What is safe sex?
- Safe sex is the use of condoms and water based lubricant during anal or
vaginal intercourse.
- Safe sex can prevent HIV transmission.
- Safe sex can prevent pregnancy.
- Safe sex can help prevent most STIs.
The most common way to transmit HIV is through vaginal or anal intercourse
without a condom. Safe sex prevents HIV being passed on through sexual
intercourse.
Safe sex also protects you against unintended pregnancy and against some
common STIs that can be transmitted during intercourse, for example chlamydia
and gonorrhoea. Not all STIs are transmitted in the same way and so using
condoms doesn't provide one hundred per cent protection against all sexually
transmitted infections.
Breast Health
Maintaining breast health is of utmost importance. The American Cancer
Society\’s findings indicate that breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of
cancer deaths in women in the United States.
(American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2007, 2007) Moreover, the
highest incidence of breast cancer occurs in women living in North America. (
American Cancer Society, What Are the Key Statistics for Breast Cancer?, 2007)
Breast cancer gets a lot of attention because of these statistics, but there are
other conditions that you need to be aware.
Read on for general information about breast disorders, the importance of early
detection and some tips on self-examination. The information presented in this
article does not replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
It is intended to bring awareness to this area so that you can be motivated to
consult a medical professional about regular screenings and preventative health
tips.
There are numerous breast disorders to be aware of; so many in fact that we\’ll
stick to pointing out some major categories.
There are a number of breast conditions associated with infections and
irritation that are due to hormonal changes and breast-feeding.
Mastitis, which is caused by the blockage of milk ducts, is more common than you
might think and can lead to pain, fever and abscesses, which would require
surgical intervention.
Pregnancy can be a beautiful life-changing event, but a woman needs to be
conscious of risk factors. Fibrocystic Disease, which is characterized by benign
tumours or cysts in the breast, can be disturbing because it can be mistaken for
a cancerous variety.
Paget's disease of the breast, on the other hand, is malignant (meaning: severe
and progressively worsening) and can go relatively unnoticed until very late in
its progression because the symptoms don't present themselves as harmful.
These disorders all have one thing in common: they can be diminished but require
a woman to be conscious of changes to her breast and body.
Early detection is vital to a woman's health and treatment options. It\’s
important to know that not all breast disorders are malignant.
Therefore, if you notice that there have been changes to your breast or nipple
shape, discharge, or skin irritation, do not be alarmed: simply report these
findings to your doctor.
The more in tune you are with your ever-changing body, the better off you'll be
in keeping yourself healthy.
Early detection is significantly improved by routine checkups, ever improving
technologies to detect cancer and regular self-exams.
Prevention by maintaining a healthy lifestyle combined with early detection can
help people overcome disease.
Self Examination is a necessary part of your overall health routine and
maintenance. We'd like to share a few tips.
Practice makes perfect: if you try to do a Breast Self Exam (say) once a month
on an easy-to-remember day, you get to know your breasts well and can be more
conscious of gradual changes.
Try to pick a period of time when your breasts won't normally be swollen or
sore (e.g. not near a period).
Also, do a visual inspection of your breasts and take note of scaliness, rashes,
nipple discharge and changes in shape and color of your breast and/or nipples.
Use a mirror to assist you and consider noting down observations in a journal.
Also, do your self exam in a number of positions like standing, sitting and
lying down.
Use the first few fingers of your hand and use circular motions to inspect the
tissue all around your breast, in your armpit, from your collarbone to the top
of your tummy.
Your best bet would be to get your doctor to show you how they do it.
If you find something unusual while doing a breast exam, don\’t panic because
there are a lot of conditions out there that are benign (meaning: mild and
non-progressive).
However, make it a point to get it checked out thoroughly. If you are not a
person who has high risk factors for breast cancer,
share this message with people that you care about who might be: it might
motivate them to live a more consciously healthy lifestyle to try to diminish
any risk factors that they might facing.
HIV transmission and safe sex
Using condoms during vaginal or anal intercourse can prevent HIV
transmission.
HIV is transmitted by blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an HIV infected
person entering the bloodstream of another person.
HIV can be transmitted during vaginal intercourse from women to men or men to
women.
During anal sex HIV can also be transmitted from the receptive partner to the
insertive partner (bottom to top), and from the insertive partner to the
receptive partner (top to bottom).
Not using condoms but pulling out before ejaculation is unsafe as fluid leaks
from the penis during sex. This fluid can pass HIV and also cause pregnancy.
There are a few cases of HIV been passed during oral sex. In most of these
cases the person had sores, wounds, gum disease, ulcers, cuts, herpes or
infections in the mouth. Without those factors it isn't considered easy for HIV
to enter the bloodstream via the mouth or throat. For more information on oral
sex click here.
If there are further questions you would like answered about HIV or safe sex
you can call:
HIV/AIDS Information line
9am - 8pm (Mon-Fri), 10am - 6pm
(Sat)
Why have safe sex?
Safe sex is the best way of protecting yourself and partner/s from STIs,
including HIV.
There are very good reasons why sexually active people need to practise safe
sex including the following:
- Condoms stop HIV transmission.
- You can't judge whether someone has an STI based on how they look, dress,
behave, who they have slept with, etc. Anyone can get HIV or another STI.
- Practising safe sex provides you with peace of mind.
- Thinking 'HIV won't happen to me' provides no protection.
- Some STIs are quite common and using condoms will reduce the risk of
infection.
- People with HIV or STIs don't always know that they are infected.
- Safe sex protects you from unintended pregnancies.
- HIV can affect anyone. While in Australia most people with HIV are gay men
and men who have sex with men, heterosexuals still get HIV. Worldwide HIV
overwhelmingly affects heterosexuals, including amongst our closest neighbours
in Asia.
What about oral sex?
Oral sex is where the mouth of one person is placed on the genitals
(vagina/penis) of another.
There have been some cases of HIV been transmitted from oral sex. In most of
these cases the person had sores, wounds, gum disease, ulcers, cuts, herpes or
infections in the mouth. Without those factors it isn't considered easy for HIV
to enter the bloodstream via the mouth or throat.
Confusion still exists around oral sex and HIV because initially there was
some uncertainty about the risk posed and early safe sex messages may have made
it seem riskier than it actually was.
While research has indicated HIV transmission can occur through oral sex, it
is viewed as a rare occurrence. However, to reduce this small risk make sure
your mouth and gums are in good condition before engaging in oral sex. Not
allowing your partner to ejaculate into your mouth will also reduce the
risk.
While oral sex is not a risky activity in regards to passing HIV, other STIs
can be easily passed through oral sex, for example gonorrhoea.
If you are concerned about catching HIV or other STIs use condoms during oral
sex or avoid oral sex.
How should I negotiate safe sex?
If you want to practise safe sex, then there is a range of things you can do
to make sure you stick to that decision.
- Make sure that you have a supply of condoms always available.
- Ensure you know how to use a condom correctly.
- Be clear about the reasons why you want to use a condom - your partner may
have all sorts of arguments about why they don't want to use them.
- Talk to your partner about safe sex - so they are clear about your
expectations.
- Put the condom on.
- Hand the condom to your partner and ask them to put it on.
- Avoid alcohol or drugs if they are likely to weaken your resolve.
- Make it clear to your partner that you won't have sex if a condom is not
used.
- Make sure you choose a brand of condom that fits comfortably.
- If your partner won't use a condom, then engage in sexual acts other than
intercourse.
- Don't let putting a condom on disrupt the flow, make sure they are nearby
and easily within reach.
Your partner needs to respect your decision regarding safe sex - if they
don't then you need to consider how much they value you and your beliefs.
How can I prevent catching an STI?
You reduce the risk of catching an STI by either not having sex or by always
practising safe sex.
Another way is to have sex with only one partner (and for your partner to
only have sex with you) and both undertake a sexual health check-up early in the
relationship to ensure neither of you has any STIs.
If you do have sex with more than one partner then your best strategy is
to:
- use a condom and water based lubricant for
sexual intercourse as this will protect you from HIV, unintended pregnancies and
help prevent STIs;
- avoid having sex with people with obvious STI symptoms on their genitals,
for example warts or rashes or itch; and
- discuss with your doctor vaccination against hepatitis B, and possibly
hepatitis A depending upon your sexual practices.
If you do show any symptoms get them quickly checked out. Many STIs can be
quickly and effectively treated. If you think you have an STI it is important
not to have sex until you have seen a doctor.
If you are sexually active with more than one partner, then you need to
regularly undergo a sexual health check-up. Remember you can still have an STI
and not show any symptoms.
How can alcohol and other drugs
affect me?
Alcohol and other drugs can affect the decisions you make about sex and
practising safe sex.
Alcohol or other drugs can have negative effects on your sex life, and health
more generally. Research shows alcohol and other drugs do affect the decisions
people make about safe sex. Research also shows that people often state that
they had unsafe sex because they were 'drunk' or 'out of it'.
Alcohol and other drugs can lead to you making decisions you wouldn't
otherwise make. For example you may choose to have sex with someone you wouldn't
have otherwise chosen, you might not use a condom whereas you normally would,
you may regret having sex at all. During sex it's not uncommon for men to lose
their erection after heavy drinking or taking other drugs.
Staying safe
If you are having a night out and think you might have sex with someone, it
is important you make a decision beforehand about what you want to do. Once you
have made that decision you need to stick to it.
If you think you might have unsafe sex once you have been drinking or taking
drugs then you need to consider not drinking or taking drugs or reducing your
intake so that you can stay more in control.
If you choose to inject drugs, don't share any injecting equipment including
needles, syringes, swabs, filters, spoons, tourniquets, the mix, etc. Sterile
syringes are available from pharmacies and Needle and Syringe Program outlets.
The program is an anonymous and confidential service. See safe injecting for more
information.
Illegal drugs
Remember it is illegal to use illicit drugs. Illicit drugs are those which
are illegal for people to use, possess, manufacture, sell, distribute or supply.
These include marijuana, amphetamines, ecstasy and heroin. The are severe
penalties ranging from fines to prison sentences.
Further information
There are other dangers in drinking and taking drugs that need to be
considered apart from its impact upon your sexual health.
A good place to find out more information is by visiting
Alternatively you could call the Alcohol and Drug Information Service 02 9361
8000 or 1800 422 599 (outside Sydney).
How do I know if my partner has an STI?
If there are no obvious symptoms then it is not possible to tell if someone
has an STI, unless that person decides to tell you.
People can have an STI and not even know they do. This is one of the reasons
why practising safe sex and seeing a doctor for a regular sexual health check-up
is important.
Some people believe you can tell if someone has an STI based on the number of
sexual partners they have, who they have sex with, if they dress well, or if
they look 'clean' and 'healthy'. These beliefs are incorrect and often reflect
the values and biases of the person making the statement.
Unless there are obvious symptoms, there is no way you can tell if somebody
has an STI by judging the way they look, their sexual behaviour or hygiene.
There is no one type of person who catches STIs. Anyone who is sexually
active can be at risk of catching an STI.
Guidelines for using condoms
- Check the expiry date and that the label says it meets Australian standards
(novelty condoms may not meet Australian standards).
- Store condoms in a cool place. It is not a good idea to leave condoms in a
car. If you do keep condoms in your wallet or purse, make sure you regularly
replace them.
- Find a condom brand and size that is comfortable for you.
- Unwrap the condom from the packet but be careful not to tear the condom.
Don't unroll the condom until it's on the penis.
- To roll the condom on, make sure the penis is erect. Make sure the condom is
the right way. Squeeze the teat of the condom to remove the air bubble and then
roll the condom to the base of the penis. If uncircumcised, pull back the
foreskin.
- Apply a water based lubricant to the outside of the condom to increase
pleasure and to reduce the risk of the condom breaking. Oil based products will
weaken the condom and lead to breakage.
- When withdrawing make sure the penis is still erect and hold the condom so
that it doesn't slip off.
- Once you have removed the condom dispose of it in a rubbish bin. Don't
dispose of it down the toilet.
- Use a condom only once. Make sure you have more than one condom available.
- Don't put two condoms on for strength - they may tear more easily because of
friction. If you want extra safety, buy extra strength.
- If you think the condom has broken during sex pull out immediately and
replace the condom.
- If the condom broke or slipped off during sex, you might want to consider emergency contraception, PEP, or getting a sexual health-check-up.
Condoms and relationships
Often people in a relationship choose not to use condoms.
If you are in a regular relationship with another person and neither of you
is having sex outside the relationship and you both have had a sexual health
check-up, then not using condoms is a choice you may want to make together.
If you are not in a relationship, then there is never a completely safe time
not to use condoms. You can't tell from looking at someone if they have an STI
and sometimes people with STIs don't know they have them. Using a condom in
these situations will protect you from HIV and unintended pregnancies, and help
prevent most other STIs.
Some people think that sex will be safe if they don't use condoms but pull
out before ejaculation. This is incorrect. Even before ejaculation, fluid leaks
from the penis during sex. This fluid can cause pregnancy and also pass HIV and
other STIs between both partners.
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