What is safe sex?

Safe sex is using condoms and water based lubricants as well as a range of other things you can do during sex to help reduce the risk of catching or passing on STI’s (sexually transmitted infections) including HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Safe sex can:

    • Help prevent HIV
    • Prevent Pregnancy
    • Prevent STIs  

The most common way STIs and HIV are passed on is through vaginal or anal sex without a condom.

How are STI’s and HIV transmitted?

STI’s and HIV are transmitted during vaginal or anal sex through blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an infected person entering the bloodstream of another person. STI’s may also be passed on by skin-to-skin contact. Oral sex is relatively safe for HIV, however, STIs like gonorrhoea, herpies and syphillis can still be transmitted by oral sex.

Remember you can still have an STI and not show any symptoms, but still pass them on to other people. Using condoms and water-based lubricants during sex can help prevent you catching STIs and HIV.

Other Ways to prevent catching STI’s and HIV are: to not have sex; or 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 including an HIV test early in the relationship to ensue neither of you has HIV or any STIs.

Remember, if you do have sex: always use a condom and water-based lubricant. Discuss vaccination against hepatitis B with your doctor or sexual health clinic; and possibly hepatitis A depending upon your sexual practices. Have regular sexual health check-ups with your local doctor or sexual health clinic  

Why have safe sex?

Safe sex is the best way of protecting you and your sexual partners from STls including HlV. There are very good reasons why sexually active people need to practise safe sex including the following:

  • You can't tell whether someone has an STI based on how they look, dress, behave or who they have slept with.
  • Practising safe sex provides you with peace of mind. Thinking “It 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; often don't know they are infected.
  • Condom and water based lubricants prevent HIV transmission.
  • Safe sex protects you from unintended pregnancies.
  • STIs and HIV exist in all countries and cultures and can affect anyone.

How should I negotiate safe sex?

If you want to practise safe sex, there are a number of things you can do to make sure you stick to that decision. Know how to use a condom and make sure you have a supply of condoms always available, including when you travel overseas. Remember, be clear and firm about the reasons why you want to use a condom.

Where to get help:

Local doctors are listed in the telephone Yellow Pages under medical practitioners. Sexual health clinics are located all over QLD and are listed under ‘S’ in the White Pages. You can be tested for HIV and other STIs without a Medicare card. You can also request a health care interpreter to be present at appointments.

How to use a condom

  • Check the expiry date and make sure the label says it meets 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 see you replace them regularly.
  • Condoms come in different sizes. 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 up. 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 artd hold the condom so that it dosen't slip off.
  • Dispose of the condom in a rubbish bin.

Use a condom only once. Dont put two condoms on for strength – they may tear more easily because of friction. Non-latex condoms are available for people with latex alergy. If you think the condom has broken during sex pull out imediately and replace the condom.

If the condom did brake and you may have come in contact with HIV, talk to your doctor within three days as there is a course of treatment than can help you avoid HIV infection. It's called PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) ...ask for it by name if you think you've been exposed to HIV.

Where can I get condoms and lubricant?

Condoms and lubricant are available at pharmacies, many spermarkets,convienence stores and vending machines in the toilets of pubs and clubs.

For more information contact:

  • Rockhampton Sexual Health Clinic: 4920-6262
  • Queensland Association for Healthy Communities: 1800 177 434
  • Family Planning Queensland: 4921 3655
  • Mens Health Line: 1800 155 141

or go to the Queensland government sexual health web site http://www.health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth/  (for more information on STIs which includes information on safe sex)