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.

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....

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 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...

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. ...

Many people find the idea of a sexual health check awkward or embarrassing. After all, it’s not every day someone you barely know asks you intimate details about your sex life or asks to examine your genitals. But sexual health checks don’t have to be awkward (and many don’t even involve us examining you). Knowing what to expect - and remembering that nothing you say will shock or embarrass us - will help make your next sexual health check more comfortable.

WHAT IS SYPHILIS?  Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It is not as common in Australia as it is in some other countries, however it is a serious infection and cases are on the rise.    Syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics, but without treatment it can cause serious health problems. It has three stages: Early infectious syphilis, late latent syphilis, and tertiary or late syphilis.  HOW DO YOU CATCH SYPHILIS? Syphilis is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.  You can catch it by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with...

WHAT ARE GENITAL WARTS Genital warts are growths on the surface of the skin or mucous membrane which occur in the genital area.  WHAT CAUSES GENITAL WARTS? Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts. HPV is the name given to a group of viruses which are very common in humans. HPV is so common that almost all sexually active people will be infected with it at some point in their lives. There are over 100 types of HPV that can infect humans, and around 40 types can infect the genital area. Some HPV types cause genital warts while other HPV types cause warts on the hands or feet, or other...