May - Chlamydia Awareness

Time to talk about some serious sex concerns – The silent STI. Chlamydia is often called the silent STI because most people carrying the infection display no symptoms. Like, none. The infection is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Chlamydia can affect both sexes, and people of all ages. This silent STI is the leading cause of infertility in women—as has it been known to cause infertility in men.In 2007 there were over 50,000 notifications of Chlamydia nationwide - compared with only 16,962 notifications of Chlamydia in 2000. This massive increase could be partly due to an increase in screening, however, it also suggests that there are too many people practicing unsafe sex. Chlamydia complications are preventable if diagnosed and treated early, but have the potential to create a very serious public health issue if ignored. So don’t ignore it any longer – get yourself tested and always use a condom.

Dr Bella xx

April – National Youth Week

National Youth Week is the 5th- 13th April and the theme for this year is – Shout, Share, Live, Unite.

 

Shout – speak up and get your partner to use a condom every time you have sex

Share – discuss your sexual thoughts, concerns and history with new partners

Live – a long healthy life free from STIs

And finally

Unite – with your partner and friends; resolve to respect and love each other.

March – National Youth Tobacco Free Day (March 19th)

What do smokers’ breath, bad skin and smelly hair have in common? They are not sexy. We all know smoking is bad for your health, but did you know the various ways that smoking can affect your sexual health?

Smoking can affect your desire for sex by reducing testosterone production, your fertility (it can cause blockages in major arteries flowing to the penis for guys) as well as the ability to get and keep erections.

Studies report that cigarettes combined with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection—aka “genital warts”—can greatly increase your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Approximately 24% of Australian women aged 20-39 smoke on a daily basis. Women smokers are at greater risk of health problems relating to period pain, Premenstrual Syndrome, and difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth.

Smoking is just not sexy – if you are a smoker, this year on National Youth Tobacco Free Day, resolve to kick habit.

February – Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day! Did you know that every year Valentines Day coincides with National Condom Day? Condoms are an effective way to protect yourself and your partner from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, if they are used properly.

Using condoms as part of your sexual adventures can be fun. Condoms come in different brands, sizes, textures, colours, tastes, and are lubricated or non-lubricated. You might also want to try taste testing flavoured and lubricated condoms, as all condoms can be effective in protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used for oral sex. Practise putting it on your partner with your mouth and if you are still unsure about what to do - practice rolling it on a banana first.

Remember:· Check the used by date of condoms as they go off and are no longer effective.· Squeeze the tip of the condom before rolling it on.· Don't use oil-based lubricants as the condom will be likely to break. · And don’t forget - sharp jewellery & long nails can easily tear condoms.

Enjoy! xx Dr Bella

August 07

Sex and Drugs

Throughout your life you will come into contact with alcohol and drugs. As well as being illegal, drugs and drinking make you vulnerable when it comes to sex. If you're high, it's hard to make good decisions about sex. Many types of risky behavior, including drug use and sexual activity, tend to occur among the same groups of people. Sometimes, it's because drug users tend to be greater risk-takers than non-drug users. That means they might be more sexually active, might be less likely to use contraception when they have sex, may have more sexual partners, and may have started having sex at younger ages than non-drug users. Alcohol and drugs impair judgement and make you more likely to engage in unsafe sex.

Aside from putting yourself at risk of STIs and pregnancy, you can also put yourself in an exposed, defenseless situation, which can be a real issue if you don’t want to have sex with someone.

Remember, when it comes to both sex and drugs you can always say "no" -- even if you've said "yes" before. Don’t give into peer pressure just because you think everyone is doing it. Some are, some aren't, some could even be lying, and who cares anyway what they’re doing, it’s all about what you’re comfortable with.

REMEMBER: If you're drunk or high, you can't make good decisions about sex. Don't do something you might not remember or, might really regret.

 

July 07

Sex & Self Esteem

Having low self-esteem can have a strong effect on your personal relationships, especially when it comes to sex. NEVER do anything you don’t want to do.

Saying ‘no’ is not always as easy as it sounds. This is mainly because we often worry about what people will think of us, we want to be liked and fit in. But doing what your friends or boyfriends want you to do may mean doing something that you will regret and have to live with later.

Low self-esteem can be caused by many different factors. You might be lonely, feeling unattractive, being bullied or expressing tough things at home. If you don't feel confident, you may end up making bad decisions because you don't feel good about yourself, like having sex when you don't really want to.

When it comes to sex, you always have to look out for yourself. Put your own interest first. If someone’s pressuring you to do something you're uncomfortable with, then try to get out of that situation immediately. Once you're away from that scenario, you can think about what you want for yourself in this relationship. And if your boyfriend or girlfriend won't listen and respect your feelings then it's time to say ‘seeya!’ Remember, you're a valuable human being and deserve respect. So next time you're in a difficult situation, take a step back and tell yourself you deserve better and that no-one has the right to tell you what to do, especially with something as personal as sex. It is your body and you're in charge of it.

Dr Bella xxx

June 07

Young Men & Sexual health issues

As a society we don’t often talk about young men and sexual health issues, so to coincide with International Men’s Health Week (11-17 June) I thought I’d mention a couple of sexual health issues affecting young men today.

· Sexual Health:Guy’s can often be too embarrassed to talk about issues they might have with their bodies & sexual health. If you are concerned or experience any noticeable changes on your body or genital area it’s really important that you go to your GP to discuss your concerns. Your Doctor should be understanding, informative and fully confidential and sensitive to your concerns. If not, find a cooler Dr, there’s heaps out there.

· Sexuality:Unfortunately in Australia there is still stigma attachedto bisexuality and homosexuality. Young guys tend to be the victim of discrimination and also the perpetrators. It’s normal to have feelings or fantasize about someone of the same sex, and if you decide that this is right for you, and mutual, then go for it. Too often young men act out through fear and abuse others. Let others live their own life with respect, just as you would like to be treated.

· Attitude: Young men need to stand up and take responsibility just as much as girls when it comes to sex and sexual health. Guys need to be aware of their partner’s thoughts and feelings and never try to coerce or force anyone into doing something they are not comfortable with. Remember always practice responsible safe sex to avoid unplanned pregnancies and STI’s. Who wants these, right?

 

May 07

Sexy Texting

Sexy Texting is such an easy flirting medium, with no awkward face-to-face contact required, but it’s also easy to go too far. Here are a couple of tips to text-flirt successfully and avoid any embarrassment: Send message to the right person: this one is obvious, but you don’t want to send any naughty SMSs to your mother! Make sure to send the text to the right person. Time it right: When flirting by text, timing counts. For example sending an SMS at 3am after you have been partying all night can be a bad idea (unless the impression you’re trying to give is ‘desperate’) Make sure you’re in the right frame of mind and coherent enough to flirt with flair. Take it easy: It’s so easy to get carried away without the inhibition of face to face contact, but you need to make sure the person you’re texting is responsive and equally as interested as you, or you may end up looking like a bit of a stalker. Keep things short, simple and subtly suggestive. You’ll find out soon enough if they’re interested in you! Seal with a kiss: So you’ve been texting back and forth and everything seems to be going great. Now is the time to call them, or you can even send them a text saying ‘call me’. Have confidence that you can close the deal. Text relationships are fun, but in person it is so much better.

Good Luck darlings! XXX

Dr Bella

April 07

Did you know...Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia, especially among young people.

Chlamydia affects the neck of the womb (the cervix) in women and the tube inside the penis (urethra) in men. It can also sometimes infect the throat and anus of either sex.

One of the problems with Chlamydia is that it is often a ‘silent infection’. This means in the majority of cases (over 80%) there are NO SYMPTOMS!!! So you may have it and not even know!

You can get Chlamydia through having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who is infected with the Chlamydia bacteria. While not as common, it can also be spread by oral sex.

You can’t tell if someone has Chlamydia just by looking at them. A simple urine test can diagnose if you have Chlamydia. Visit your local sexual health clinic or GP and ask for an STI check up, including a Chlamydia test. Remember darlings...avoid unprotected sex and use condoms.

March 07

Think you’re too young for testicular cancer? Think again! Make sure you check yourself regularly.

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men aged 20-34. While still relatively rare, there has been a 34% increase in the number of diagnoses in the past 10 years.

A simple, regular self-check could help you pick up the early signs of the disease.

So boys, make sure you check yourself every month. Everyone is different and you’re the best person to know what’s ‘normal’ for you.

How to check yourself:·

• The best time to check yourself is when you’re having a shower or bath as the skin on your testicles is most relaxed then.
• Examine one testicle at a time. Use both hands to gently roll the testicle between your fingers. You should be able to feel a soft, tender tube towards the back of each testicle. This is normal and is the epididymis – the tube that carries the sperm.
• Remember, most guys have one testicle that is slightly larger than the other. It’s normal.
• Feel for any lumps or bumps – they can be as small as a grain of rice or pea. If you find any lumps or notice any changes in your testicle then you should see your GP straight away.

Testicular Check Fact Sheet

BTW: Not all lumps are cancerous but should always be checked out by your doctor. If caught early, testicular cancer is almost always curable. So don’t put it off, get into good health prevention early on.

February 07

Help, the condom broke! What do I do now?

If you have had sex without contraception or your contraception has failed then you can use emergency contraception (EC), also known as the ‘morning after pill. But, you need to act quickly.

Emergency contraception acts by stopping or delaying your ovaries from releasing an egg; or by preventing sperm from fertlising any egg you may already have released; or stopping a fertilized egg from attaching itself to the lining of the womb.

In Australia, EC can be purchased from any pharmacy or chemist without a prescription. Or you can get it from your doctor or local sexual health clinic or family planning centre.

EC is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex. It will prevent 95% of expected pregnancies if you take it in the first 24 hours, 85% between 25-48 hours and 58% if used between 49-72 hours. So sweethearts, act fast and take it as soon as you can!

Remember, EC will help prevent an unplanned pregnancy but won’t protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have had unprotected sex then you need to get checked out. Contact your nearest sexual health clinic or your GP.

January 07

Is everyone doing it?

Despite what you may have heard, not everyone over the age of 16 is having sex or ‘doing it’. It’s ok not to be in a sexual relationship, whatever your age.

Ultimately it is your choice – one you should make when you feel ready and for the right reasons, not just because you think everyone else is doing it. When making the choice remember:

• Do you feel comfortable with your decision?
• Does your partner value and care for you?
• What do you want from the relationship?
• Can you talk about contraception and safer sex with your partner?

If you do decide to have sex, then make sure you protect you and your partner against unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Always use a condom as well as contraception.

December 06

HIV – not something you have to worry about?

If you’re sexually active then you need to think about protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. The most common way people in Australia get HIV is through unprotected sex (anal or vaginal sex without condoms) and by sharing needles/syringes. Even though transmission in Australia is mainly through sexual contact between men, anyone who is sexually active needs to take steps to practice safer sex.

Did you know: in 2004, there were 8898 young people under the age of 30 in Australia living with HIV.

So lovelies, if you’re going to have sex, always use a condom. Although oral sex is a pretty low risk activity, the risk increases if you have cuts or sores in or around your mouth so using a condom or dental dam, even for oral sex, is a good idea.

Today (1st of December) is World Aids Day. Mark today by practising safer sex.

Dr Bella

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