WHAT IS THE CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION? The contraceptive injection is a hormonal contraceptive containing Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). DMPA is a progestogen that is similar to the hormone progesterone made by your body. DMPA has been available as a contraceptive method for many years. HOW IS IT GIVEN AND HOW OFTEN? The contraceptive injection is given by a doctor or nurse every twelve weeks in the upper arm or buttock. HOW DOES IT WORK? The contraceptive injection works by preventing ovulation (an egg being released from the ovary). It also thickens the mucus in the cervix which...

WHAT IS THE CERVICAL SCREENING TEST? The Cervical Screening Test (CST) aims to prevent cancer of the cervix (also called cervical cancer). Cervical cancer is preventable with regular cervical screening because pre-cancerous changes can be found and easily treated, so cancer does not develop. Most people who do develop cervical cancer have either never had cervical screening or have had screening less often then recommended. Cervical screening saves lives! WHAT IS THE CERVIX AND WHERE IS IT? The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and is located at the top of the vagina. [ID:...

WHAT IS THE DIAPHRAGM? The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is a dome of soft silicone with a flexible rim that is placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb). The diaphragm forms a barrier which prevents sperm from getting into the uterus. It is inserted before intercourse and left in place for a minimum of 6 hours after intercourse. It takes 6 hours for all sperm to die in the acid environment of the vagina. The Caya® diaphragm, which is a single size diaphragm, is the only one available in Australia. HOW DO I USE THE DIAPHRAGM? You...

Sexual & Reproductive Health Information Find answers to all your questions. Popular Topics Sexually Transmissible Infections Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are infections which are passed from one person to another during sexual contact or exchange of body fluids. Genital Conditions These infections include candidiasis (also called yeast infection or thrush) and bacterial vaginosis. Menopause Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when she stops having periods. Menopause is a natural life event. ...

WHAT IS BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS  Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. One in ten will have BV at some time in their life.  WHAT CAUSES BV? BV is caused by a change in the number and type of bacteria found in the vagina. A healthy vagina contains many different kinds of bacteria. In BV, there is a decrease in the number of a particular bacteria called lactobacillus and an increase in other bacteria called anaerobic bacteria. The most common of these anaerobic bacteria is Gardnerella.  The increase in the anaerobic bacteria in the vagina changes the...

THE PROGESTOGEN ONLY PILL (POP) The POP (sometimes also called the mini pill) is an oral hormonal Contraceptive pill which contains a low dose of progestogen. The POP is taken continuously and at the same time every day in order to prevent pregnancy. It is different to the combined pill (‘the pill’) which contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. HOW DOES IT WORK? The POP works by making the mucous produced by the cervix thicker, so that sperm cannot get into the uterus (womb) and fertilise an egg. HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT? It is thought to be between 91% - 99% effective in preventing...

WHAT IS MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM? Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterium that can cause infection of the cervix, urethra (penis), and anus. It is a sexually transmissible infection and is like chlamydia, but less common There are currently no recommendations for routine testing for mycoplasma genitalium in people who have no symptoms.   HOW DO YOU GET IT? You can get mycoplasma genitalium by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom with someone who has the infection. Some people may not have any symptoms but can still pass on the infection. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? If you have a vagina, symptoms...

WHAT ARE STIS? Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another during sexual contact or exchange of body fluids. They are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They can affect areas of the body other than the genitals. They do not always cause signs or symptoms. WHAT ACTIVITIES PUT ME AT RISK OF STIS? Having vaginal or anal sex without a condom (unprotected sex) can put you at risk of getting an STI. You can also get some STIs from unprotected oral sex and from skin-to-skin contact. Some activities put you at higher risk....

Safe sex is sexy. Sex is meant to feel good and be fun, but it can be risky if not treated with respect. When entering into sexual relations with someone, the first thing you should do is talk about it and make sure you seek consent. Always ask someone before you start touching them or engaging in intercourse. This article talks about: safe sex, consent, decision making,  STIs, unplanned pregnancy, emergency contraception, and where to go if you need advice or help.

PAINFUL SEX Painful sex involving the vagina, vulva or pelvic area is a common problem, and 3 out of 4 people with a vagina will experience it at some stage in their life. For some, this may be temporary, while for others it may be a long-term problem. Sex is a normal and enjoyable part of many people’s lives and is often an important part of a relationship. Pain with sex can be very upsetting and can lead to avoiding sex and intimacy, which in turn can affect your relationship. WHERE CAN THE PAIN OCCUR? Pain with sex can occur on the outside (the vulva), in the area surrounding the vagina,...

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?  Menopause is the stage of life when your periods stop.  It occurs when your ovaries are no longer producing eggs and is a natural life event. Menopause has three phases:  Perimenopause: this is the time from the first onset of any symptoms to 12 months after your last menstrual period and can vary in length but is usually around 4 to 6 years. Menopause: the last menstrual period. Post-menopause: from 12 months after your last period. WHEN DOES MENOPAUSE USUALLY OCCUR? Natural menopause can occur at different ages, but periods usually stop between 45 and 55. Premature...

Vaginal thrush (also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a common syndrome caused by an overgrowth of yeast organisms which live naturally in the bowel and also in small numbers in the vagina. Candida is the name of the most common of these organisms. They are mostly harmless, but symptoms can develop if numbers in the vagina increase. Thrush needs the hormone oestrogen to thrive, so it rarely occurs before puberty or after menopause (unless you are using hormone replacement therapy that contains oestrogen).  A vaginal thrush infection can be acute (a single episode) or chronic (recurring...