Sexual health information

Safe sex and your sexual health

Safe sex means caring for your own health and your partner’s.

Unsafe sex may put you or your partner at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B, or result in an unplanned pregnancy.

How you can stay safe

• Always use condoms if you have vaginal, oral or anal sex. Using condoms is the only method of contraception that protects against both STIs and pregnancy. Even if you’re using other contraception methods (like the pill or a diaphragm), always use condoms as well.
• If you are having unprotected sex, talk to your partner about the risks involved. Your decision about safe sex is important—some STIs can be cured but some can’t (e.g. HIV), and you may not experience any symptoms.
• Before having sex, talk about using condoms with your partner and come to an agreement about using condoms. Remember, you have the right to say NO if your partner does not agree to use condoms.
• Never have sex (even with a condom) if your partner has a visible sore, ulcer or lump on their genitals or anal area. Suggest they see their doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
• STIs can be passed from one person to another by oral sex. If you put your mouth in contact with your partner’s penis, you need to use a condom to avoid STIs. If you put your mouth in contact with your partner’s anus or vulva (outside of vagina) while having sex, you need to use a dental dam (a thin latex square held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex). This is especially important if you’ve got a cut or sore around your mouth or lips or bleeding gums.
• STIs can also be transmitted if you use sex toys, so you need to be safe. Use condoms and change the condom for each person using the toys. Wash the toys carefully after use and wash your hands after removing the condom.
• Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about sex. Find out more in the Let’s talk about sex section.
• Never re-use condoms or dental dams

Sexual health checks

A sexual health check is a check-up by a doctor, nurse or other health worker with a focus on sexual health. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to have a check-up. There are a number of (STIs) which often cause no symptoms (e.g. chlamydia).

How often and when you need to have a check-up depends on your lifestyle and sexual activity. At a minimum, we recommend annual sexual health checks for sexually active gay men, young people and people with different sexual partners. All sexually active women should have a Pap smear at least every 2 years.

A sexual health check is advisable if:

• you think you may have an STI
• you have had unsafe sex with casual partners (unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex)
• you have had a condom break or fall off during sex
• you or your partner has other sexual partners
• you are starting a new sexual relationship or have different regular or casual partners
• you want to talk about safe sex, even if you are not sexually active
• you want to talk about preventing pregnancy
• you have been sexually assaulted.

A sexual health check may include:

• talking about your sex life, including sexual orientation and the number of sexual partners
• talking about safe sex and using condoms
• talking about birth control (preventing pregnancy)
• having a Pap smear (women)
• asking questions about sexuality and sexual health
• getting safer sex supplies and written information.

Visit your general practitioner (GP) or find a sexual health clinic to get a sexual health check.