Healthy Sexy & Wise - October 2005
Volume 3, Issue 4, 2005
Editor's note
Welcome to the final edition of Healthy Sexy & Wise for 2005.
If you would like future issues of Healthy Sexy & Wise emailed to you Contact Us.
In this issue:
- Decision about condom use not to be taken lightly
- Women need to be reminded about emergency contraception option
- Tips for a happy and healthy sex life
- Performance rewards for men who look after sexual health
- New course for same-sex attracted youth
- New FPWA publications
- FPWA annual report
- Library news
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 January.
Rebecca Smith
Editor
Decision about condom use not to be taken lightly
When to stop using condoms is a question that comes up for many couples at some point in their relationship, and one without an easy answer. Condoms protect against many sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS and pregnancy, so the decision to stop using them shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Even though it can be difficult, before you make a decision about whether or not to continue using condoms it’s a good idea to talk openly with your partner about your relationship. You may both have different feelings around safe sex and condom use, and it can help to get these feelings out in the open. Discussing these issues may make you feel uncomfortable, but try to be as honest as you can.
Think about what kind of relationship you have. Some people find that monogamy works for them, while others prefer an ‘open’ relationship. It’s important to be clear on the type of relationship you have, and for both people in the relationship to be happy with the decision. People often think they are in an exclusive relationship, but this isn’t always the case.
Talk about and agree on what is acceptable behaviour in and outside the relationship. You may decide not to have sex outside the relationship, or that if you do it will be safe sex. If you think there is a possibility that one or both of you might want to have sex with someone else, you may decide you want to continue using condoms.
Ask yourself if your partner is pressuring you to stop having safe sex, or if it is something you want to do. It’s important that you do what feels right for you, not what someone else wants you to do. If pregnancy is an issue for you, have you considered what form of contraception you will use in place of condoms? If may be helpful to see a doctor to discuss your contraceptive options.
If you do decide to stop using condoms, it’s important that you both get tested for STIs first. Many STIs don’t have any symptoms, so you or your partner could have one and not know it. If left untreated, many STIs have serious health consequences, such as infertility for both men and women.
Once you’ve been tested, talk about how you are going to stay safe from now on, and have a clear understanding of what safe sex means for you. If you need to protect against pregnancy, make sure you have another effective form of contraception organised before you stop using condoms.
Relationships and the people in them change over time, and what you both decided initially about condom use may alter at some point. It’s important to occasionally talk about what you’ve decided and check whether your decision is something you both still agree on.
Some people find it useful to talk to someone about issues around safe sex and STIs. Phone the Sexual Health Helpline on 9227 6178 (1800 198 205 country callers) for a confidential chat.
Many couples also find counselling to be beneficial at some stage in their relationship. The Roe Street Centre for Human Relationships specialises in issues around relationships, sexuality and sexual problems. Phone 9228 3693 for more information or to make an appointment.
Women need to be reminded about emergency contraception option
With recent media attention focusing heavily on the availability of RU-486 in Australia, women need to be reminded that emergency contraception is available over the counter at pharmacies and can provide some effectiveness at preventing pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex.
RU-486, or mifepristone, has featured heavily in the media of late, and as such, women are becoming more aware of the potential options available to them should they find themself at risk of an unwanted pregnancy. While RU-486 is currently unavailable in Australia in a practical sense, women shouldn’t lose sight of one of the options that is accessible to them – emergency contraception, previously known as the morning-after pill.
It is important that women are clear about the differences between RU-486 and emergency contraception. RU-486 provides a safe alternative for some pregnant women who prefer not to have a surgical termination, while emergency contraception prevents pregnancy occurring in the first place.
Emergency contraception has been available over the counter at pharmacies since the start of last year, and while more women are accessing it this way as time goes on, wider awareness of its availability is still required. It is most effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but does provide some effectiveness for up to five days afterwards. Emergency contraception offers women a chance to prevent a possible unwanted pregnancy in a way that is convenient and non-intrusive.
Both RU-486 and emergency contraception should only be administered under properly supervised conditions. RU-486 can only be administered by a doctor, and pharmacists are required to follow a strict protocol to ensure emergency contraception is appropriate prior to supplying it, and steps are in place to make sure clients receive appropriate care.
Tips for a happy and healthy sex life
Have regular Pap smears
Regular Pap smears help detect early warning signs of cervical cancer, and a Pap smear every two years can prevent cancer from developing. Women who are sexually active should start having Pap smears two years after first having sex, and continue until they turn 70. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Always practise safe sex
Always use condoms and dams to help protect yourself and your sexual partner from HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Condoms stop blood, semen and vaginal fluids from being exchanged. If you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, get tested by a doctor or at FPWA.
Don’t ignore unusual symptoms
Some people with STIs have no symptoms, but symptoms can include unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, itchiness or lumps around the genital area or a burning sensation when urinating. If you notice any of these symptoms get tested immediately. STIs that are left untreated can have serious consequences, including infertility.
Look after your sexual health
Looking after your sexual health means using safe and effective contraception, protecting yourself against STIs, and keeping up to date with sexual health screening such as Pap smears and sexual health checks. Don’t ‘put up with’ things like painful sex or heavy periods, as help is available.
Visit a health professional regularly
STIs often go unnoticed as many people, especially men, don’t visit a health professional on a regular basis. While women often have STIs picked up when they have a Pap smear or pregnancy test, some men go for years without having any contact with a doctor, leaving STIs undetected and with the potential to cause serious health problems.
Talk about safe sex
Talk about safe sex early on in a relationship and don’t wait until heat of the moment. Many people would like to practise safe sex, particularly with a new partner, but find it hard to bring up the topic. Let your partner know if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as a rash or discharge.
Know your limits
Be aware that drugs and alcohol can impair judgement in many areas, including practising safe sex. If you drink and take drugs know your own limits so you can make the same decisions that you would if you were sober. Alcohol in excess can often lead to unsafe sex, STIs, unplanned pregnancy and the increased risk of sexual assault.
Enjoy yourself and be creative in the bedroom
Sex is all about enjoying yourself, and safe sex doesn’t mean it has to be less pleasurable – you just need to be creative when it comes to introducing condoms, dams and lubricant into the bedroom.
Performance rewards for men who look after sexual health
Many men take their sexual health for granted, focusing on things like sexual performance instead. What they don’t realise is that sexual health is an important part of their overall wellbeing, and is a major contributor to personal satisfaction and feeling good.
Lots of men have questions about their sexual health, but are often reluctant to seek medical help simply because they are too embarrassed. Many wish they’d taken action sooner after becoming aware that looking after their sexual health can often lead to improved performance in the bedroom!
Many men with a sexually transmissible infection (STI) have no symptoms, but some do. Signs can include an unusual discharge from the penis, itchiness, sores or a rash around the genital area, or a burning sensation when peeing. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, get tested by a doctor or at FPWA. Always using condoms helps prevent you getting or passing on an STI.
Premature ejaculation is a common problem for many men. Sometimes there is an inherited tendency for this condition, and it can frequently be treated with medications and specific exercises. Erection problems in young men are often due to anxiety or depression, and generally respond well to simple treatments. However, erection problems in older men may be an early warning sign of deeper problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, or circulatory problems caused by smoking.
Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is very common among older men, with many needing more foreplay to get and maintain an erection. Causes include diseases, injuries and certain commonly-prescribed medications. Drug use, relationship and psychological problems, especially stress, depression, fatigue or anxiety, can also cause difficulties in men of all ages. Men experiencing problems with premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction should see a doctor – don’t ‘put up’ with the problem as help and treatment is available, and it may save you from a heart attack.
Many men are surprised to learn that difficulties conceiving a child can often be due to problems on their part. Changing your lifestyle can often help improve fertility. Both partners should cut down on alcohol and give up smoking, as it can reduce a man’s sperm quality. If you take recreational drugs consider stopping, as they can have a negative effect on fertility and for a developing baby. Check with your doctor if any medication you are prescribed could affect your fertility, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.
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.
Click on the link to download FPWA's new pamphlet, Guys' Sex Stuff - what every guy needs to know
New course for same-sex attracted youth
Can guys really orgasm without cumming? What do girls like to do in bed?
Learn this and more from the PASH (Promoting Adolescent Sexual Health) course coming up soon at the Freedom Centre! David and Sabena from FPWA have teamed up with Nadine at FC to put together a fun six-week program looking at a range of sexual health issues for same-sex attracted young people under 26.
Why run this program, when there’s sex education at schools? Most same-sex attracted people say that sex education at schools fairly useless to them. At the same time, same-sex attracted young people are likely to be sexually active earlier, and to have higher rates of substance use and diagnosed STIs (sexually transmssible infections) than their heterosexual peers. More than one out of ten young women identifying as lesbian or bisexual has ever been pregnant. One quarter of same-sex attracted young people say that that they don’t feel good about their sexuality. Young people who report higher levels of homophobic abuse describe poorer health and well-being than their peers (all figures from an Australian survey by La Trobe University, reported in 2005).
Scary stuff! So what can be done? Things have to happen at many levels. The situation is difficult for many young people, but seems to be better than it was a few years ago – this appears to be related to greater societal acceptance over time. So any work that continues to broaden community attitudes will help. At the same time, it looks like same-sex attracted young people need sexual health education that’s relevant to them. That’s where PASH comes in!
What sexual health issues are relevant to same sex attracted young people? Topics like homophobia, coming out and keeping safe are fundamental. Considering what makes a good relationship and how to maintain sexual health need to be looked at in an environment that doesn’t make assumptions about young people’s attractions and behaviours. For example, young women who identify as lesbian often don’t realise that Pap smears might be important to them, and may miss out on relevant information on contraception. Similarly, guys may want to know gay-friendly places they can have sexual health screens. Workshops addressing sexual health need to be fun, engaging, and feel safe and confidential.
The PASH course is free, and will run over six Tuesday evenings from 1st November 2005. Each session will finish with pizza! For more information, call Sabena or David on 9227 6177.
New FPWA publications
Click on the links below to view FPWA’s new publications:
Genital Health for Women – taking care of your vulva and vagina
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (including revised guidelines)
Go to Information Sheets to download an order form.
FPWA annual report
Click here to download FPWA’s 2005 Annual Report. Alternatively, ring 9227 6177 to request that a printed copy be sent out to you.
Library news
Did you know that the FPWA library has videos for hire, and that we also have a bookshop? Some recent new video titles include:
Real Smart: about puberty / Video Education Australasia. -- Bendigo, VIC: Video Education Australasia, 2003.
How much? How soon? Teaching sex & relationships education in primary schools / FPA. - London, UK: FPA, 2005.
Girls out loud / FPA. -- London, UK: FPA, 2005.
Click here to download an audiovisual catalogue to view the full list of videos available for hire.
Puberty Boy by Geoff Price is now available from the FPWA bookshop - this is an excellent book for young boys, their parents, and heath professionals. Phone 9227 6177 to place your order.
View some of our bookshop's popular best sellers.
Book reviews
by Rebecca Smith and Richard Johnston
The Disabled Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
By Judith Rogers
Written by a disabled mother of two, ‘The Disabled Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth’ is based on the real-life experiences of 90 women with a range of disabilities that have had children.
The not-often-touched-upon subject area is presented empathetically, yet this book will empower women with a disability and encourage them to enjoy their pregnancy. It answers critical questions around issues such as labour (including caesareans), possible pregnancy complications, and emotional concerns around having children. One section presents women with a useful list of questions to ask medical professionals to ensure their health needs are met, while another looks at the time after birth, including things like breast-feeding and caring for the new baby. Parenting for women with a disability is also covered, as is nutrition and exercise.
While this book serves as a practical guide for both women with a disability planning for pregnancy and for health professionals working in the area, able-bodied women will also benefit from the problem-solving approaches and solutions suggested throughout.
Man: 120,000BC to Present Day. All Models, shapes, sizes and colours. Haynes Owners Workshop Manual
Ian Banks
What they say: “Man Mk 1 has been around for a very long time. Despite a welcome increase in choice and blend of colour the basic model has remained unchanged for a lot longer than the original Model T Ford. Engine design, chassis structure and bodywork spec are not a great deal different from that seen in the super cool showrooms of the last Ice Age, hairiness being one obvious exception. Onboard computer software has also been upgraded, although it can crash unexpectedly when confronted by three left-over pieces from flat-pack self-assembly furniture.”
What I say: I am a huge fan of the Haynes health manuals. Not only are they fun and easy to read but they are full of useful information. The fault finding manual at the back is a great source to just look through and all the car related puns make this book a very easy read for any man. Unlike most men’s health books, the Haynes manual divides each area up into logical sections and includes a comprehensive index, making it logical and easy to find exactly what you are after; if only women came with a comprehensive index! This book belongs in the bookshelf at home, right between the copy of the Karma Sutra and the manual to the XR-8.
These books are available to borrow from the FPWA library.
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Page last updated Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:27