Safer Sex

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You will find below, text and illustrations reproduced with kind permission from the NSW Health Department. The following topics are extracts from a NSW Health publication last reprinted in March 2003, called “Sexually transmitted diseases – and their prevention”.

Read these topics by clicking on the chapters headings below, or scroll down this page, or you can view the entire document online on the NSW Health Website (contains phone numbers for sexual health clinics right across NSW on page 44).

Sexually transmitted diseases – and their prevention

Your Sexual Health

Sexuality and sex are integral parts of every person. Just like other aspects of our health our sexual health needs regular maintenance to ensure it remains in healthy working order. There are a number of things we can do to maintain good sexual health and knowing the facts, making choices, and taking control are good examples. This booklet provides information on one aspect of sexual health - sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) and how to protect yourself from them. It is for people who may or may not have an STD.

Talking about sex and sexuality

Talking about sex and sexuality can be difficult and sometimes embarrassing. It is important to find people you can trust, to talk through your feelings. Friends can be useful, but if you find it difficult to talk to them, try contacting the sexual health service in your area. You have control over your body and you have the right to make decisions about sex.

Some common issues:

Difficulty negotiating safer sex It is better to start discussing the use of condoms/dams with a sexual partner before you're in a sexual situation with them. Statements such as "I always use condoms/dams" can help. Practice using condoms/dams so you feel more comfortable with them. Making sure you always have a supply of condoms, dams and water-based lubricant will ensure you don't get 'caught short'.

Difficulty making choices about whether to have sex

Feeling comfortable about having sex is very important. Learning to talk about sex with potential partners and being assertive about choices are also important. Talking with friends or a health care worker can make this easier.

Getting what you want out of sex

Each person finds different sexual activities more or less enjoyable. Exploring what is enjoyable for you and your partner, and talking about this, can be fun.

Five points to stay safe

  1. Know the facts, and discuss with partners
  2. Make a decision now, about your sexual behaviour
  3. Don't be embarrassed to insist on protecting yourself
  4. Use a condom/dam when you want to have sex
  5. Don't share needles, syringes, or injecting drug equipment

How do you know if you or your partner has an STD?

A person can have an STD and have no obvious symptoms, or the symptoms may be so minor that they are not recognised. Some of the symptoms that may be experienced include:

If you or a partner experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a health care worker to have a check-up. It is also important to avoid further sex until you have had this check-up.

Up to date advice and treatment for STDs are available from your local sexual health service. A list of sexual health services in NSW is located at the end of this booklet.

Testing, advice and treatment are free of charge and anonymous at these services, and you don't need a Medicare card.

What is a sexual health check-up?

This is a thorough check-up for STDs and other sexual health problems. It is also an opportunity to talk to a professional health care provider about sexual behaviour, sexual health concerns, and to gain sexual health information. It is advisable to have a sexual health check-up at the beginning and end of a sexual relationship if you have any symptoms or concerns. Check-ups are also advisable if you have had a risky sexual encounter or unsafe sex.

Testing is catered to the individual and their practices but will usually include swabs collected from the vagina and cervix in women and urethra in men. If you have had anal or oral sex, you may be offered testing from these areas. You may be offered blood tests for STDs that are detected by this means. The decision to have or decline these tests is totally yours and declining to have them will in no way influence your ongoing care.

Is it worth getting tested?

While routinely offered at sexual health services and readily available through G.Ps, being tested for STDs is entirely optional and remains a personal decision. Testing is usually performed on coded specimens and the highest level of confidentiality is maintained.

Some of the advantages of being tested include:

Some disadvantages of being tested include:

How to help prevent STDs

Helping to prevent STDs is about knowing the facts, making choices and taking control. Knowledge of what will help prevent STDs is the first step.

Condoms & Dams

A condom is a thin rubber sheath that covers the penis and collects the semen when the man ejaculates ("cums"). It also helps to protect the genital skin from different skin diseases such as genital warts.

A dam is a thin piece of latex which covers the vulva and vagina during oral sex. It acts as a barrier so no body fluids are exchanged or skin contact occurs.

Make a decision now. Put your health first.

Guidelines for using condoms

It's your right to protect your health and insist on a condom/dam. Someone who cares about you will feel OK about that too.

Safe and unsafe sex

Because STDs are passed on in different ways, what is considered safer for one STD may not be considered safer for another. Activities that are generally regarded as safer include:

What about oral sex?

Oral sex is considered low risk for the transmission of HIV and most other STDs. However, some STDs such as gonorrhea, herpes, and hepatitis B can be transmitted through oral sex.

If you have a cold sore you should not perform oral sex, as this can be transmitted to the person and cause genital herpes. It is also important not to perform oral sex if you have cuts or ulcers on your gums, as they can allow HIV to enter your bloodstream.

If you are worried about oral sex (mouth to penis), condoms can make it even safer. For mouth to vagina oral sex, a dental dam will help epminate any risk.

What is unsafe?

Sharing sex toys

This can result in the transmission of STDs for both men and women. Always clean your toys after use and before using them on a different person.

Vaginal or anal sex without a condom

This can result in the transmission of HIV and other STDs for both men and women. Using condoms properly will prevent the transmission of HIV and most other STDs.

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The above text and illustrations have been reproduced with kind permission from the NSW Department of Health, from it’s publication Sexually Transmitted Diseases – and their prevention - last reprinted in March 2003.