Schoolies Week Sexual Health Info

Free Condoms

• You can get free condoms by sending a text to 19739898 (19sextxt) with: ‘free’ + Your Name + Your Address
• Available for 5 weeks between 26th October and 30th November 2009 or while stocks last.
• The text costs 55c but the condoms are free and sent in a discrete package.

Contraception Emergencies

A condom is the only form of contraception that protects you from both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. But, sex doesn't always run smoothly. Following are answers to some contraception emergencies:

The condom has broken...

• A girl can take emergency contraception (the morning after pill).
• But… the sooner it is taken after having unprotected sex, the more effective it is (within 24 hours 95% effective, within 48-72 hours only 58% effective).
• As STIs are transferable through unprotected sex, both the guy and the girl should get a sexual health check-up at the doctors.

I’ve missed a pill...

• If you’ve missed a pill then the general rule is that you should take the missed pill and make sure you use condoms at all times until you get your next period.
• If you’ve had unprotected sex since missing the pill, if you want to avoid pregnancy you can take emergency contraception, and should definately have a STI check-up.

I've had unprotected sex...

• If you've had unprotected sex you are at risk of both STIs/HIV/AIDS (and pregnancy).
• For girls, if you want to avoid pregnancy you can take emergency contraception.
  

STIs and HIV/AIDS

Having a shag without protection puts you at risk of a stack of STIs - many of which are "silent" infections, which means there are no symptoms to alert you that anything is wrong.

• Some infections are only irritating, others increase your risk of cancer and infertility and some such as AIDS can kill you.
• BTW you can get sexually transmitted infections from oral sex. Always be safe and use condoms.

Unplanned Prengancies

The morning after pill is an emergency contraception and should not be used as a standard form of contraception.

• It is available over the counter from pharmacies or from your doctor.
• It is most effective if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex (95% effective), and its effectiveness is reduced to 58% if left 48-72 hours after intercourse.

If you think you’ve missed a period or think you might be pregnant for some other reason, then the best thing to do is to start by taking a simple pregnancy test.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

Home pregnancy tests are cheap (between $10 - $20), extremely reliable, available from chemists and supermarkets and easy to use.

• They work by detecting a certain pregnancy hormone in your urine.
• It’s best to buy a twin pack (most brands come in either single or twin packs) in case you miss with your wizz the first time.
• Depending on the brand, it can take up to five minutes to get a result.

If you’d rather leave it to a professional, head to your nearest sexual health clinic or your GP. They’ll ask you about the date of your last period, when you had unprotected sex and will either do a urine or blood test.

Unplanned pregancy - talking it over

It is important to face what is happening and seek advice as soon as possible, so all options are open to you. You don’t have to make this difficult decision alone – other people can help you make a decision by explaining your choices.

For immediate and personalized, non-judgemental help, please visit www.mariestopes.com.au or contact Freecall 1800 003 707 (24 hours).