Category: Safe Sex

It was reported that abortions in Victoria last year with young women had dramatically increased.  There were 209 abortions performed on girls under the age of 16.  Two 12 year old girls had terminations.  The biggest increase was amoung those aged 14.

3,350 females aged 20 or under sought terminations last year and although there maybe an increase with the young, State Government data shows 16,084 Victorian women had terminations in 2008/09 which shows an overall 12% decrease from 2005/06.

Some research shows that of the teens who are sexually active, a third had their first experience at age 14 years of younger.  But almost one in 10 say they have not been taught sex ed at school.

People are blaming poor sex education at schools.  Others are blaming the frequent teen sex scenes depicted on TV shows such as Home and Away.

A suggestion…. girls, always use a Condom!  Simple but effective.

I ‘m too scared and embarrassed to ask my Doctor to check for a Sexually transmitted Infection.

Firstly there is no need to be.  You will not be the first person who has asked the Doctor this question.  Catching a STI is no different to catching some other infection…  it happens.  It is called life!

But if you can not speak to your family doctor you should contact your local Family Planning Association.

They have access to FREE sexual health services for young people.  They can help you and especially people who can’t afford it or don’t have their own Medicare card.

If you are under the age of 16 you are entitled to confidential care.  Depending on individual circumstances discretion is offered from the age of 14.

Doctors are required to report STIs to the government, however your name will not be included.  You will only be a statistic, a number, you will remain anonymous so you have absolutely nothing to fear.

Visit Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia to find out more www.shfpa.org.au or Better Sex 4 Woman at meet-dr-Mia.html for great advice on all sexual matters.

Most people who are infected by Chlamydia show NO symptoms.  However, when you start showing symptoms they’re very painful.

Women may find an unusual vaginal discharge, burning when they pass urine, pain during sex, bleeding or spotting during periods or bleeding after sex, fever or pain in the lower abdomen.

Men may experience a painful or watery discharge, burning when they urinate, burning and itching around the hole of the penis or swelling of the testes.

Do you know how you can prevent this?  USE A CONDOM! So so easy.

However, if you do catch Chlamydia and if left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in an ectopic pregnacy, premature birth, long-term pelvic pain and infertility in women.

Men can experience inflammation of the testicles and infertility.

An untreated STI may also increase your risk of contracting HIV.

YOU MUST STOP THE SPREAD OF CHLAMYDIA:

Even if you have no symptoms some Doctors recommend to get tested.  If you are sexually active or have multiple partners get a check up every three to six months.  It is easy and painless.  You will be asked to take a urine test or a swab of the vagina, cervix, anus or penis.  Treatment mostly is a one-dose course of antibiotics and a follow-up test.

Chlamydia is leading the surge in sexually transmissible infections (STI’s).  Chlamydia has grown from 14,082 cases in 1999 to 58,456 cases in 2008, but worse then this 80% of cases are in young people aged between 15 and 29.  Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of the reproductive organs that affects men and women and is spread by unprotected vaginal or anal sex.  It can also spread to the throat through oral intercourse.

The best way to prevent infection is through the USE OF CONDOMS!  Quite simple really.

However, a recent survey found that nearly 80% of sexually active women aged 16 to 25 have had unprotected sex and almost half of all sexually active year 12 students did NOT use a condom in their last encounter.

Stay tuned….. more on this important subject to come.

Safer sex precautions are important for everyone who is unsure of their own or their partner’s sexual health and history, or changes partners frequently. The exchange of bodily fluids, however pleasant, has always been viewed as risky. We know that the ancient Egyptians and Romans used condoms, and in the 17^th century King Charles II’s physician manufactured one for him from fish bladders and lambskin to protect him from syphilis. Barrier methods such as condoms, dams and latex gloves are still the most straightforward and effective way of preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and having safer sex.

It is essential to remember that spread of STI’s does not only occur with ejaculation. It can occur via pre-seminal fluid, blood, discharge from sores or genital contact. Even kissing carries a small risk in the transmission of infections such as mononucleosis, oral thrush, cold sores and hepatitis B – especially if oral hygiene is poor. Sharing sex toys is also risky behaviour as bodily fluids or bacteria can be concealed in porous materials or cracks. It’s best not to share your sex toys but if you do, ensure they are clean or cover them with a condom.

Preventative Guidelines

• Be informed about the different levels of risk of sexual activities. For example, oral sex has been shown to be safer than anal sex, but not if you or your partner has HIV or another untreated STI such as herpes.

• Be confident enough to bring up the subject of safe sex with a new lover. The awkwardness of negotiating protection may only take a few minutes, but it can save you a lifetime of dealing with the consequences of some diseases.

• Wear lubricant and condoms for all penetrative vaginal and anal sex and put a fresh condom over sex toys every time you share them with your partner.

• Check yourself regularly for any unusual symptoms – itching, rashes, lumps, warts, discharge, abdominal discomfort, and bleeding or pain during sex. Go for a check-up immediately as most infections can be treated by antibiotics.

• Good personal hygiene will help to keep you safe as well. For example, don’t put anything that has been in the anus into the vagina without cleaning it first to prevent transmission of bacteria.

• Never kiss a partner who has oral thrush, cold sores or mononucleosis.

• When your newly found love has become a long-standing and committed relationship, the way forward is for both of you to get tested before having unprotected sex as some STI’s can lie dormant for years. The challenge and responsibility if you want to keep having unprotected sex is to remain faithful to each other.

Remember that STI’s don’t discriminate – whatever your age, sex, or sexual experience, you could be at risk. Worldwide, STI’s are at an all-time high. This is no time to be careless.

Dr. Mia Rose

better-sex-4-women.com

In this day and age, you have to know your way around a condom – not only for birth control, but for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The most important way to maximize pleasure while still getting protection is to select the right condom, master the skill of sliding it on, and keep intensity high during the act.

Hot Tips:

• Stock up. One of the biggest problems with condoms is not having one on hand when you need it. Do yourself a favour and keep a supply within reach – in your purse (or wallet), nightstand, car – or anywhere an x-rated opportunity might present itself.  Just be aware that heat (for example in a car) can make the latex fragile which increases the chances of a tear. Condoms can also easily get punctured by sharp objects that share their hiding place. Lastly, be sure to check a condom’s expiration date — chuck any that are past due and buy new ones.

• Pick the right condom. Not all condoms are created equal. Find one that meets your particular needs. Latex condoms are not only effective and durable, but proven to provide protection against pregnancy and STDs when used correctly. However, a small percentage of people are allergic to latex (think itching and burning sensations), so they prefer Polyurethane. Because the plastic sheath is thinner, they transmit heat a little better than latex, making sex feel more natural. Condoms made from animal membrane don’t protect against most sexually transmitted diseases, but they do prevent pregnancy. The minuscule openings in the membrane permit certain viruses such as HIV to pass through, but not sperm, which are bigger. So animal membrane is an alternative for committed couples in a monogamous relationship who were both tested around the same time and found to be STD-free.

• Variety is the spice of life.  Condoms come in all shapes and sizes: ribbed, studded, warming and cooling… there is something for every possible taste. There are even condoms to make him last longer. Try a condom designed with a swirl or bulb at the end of it — it will have a word like’ twist,’ ‘pleasure’ or ‘spiral’ on the box. These models fit securely around the base of the shaft while creating more friction near the sensitive head of the penis. Plan a night in with a selection - you can have a great time experimenting and finding out which feels best.

• Size matters. The right fit entirely changes how a man experiences sex with a condom. If a condom is too tight, sensation is reduced, it takes longer to get it on (which can shrink his erection), and is more likely to break. Quick sizing test: If it can’t be rolled all the way down to the base of the penis, it’s not large enough. On the other hand, an oversize condom can slide off, and the extra material can be a blow to his ego. Make sure to experiment with different brands to find the perfect fit.

• Slide it on like a pro. Condoms may not be the most glamorous part of sex, but it doesn’t have to be awkward either. Slipping it on doesn’t have to spoil the mood. The faster it goes on, the less likely he is to lose his erection. During foreplay, carefully tear off the top of the condom package with your fingers (no scissors or nails!) Then squeeze the condom out like you would toothpaste. Place a few drops of lube inside the condom to increase sensation at the nerve-packed head of the penis. Place the opening over the head of the penis. Hold it there with one hand and lightly squeeze the tip of the condom to eliminate air bubbles (which can cause breakage), and also to leave space for semen. Turn the experience into a sexed-up hand job by squeezing the penis from shaft to tip to make sure it is fully erect. Up the fun factor by performing a few extra strokes. Use your other hand to unravel it all the way down to the rim of the condom and the base of the penis.

• Use your mouth. If you are adventurous enough, you can dab your lips with lube, then lightly suck a non-spermicidal disc or flavoured love glove into your mouth with the nipple end inward. Carefully wrap your lips over your teeth and put your mouth at the head of his member. By pushing your lips against the ring of the condom, you can slide it down his shaft, and unroll the rest with your hand.

• Make it fun. One way to have a lot of fun is to buy a vibrating ring. This is a plastic band that is joined to a buzzing nub. Place the band around the base of the condom, with the nub facing her clitoris, and enjoy an energetic ride!

• Don’t hang around. It’s important to pull out immediately after orgasm. Grasp the condom at the base of the penis to prevent any semen from leaking out. And remember, never recycle a condom! For protection against STDs you have to use a new condom properly and consistently with every single sexual act. Yes, that includes oral sex.

If purchasing condoms still makes you blush, remind yourself how super-responsible you are for taking charge of your sexual health. Then order them online!

Dr. Mia Rose

Having fun with Condoms

www.better-sex-4-women.com