Enjoying Sex Safely

What is sex?

Sex can mean different things to different people.

A better way to describe sex would be to say sexual activity, as sex can include a range of things. Sex can include: 

• Penetration of the vulva/vagina or anus by another person using any part of the body or any object
• Contact between a mouth and vulva, penis, or anus
• Any other sexual activity that may involve another person / people like kissing and mutual masturbation

Sex is a normal human experience, which should be fun and pleasurable.

What is safe sex?

Safe Sex is not just about taking care of your physical and emotional wellbeing while being sexually active.

Safe sex means:

• Preventing the transmission of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and blood borne viruses (BBVs)
• Preventing unintended pregnancy
• Only having sex with the enthusiastic consent of everyone involved
• Treating everyone involved with respect
• Feeling good about your decision  

Sex always requires consent

 With any sexual activity everyone involved must give consent.

• Consent is an essential part of respecting the person/ people you are with, their sexual rights and yours. 
• Consent needs to be informed, voluntary, mutual, and enthusiastic. 
• Consent means that a person must do or say something that clearly shows they agree to something they fully understand. This can be through words or behaviours.
• Consent must be given for every sexual encounter- every time. 
• Consent is needed in every relationship, no matter how long you have been together. 
• Consent is an active and ongoing process. It can be taken back at any time.
• It’s essential to check in regularly to see if the person/people you are having sex with are still giving consent to what is happening. Some ways to check-in is to ask questions like:
  
  • “Do you want to do this?”
  • "Is this, okay?"
  • "Do you still want to do this?"
  • “Do you need a break?”
  • “Do you want to stop?” 
•  If a person does not respond – they are not giving consent and all sexual activity must stop. 
• If a person communicates no or wants to stop – they are not giving consent and all sexual activity must stop. 
• If a person is drunk or under the influence of drugs, they are cannot consent, and there should be no sexual activity.
• If there is any doubt, confusion, or mixed messages about consent, you need to stop and talk about.

If you have been sexually assaulted, either recently or in the past, please contact one of the following support services:

Things that help us to make good decisions include:

• Getting correct information on safe sex.
• Thinking about your own boundaries and what feels right for you. Your boundaries may change over time, so it's good to revisit them now and then. It's important to communicate about your boundaries with sexual partners and to learn what their boundaries are.
• Talking with sexual partners before and during sexual activity. Communication is critical, being honest and open is important and is part of a healthy relationship. You might talk about what you both like and do not like; what each of you is expecting from the sexual activity; the use of condoms; and contraception.
• Thinking about how alcohol or drugs might affect your decision. If you are drunk or under the influence of other drugs, it affects your ability to make good decisions. If you are very drunk or high, you cannot give consent. 

Preventing sexually transmissible infections (STIs)

What are STIs, and how do you get them?

STIs are bacteria or viruses that are sexually transmitted. They are transmitted from one person to another through the exchange of body fluids ( such as semen, vaginal fluid, anal secretions), and through skin-toskin contact.

How do you prevent getting STIs?

The best way to reduce your chance of getting an STI is to use condoms and dams.

Should I get tested for STIs?

Getting tested for STIs is important, STIs do not go away by themselves and can cause significant problems if they are not treated. Regular sexual health checks are an essential part of looking after your health. They are quick and easy, usually just involving a vaginal swab or urine sample and a simple blood test. Most common STIs are easy to treat.

How often should I have a sexual health check?

An annual sexual health check is recommended, or more often if you have more sexual partners. If you are in a long-term monogamous relationship and have both been tested, you do not need to get tested again, unless one of you has a new sexual partner.

Where can I get a sexual health check?

You can get a sexual health check at sexual health clinics, family planning clinics, or your GP. 

Preventing unplanned pregnancy

Pregnancy happens when a sperm and egg meet, and fertilisation occurs, and the fertilised egg implants in the uterus (womb). 

Pregnancy can occur even with one act of sex, if it’s your first time having sex, during your period, and even if the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation.

What is contraception?

Contraception is something that prevents pregnancy.

The methods of contraception available include:

• Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs.) LARCS are contraceptive methods that are highly effective, work for a long time, and are quickly reversible when you stop using them. LARCS include the contraceptive implant (the rod) and intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Hormonal methods such as the pill and the contraceptive injection
• Barrier methods-including condoms. (Condoms are the only contraceptive method that also protects you from STIs)

To discuss contraception and which method might suit you, see a nurse or doctor at SHFPACT, or see your GP.

Emergency contraception (EC)

Emergency contraception is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. This may occur if you didn't use any contraception, or the contraception failed, such as a condom breaking or slipping off.

Emergency contraception can be tablets or a copper IUD. You need to use EC as soon as possible after the unprotected sex occurs.

There are two different types of EC tablets available:

Levonorgestrel EC.

You need to take the Levonorgestrel EC within 3 days of sexual intercourse. The sooner you take it, the better because its effectiveness decreases over time.

Where can I get it?

In the ACT, you can get Levonorgestrel EC free from the Walk-in Centres, Canberra Sexual Health Centre and the Junction Youth Health Service in Civic. It is also available at most pharmacies and from SHFPACT for a low cost.

EllaOne

Is the other EC available in a tablet. It is considered a little more effective than Levonorgestrel EC. You need to take it within 5 days of unprotected sex. 

Where can I get it?

EllaOne is available from pharmacies.

Copper IUD

The Copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception and is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It needs to be inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. For more information, call SHFPACT on 62473077.

For more information on safe sex, contraception, STIs, and Relationships, see the following websites