Safe sex
Part of maintaining good sexual health is having safe sex. This means taking precautions to protect yourself and your sexual partner both physically and emotionally. You can reduce your risk of contracting or passing on sexually transmissible infections (STIs) or blood borne viruses (such as HIV or hepatitis), while ensuring you’re not pressuring a sexual partner about how or whether the sex happens.
Using protection
The most effective way you can practice safe sex is to use a condom with water-based lubricant when having vaginal and anal sex, or a condom/dental dam when having oral sex. Using a condom is the only method of contraception that helps to protect against both STIs and pregnancy.
Only use condoms made by a reputable brand and check they haven’t passed the expiry date. If you’re using sex toys, it’s a good idea to use a condom and lubricant on them and wash the toys between use.
PrEP is another form of protection for HIV; however it does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. It’s a pill that is taken daily by HIV negative people to prevent HIV. Taking PrEP before being exposed to HIV means there is enough drug in your system to stop HIV if it gets into your body. If PrEP is taken as prescribed, it is almost 100% effective.
Once you are clear about your own views about using protection, it’s good if you can talk to your partner about it to make sure you are both on the same page before you have sex.
Consent
Every time you have sex, it’s important to have your partner’s enthusiastic consent, and that you give yours too. Being informed about consent, the right to say no and the need to respect another person’s wishes is explained in this animation by Blue Seat Studios—Tea and consent about consent being as simple as tea. Other sources of information about communication and sexual consent are available online.
Sexual health checks
Having regular sexual health checks is another important part of maintaining good sexual health. Many STIs do not have symptoms, so the only way to know if you have an STI is to have a sexual health check, including STI testing.
It’s a good idea to have a sexual health check every year. It’s also recommended that you get an STI test after having unprotected sex, if a previous or current sexual partner tells you they have an STI, or when starting a new sexual relationship. A doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional can perform sexual health checks.
What to expect during a sexual health check
During a sexual health check your healthcare professional will ask about your sexual history, which may include questions about:
- sexual orientation and gender identity
- sexual partners
- sexual practices
- STI symptoms
- injecting or other drug use
- tattoos and body piercing.
Sexual health information is confidential and subject to strict privacy rules. What you disclose during your appointment will be kept private.
Your doctor or nurse may suggest a sexual health examination. They will examine the genital area, cervix, anus or mouth for signs of STIs. They may suggest a swab, urine sample or blood test if further testing is required. There is often the option to collect the swab sample yourself if you prefer. A cervical screening test may be offered as well.
Free chlamydia and gonorrhoea test (Webtest)
Getting a sexual health check at a GP or sexual health clinic, Aboriginal Medical Service, or some community-based testing sites is the best option. Queenslanders 16 years and older who can’t go to a health service can order a free chlamydia and gonorrhoea urine test online through 13 HEALTH Webtest.
You can order a Webtest online, provide a urine sample and receive the results confidentially by email, SMS or phone.
Webtest will not detect an infection until 2 weeks after exposure and cannot detect:
- chlamydia and gonorrhoea in other parts of your body, such as the throat or rectum
- other STIs such as syphilis, HIV or genital herpes
- sexual or reproductive health issues.
Emergency help and advice
If you have been impacted by sexual assault and would like help, there are a range of services available to help you.
Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
If you have had unprotected sex, have shared injecting equipment or have had a needlestick injury, you may be able to protect yourself from HIV with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
These services are confidential and should be able to give advice about both STIs and emergency contraception:
- local GP or health service
- sexual health clinic
- other sexual and reproductive health service such as True Relationships and Reproductive Health
Animations on having a sexual health check
Before using a condom, check that it has not passed its expiry date.
As you open the packet, do so carefully so you do not damage or make a tear in the condom.
When the penis is erect, pinch the air out of the tip of the condom and roll it down over the penis.
Water-based lubricants should be used on the outside of the condom to make the experience more pleasurable and to reduce the risk of the condom tearing.
Never use oil-based lubricants such as massage oil or Vaseline as they can weaken the condom.
After ejaculation, hold onto the base of the condom as the penis is pulled out so it does not stay behind.
Tie a knot in the condom and put it in the bin. Avoid putting it down the toilet as this can cause a blockage in the plumbing.
Remember to always use a new condom each time you have sex, or change from having one type of sex to another.
Sexual health checks are available to everyone and should be part of a general health routine for all sexually active people.
Some sexually transmissible infections, or STIs, are quite common, and they can cause long term health issues if left untreated.
Across Australia clinicians and health workers see people every day about their concerns and questions regarding sexual health.
Some of the reasons you might want a sexual health check include if you are sexually active, you would like to learn about contraception, you need sexual health advice, a partner has suggested you need a check, or you just have questions about your sexuality.
Sexual health checks are available from GPs, sexual health clinics, reproductive health services and men’s and women’s health staff in remote clinics.
Before you decide where to get your sexual health check, there are a few things to consider.
GP clinics are usually the best place to get a check if you have no symptoms, or just have some questions. You can visit a GP clinic if you have symptoms too. Some will bulk bill, which means your appointment will be free. Other GPs will charge you a fee, so you may want to check first.
Sexual health clinics are run by Queensland Health and provide free services.
Reproductive health services are run by non-government organisations and may also provide free services for eligible people.
In some cases you will need a Medicare Card and to call and make an appointment beforehand.
When you visit a health service for the first time, you are usually asked to fill in a form with your name and contact details.
You will then speak with a clinician or health worker. This is your time to ask questions regarding your sexual health.
Some of the things you might want to ask about include types of contraception, STIs, pregnancy, periods and cervical screening.
You might also talk about things like your sexuality, if you’re at risk of HIV infection, and sexual relationships.
During your visit, the clinician or health worker might want to learn a few things about you.
They might ask you when you last had sex, if you have sex with men, women or both, when you last changed your sexual partner, if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex, if you use condoms, if you have symptoms or if you’ve ever injected drugs.
You might feel uncomfortable, especially if some of the questions asked are personal. But remember the clinician is used to having these conversations so don’t feel embarrassed.
Providing accurate information also means that you will get the best advice. Some STIs can lead to serious long-term health problems if not treated.
During your appointment, it might also be necessary to take some tests. The clinician might want to swab your mouth, anus or genitals or any sores or blisters you have. You might also be asked to provide a urine or blood sample.
Although it can feel overwhelming to have a sexual health check, you are protecting your health and the health of others.
Sexual health checks are available to everyone and should be part of a general health routine for all sexually active people. Some sexually transmissible infections, or STIs, are quite common, and they can cause long term health issues if left untreated.
Across Australia, clinicians and health workers see people every day about their concerns and questions regarding sexual health.
Some of the reasons you might want a sexual health check include if you are sexually active, you would like to learn about contraception, you need sexual health advice, a partner has suggested you need a check, or you just have questions about your sexuality.
Sexual health checks are available from GPs, sexual health clinics, reproductive health services and men’s and women’s health staff in remote clinics.
Before you decide where to get your sexual health check, there are a few things to consider:
GP clinics are usually the best place to get a check if you have no symptoms, or just have some questions. Some will bulk bill which means your appointment will be free. Other GPs will charge you a fee, so you may want to check first.
Sexual health clinics are run by Queensland Health and provide free services.
Reproductive health services are run by non-government organisations and may also provide free services for eligible people.
In some cases you will need a Medicare Card and to call and make an appointment beforehand.
When you visit a health service for the first time, you are usually asked to fill in a form with your name and contact details.
You will then speak with a clinician or health worker. This is your time to ask questions regarding your sexual health.
Some of the things you might want to talk about include contraception, your sexuality, STIs, if you’re at risk of HIV infection, using condoms, and your sexual relationships.
During your visit, the clinician or health worker might want to learn a few things about you.
They might ask you when you last had sex, if you have sex with men, women or both, when you last changed your sexual partner, if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex, if you use condoms, if you have symptoms or if you’ve ever injected drugs.
You might feel uncomfortable if some of the questions asked are personal. But remember the clinician is used to having these conversations so don’t feel embarrassed.
Providing accurate information also means that you will get the best advice and treatment if needed.
During your appointment it might also be necessary to take some tests. The clinician might want to swab your mouth, anus or genitals or any sores or blisters you have. You might also be asked to provide a urine or blood sample.
Although it can feel overwhelming to have a sexual health check, you are protecting your health and the health of others.