an STI, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. The type of test or tests you have will depend on if you have symptoms at the time and the type of sexual activity you have been involved in. Different tests are used for different types of infections.
Chlamydia and genital warts are very common STIs, especially in young people. Symptoms of an STI can include an unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, itchiness around the genital area, a burning sensation when peeing, or a rash or small lumps on or around the penis, vagina or anus. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, it’s a good idea to get tested - remember lots of people have an STI and don’t know it.
For women, an STI test usually includes samples of vaginal secretions, taken with what looks like a long cotton bud. This is called a swab, and can be done at the same time as a Pap smear. In some situations a urine test may be needed for women, so don’t go to the toilet for at least 2 hours before your appointment. This is because passing urine can wash away infected cells from the bladder opening, which can then take a couple of hours to build up again.
If it makes you more comfortable, you can take your own vaginal swab – this feels similar to putting in a tampon. If you are having a urine test, you can take your swab in the toilet at the same time.
Men who have no symptoms of an STI will have a urine test, however this is only suitable if you haven’t urinated for at least 2 hours beforehand. Where a man has symptoms such as discharge from the penis, swabs are taken of the discharge and possibly from the opening at the end of the penis. This may also be done if you have urinated within the last 2 hours.
If you have had anal or oral sex, your doctor may also recommend testing these areas. If you have an ulcer in the mouth or genital area which could be caused by an STI, samples might be taken directly from the ulcer itself.
While some people find STI tests a bit awkward, you can’t tell if you have an infection without getting tested. Many STIs are easily treated with antibiotics, but can have serious consequences if left untreated, such as infertility (when you can’t have children). Try and choose a clinician you feel comfortable with, and remember they do these type of tests every day.
Test results usually take about a week to come back, but someone with symptoms of an STI can be given treatment without waiting for results. If results show you have an infection, sexual partners also need to be tested and treated, otherwise re-infection can occur. Check with your doctor for more details.
Blood-borne virus tests
The type of tests described above only check for some STIs – if you want to be tested for blood-borne viruses (BBVs) such as HIV and hepatitis, a blood test is required. Depending on your risk, your doctor may offer you a blood test, or you can ask for one if you think you may have a BBV.
Having a HIV test can be quite daunting. You may find it useful to talk about it with someone first, such as a counsellor.
If you decide to get tested it’s important to go to someone who has expertise in the area – you can see an FPWA clinician, or ask the WA AIDS Council (9482 0000) to provide you with information on practitioners in your area.
As the test can give a negative result for up to three months after the initial infection, if there is a chance you have been infected the test will need to be repeated three months later.
Test results usually take 7-10 days to come back, and post-test counselling is available. Phone FPWA or the WA AIDS Council for more information about counselling services.
Negotiating safe sex
Whether you are a young person thinking about having sex for the first time, or an older person entering a new relationship, negotiating safe sex can be difficult.
Safe sex is about being responsible for your own health. This means taking precautions during sexual activity and using condoms and dams to prevent the exchange of blood, semen and vaginal fluids (a dam is a thin latex square held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex). Condoms and dams help reduce the risk of getting or passing on sexually transmissible infections (STIs) or HIV, and condoms also protect against pregnancy.
Condoms
Many people feel uncomfortable about condoms, and are unsure how to use them. The more comfortable you and your partner feel about condoms, the more likely you are to have safe sex. The following tips will help you to feel more comfortable:
• Find a place you feel comfortable purchasing condoms from. They are available from a range of places, including pharmacies, supermarkets and service stations. Investigate different colours and flavours – this can be fun!
• Learn how to put on and take off a condom before using one for the first time (if you are male, you can practise on yourself. If you are female, use a banana or carrot). Instructions can be found on the pack. A word of advice for women - don’t assume that a man will feel confident using condoms. Learn how to use them yourself, so you can help.
• Putting lube onto the head of the penis can make sex more pleasurable for men (and less like they are wearing a condom).
Always have condoms handy if you think there is a possibility that you will be having sex. Don't assume that safe sex is a man's responsibility - women can carry condoms too. 
Talk about it
Starting a conversation with a partner (or potential partner) about safe sex isn't easy, but it’s a good idea to talk about condoms early on in any relationship. Lots of people plan on having safe sex, particularly with a new partner, but find it hard to bring up the topic of condoms in the heat of the moment.
When you do bring up the topic, it's likely you'll find that the other person has been wanting to talk about it also and feels just as awkward as you do!
The way you start the conversation will depend on the person and how well you know them. If you don’t want to be direct you may say something like ‘What do you think about condoms?’, or mention a magazine article you read on safe sex. Introduce the topic at a low-key moment such as while on a walk, during dinner, or over the phone.
Communicate your feelings about safe sex in a clear and positive manner, to ensure there are no misunderstandings. It’s often difficult to be assertive when negotiating safe sex, and you may worry about your partner’s reaction. A lot of cultures don’t speak openly about sex, and this can make it even harder to communicate. It is important to remember that your health is worth whatever feelings of awkwardness a conversation about safe sex might bring up, so persevere, even if you are finding it difficult.
Hopefully your partner will agree with you about the importance of safe sex. If they don’t, try talking to them about the benefits of using condoms (protection against STIs and pregnancy), and remind them that safe sex doesn’t mean it has to be less pleasurable. If they have a negative attitude about condoms and safe sex, think about whether they are someone you still want to have sex with.
Down to business
Once you have talked with your partner and come to an agreement about condom use, it’s important to stick to it when it comes to having sex - sometimes people try and ‘back-down’ on agreements once they get to the bedroom. It may help to think of some statements that you feel comfortable using to reinforce your feelings should this happen, such as:
• I want to have safe sex to protect both of us
• Let’s have a good, safe time
• I want to enjoy sex without worrying about getting pregnant
• To make sure I don't get an infection, I always use condoms
Remember to always have some condoms handy - if none are available at the time of a sexual encounter, you may be tempted to have intercourse without one. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can have an impact on your ability to make safe decisions.
Incorporating condoms into foreplay is a good way to get someone to wear one. Make the act of putting on the condom a fun experience – offering to put it on for someone will often make them change their mind about not wanting to use one!
Afterwards, let your partner know that you appreciated their positive approach to safe sex, and encourage future good behaviour.
Still having trouble?
Don’t have sex with a partner who refuses to wear a condom – having unprotected sex even once still puts you at risk of contracting an STI. Simply say ‘I never have sex without one’ and stand by your words.
Condoms come in a range of sizes, so don’t listen to a man whose excuse is ‘condoms are too tight’ or ‘they don’t fit right’. If a partner feels uncomfortable buying condoms, offer to do it for them.
Remember that using condoms and dams doesn’t have to be boring – you just need to be a bit more creative when it comes to introducing them into the bedroom!
Safe sex resolution
It’s not too late to make a New Year’s resolution, and what better a resolution than promising to always have safe sex?
Below are some tips to help you.
• Discuss condoms early on in any relationship. Lots of people plan on having safe sex, but find it hard to bring up the topic of condoms/dams when it comes time to use one.
• If there is a chance you’ll be having sex be prepared and have some condoms handy (so there's no chance you'll be tempted to go without).
• Don’t have sex with a partner who refuses to wear a condom – having unprotected sex even once still puts you at risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection such as chlamydia, which can lead to infertility.
Remember, sex is likely to be much more enjoyable if you aren’t worrying about the risk of pregnancy and/or STIs!
New FPWA publications
Click on the links below to view FPWA’s new publications:
Go to Information Sheets to download an order form.
Book reviews
By Andrew Kelly and Rebecca Smith
Puberty Boy
Geoff Price
What they say: “In this book, real men and boys share their stories about puberty. This light-hearted, plain speaking and honest book tells you what puberty is, when it happens and how your bodies will change. It explores the thinking and emotional changes that are happening alongside the physical and even tackles how to talk to girls! There's a brain shift happening inside you at puberty and Geoff Price makes sure that you know about it and are equipped to handle it.
Puberty Boy explains the transitions that boys need to go through to become healthy young men in a unique, colourful and commonsense way. It is an essential guide for boys - and your parents, carers and teachers might even find it useful as well!”
What I say: At long last, an Australian puberty book just for guys! I cannot tell you how long I have waited for this to come out. It was a gap that nothing seemed to fill; now my quest is over and all is right with the world. Brother book to the earlier “Puberty Girl”, Puberty Boy takes the same colourful, easy to read, fun factual steps that PG first set out. This book covers everything from body changes, emotions, dating, and protective behaviour. I would recommend this book to every parent and young boy without hesitation.
Puberty Boy is available in the FPWA library for loan or to buy from the bookshop.
Download a bookshop catalogue
A few good eggs
Julie Vargo and Maureen Regan
Whether you are a couple struggling with infertility, or a woman simply wanting to make an informed decision about the best time to have a baby, do not delay – read this book immediately. It is good stuff!
Both authors experienced difficulty having children, one after the relatively easy conception and birth of her first child. Through this book they share their financial, emotional and physical struggles from every angle, in a warm and empathetic manner. The result is a straight-forward, honest book covering taboo infertility topics such as career choices versus motherhood, and marital stress.
The best thing about this book is that it injects some humour into a mostly serious, unfunny subject. As the authors state, “Nobody ever said infertility was fun. Funny, yes. Fun, no.” Who wouldn’t laugh if, when injecting fertility drugs, police mistake you for a heroin addict and nearly arrest you? Or smile when you spill your husband’s sperm all over your arm while transporting it to the clinic….and not noticing until you go to hand over the cup that it’s empty.
Scattered throughout the book are lists of questions and ‘things no-one will tell you’. These are particularly useful at separating fact from fiction, and offer guidance around questions to ask medical professionals while also providing encouragement along the way.
This book covers everything women and their partners need to know about infertility, and tells it like it really is. A must-read.
This book is available for loan from the FPWA library.
FPWA Healthy Sexy & Wise e-news disclaimer
This communication contains information that is confidential and the copyright of FPWA or a third party. This information may not be reproduced without permission from FPWA.
If you are not the intended recipient of this communication please notify the sender and FPWA on (08) 9227 6177, delete the email and attachments from your system and destroy any copies you have taken of the email and attachments.
The information in this newsletter has been produced by FPWA for the purpose of disseminating health information free of charge for the benefit of the public. It is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this newsletter is intended to be used as medical advice and it is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. FPWA does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information and recommends that the recipient contact FPWA or their medical practitioner directly for further, more specific, information.
FPWA does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that the integrity of this communication has been maintained nor that the communication is free of errors, virus, interception or interference.
Healthy, Sexy & Wise e-news is produced by FPWA. If you wish to unsubscribe to this newsletter, please Contact Us.
FPWA
70 Roe Street
PO Box 141
Northbridge WA 6865
Phone: 9227 6177
Fax: 9227 6871
Page last updated Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:24