Flash Required.

Healthy Sexy & Wise - October 2004

Volume 2, Issue 4, 2004

Editors Note

Welcome to the October edition of Healthy Sexy & Wise.

If you would like future issues of Healthy Sexy & Wise emailed to you Contact Us.

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. This is the last edition of Healthy Sexy & Wise for 2004 – the first edition for next year will be out in January

Rebecca Smith
Editor

Contraceptive implant a popular choice among WA women

Implanon

The contraceptive implant, Implanon, has become a popular choice of contraception among WA women.

Since its release three years ago, many women looking for long-term contraception have found Implanon to be extremely suitable, with the implant effective against pregnancy for three years.

The implant itself is a small plastic rod the size of a matchstick which is inserted just under the skin on the inside of the upper arm. It works by releasing the hormone etonorgestrel, a type of progestogen, into the bloodstream over three years, after which time it is removed. The implant can be removed at any time before this if the woman wishes to become pregnant, or decides she doesn’t like it.

FPWA is currently seeing many women who have reached the end of this three-year period and are so happy with the implant that they are having another inserted.

Implanon is very appealing to many women as it is cost-effective, can be removed at any time and is very effective at preventing pregnancy. It is also particularly useful for women who cannot take oestrogen, which most oral contraceptives contain.

Implanon is a good option for women who have trouble remembering to take the Pill each day. Forgetting to take the Pill is one of the major causes of its failure, representing around 30-50% of cases. However, when inserted correctly, Implanon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Unlike the Pill, Implanon is not affected by stomach upsets or certain medications. It can also make periods lighter, or make them stop altogether. As with the Pill however, Implanon doesn’t protect against sexually transmissible infections, so women using it still need to practise safe sex.

Phone counselling an option for people living in country WA

FPWA’s Roe St Centre for human relationships offers counselling over the phone for people living in rural or remote areas of WA.

Talking to a local counsellor can sometimes be uncomfortable for people in small country towns as there is the chance they may see that counsellor in the supermarket the next day or at a social function. Services can also be restricted in country areas because of the size of rural communities.

Based in Perth, the Roe St Centre offers counselling and therapy in all areas of relationships, and specialises in sexual health issues for individuals and couples. Counsellors are experienced in assisting single people, married couples, people in defacto relationships, gay and lesbian couples, parents and children.

While sessions are available on unplanned pregnancy, infertility and termination of pregnancy, sessions on all types of relationship issues are in high demand, in particular those pertaining to sexuality. Other issues covered include sexual problems, sexual abuse and miscarriage.

Fees are income-based, which allows the service to be accessed by a wide range of people, and sessions on unplanned pregnancy and post termination counselling are subsidised by the Department of Health, WA.

People can be assured that the Roe St Centre is entirely confidential and that their privacy will be respected at all times.

The Roe St Centre can be contacted on 9228 3693. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

Questions about periods – a guide for parents

by Jane Irvine, Counselling Consultant

Kids usually begin asking questions about periods or menstruation if they see sanitary products in the shopping trolley or bathroom, or when pads and tampons are advertised on TV. They may also quiz their parents if they have heard about it from other kids, or if they witness an older sibling or mother dealing with her period. If your child doesn’t ask questions by the time they are about eight or nine it is important that you raise the topic, especially with girls. Some girls begin menstruating around this age and can easily become distressed, frightened, or think they are ill if they are completely unaware about this aspect of puberty.

Questions about periods should be handled positively. It is important to give children the message that periods are a natural part of a woman’s life, and to be open and honest, even if you have previously seen the topic as taboo. If a child picks up that you are being secretive, they may see menstruation as something that is dirty or distasteful. Many young children associate blood with hurting themselves, so it is important to reassure them that this bleeding is quite normal and to explain that every woman has periods so she is able to have a baby.

It is important that parents explain that it is normal for periods to begin anywhere between the ages of 9 and 17, and that at first they may not come regularly. Girls may be interested to know at what age their mother got her first period. When raising the subject of periods to eight and nine year olds, include the topic along with general information about puberty and other body changes (such as the development of pubic hair and breasts), so it fits in to the natural context of growing up and developing. Be available to your daughter and she will let you know when she is ready for more details.

Reassure older girls, or those who have begun their first period, that for most women life goes on as normal when they have their period, and it rarely prevents them from doing things such as playing sport or going out with friends. Referring to menstruation as ‘the curse’ is an old-fashioned concept and does little to promote the idea that your daughter can be proud of herself as a young woman. It is important however that daughters are made aware that the hormonal changes occurring can affect their moods, and that if physical discomfort such as bloating or cramps occur there are medications available to help with these symptoms.

It is quite natural for girls to feel self conscious during the months following their first period, especially those who begin menstruating early, and consideration may need to be given with regard to privacy, such as extra time in the bathroom without pressure from younger siblings. If your daughter is concerned that others will be able to ‘tell’ she has her period, reassure her that this is not possible. Remind her when she might be due in the early months so she doesn’t get ‘caught out’ unprepared at school or on a holiday with friends. It’s also important that dads caring for young girls and teenagers remember to accommodate their needs for privacy and hygiene. Also, regular stops on long journeys are a must for any adult traveller…especially with teenage girls on board!

Whist the personal aspects of a girls period will usually be ‘women’s business’, it is a good idea to include both sons and daughters in initial conversations about periods as part of general discussions about puberty – this way parents can prepare children for the changes they can expect and keep them informed about their development and about the development of the opposite sex in an open and natural way

Men urged to check their sexual health

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) often go unnoticed in men as many of them don’t visit a health professional on a regular basis.

Women often have STIs picked up when they have a Pap smear or pregnancy test, but as some men can go for years without visiting a doctor or nurse, STIs can remain undetected for long periods of time. This is something which can have serious consequences – for example, if left untreated chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women. The problem with STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea is that many people with the infection don’t show any symptoms, so they accidentally pass it on to their partners through unprotected sex.

Ouch
Picture reproduced with
kind permission Australian
Federation of AIDS
Organisation

Men are often reluctant to seek medical help simply because they were embarrassed. Some men avoid having unsightly problems, such as lumps on the penis, properly checked as they are too embarrassed to do so. FPWA’s advice to them is that doctors deal with these kind of problems every day, so there is no need to feel this way, and most STIs can be easily treated, so it’s not the end of the world if you get one.

Many men only visit a sexual health clinic after their partner suggests it to them. FPWA sees many men who have just started a new relationship and want to get the ‘all-clear’ so they can have sex without a condom. This can be difficult as unprotected sex relies on both partners being open and honest with one another, which can be difficult for some people. Even if you are planning a long-term relationship, it is still a good idea to use condoms, just to be on the safe side, and if you've had unprotected sex in the past, get tested for STIs.

Men sometimes run into problems simply because they forget to carry condoms with them. If there is a chance you might have sex, have some condoms handy. Having unprotected sex even once puts you at risk of getting an STI.

FPWA runs a Men’s Clinic every second Thursday. The clinic is staffed by both male and female clinicians and appointments can be made by phoning 9227 6177. The B2 Clinic at Fremantle Hospital runs a Mainly Men clinic at Quarry Health Centre in Fremantle on Wednesdays. Appointments can be made by phoning 9430 4544.

New pages on the FPWA website

The FPWA website has recently had many new pages added to it. Click on the links below to view information about:

Women needed for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine study

Passed on through sexual activity, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the main causes of cervical cancer.

There is currently no way of preventing HPV, though regular Pap smears help detect early warning signs of cervical cancer.

Women are needed to take part in a study of a HPV vaccine that is designed to protect against the two main types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. The study will test whether the vaccine prevents chronic HPV infection in healthy women.

To take part in the study, women need to be healthy and between 17-25 years. Participants do not need to be sexually active.

Participants will be required to be vaccinated by injection into the upper arm on three separate occasions within a seven-month period, and will have to come in to the research facility for a study visit every 6-12 months for four years. At these visits women will have regular examinations by a female doctor, who will also do a Pap smear. Blood tests will be required, but not at every visit, and women will need to complete a diary card at home for the first three visits.

To find out more about the study contact Jan Adams, Research Nurse, on 9340 8542 or email jana@ichr.uwa.edu.au

In Perth, this study is run by the Research Nurses and Doctors at the Vaccine Trials Group, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in conjunction with Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, University of Western Australia School of Paediatrics and Child Health.

FPWA Annual Report

Click here to download FPWA’s 2004 Annual Report. Alternatively, ring 9227 6177 to request that a printed copy be sent out to you.

Book reviews

Where Willy went: the big story a little sperm!
Nicholas Allan

"Willy is a little sperm. He lives inside Mr Brown with 300 million friends. Soon it will be time for the Great Swimming Race and Willy must practise every day. He knows he will have to swim extra fast to win the prize – a marvellous egg. At the end of the race, something wonderful happens, something utterly magical. But where has Willy gone?"

Where Willy Went is a colourful, funny story of a little sperm that will help to give children a better understanding of sexual reproduction. It is written in simple language suitable for young children and accompanied with wonderful pictures.

This hardback book is available from the FPWA Bookshop for $29.95.

Handbook of contraception and reproductive sexual health 2nd Ed
Suzanne Everett

This handbook offers sound, up-to-date, practical information and advice about the complete spectrum of approaches to contraception and reproductive sexual health. It gives detailed explanation of all contraceptive methods, including how to use them, contra-indications, interactions and the anxieties clients may have. Some of the problems encountered are highlighted and suggestions given as to how these may be resolved.

This handbook is suited to nurses who deal with various forms of contraception. It gives concise, practical and relevant knowledge on current and future methods of contraception, with full diagrams and tables. Using self-assessment questions and answers as an aid to study and practice, this handbook is useful as a reference item or basic textbook.

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 14:31