Media Releases
Click on the titles below to read FPWA's 2008 media releases. Please contact Rebecca Smith on 08 9227 6177 if you have a media enquiry.
For more information on the topics mentioned or any other sexual health issue, please contact the FPWA Library or our Sexual Health Helpline.
Previous media releases by year
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001
Current media releases
12th May - Sexual health focus on Library and Information Week
Whether you are looking for information about sex, fertility, puberty or relationships, the FPWA Sexual Health Services Library and Bookshop is for you.
Holding the most comprehensive collection of sexual and reproductive health resources in Australia, the FPWA Library provides information on a wide range of topics and has items available for loan, hire and sale.
“Our extensive collection covers topics such as men and women’s health, puberty, sex education, contraception, sexually transmissible infections, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, sexual orientation, relationships and more,” said Rebecca Smith, spokesperson.
The library has books, journal articles and videos providing information suitable for individuals, parents, students and professionals. Condom and contraception teaching kits are also available.
“Library and Information Week is a great opportunity to promote the FPWA Library and invite people to come along and check what the service has to offer - clients are always pleasantly surprised at the amount of information available,” said Ms Smith.
“Everyone is welcome to visit the library, and friendly staff are available to assist with queries.”
“Our bookshop also has a selection of affordable books and videos for sale.”
The FPWA Library and Bookshop is located at 70 Roe Street Northbridge and is open every weekday. Services are offered statewide and queries can be answered by mail, phone, fax and email.
For more information, phone 9227 6177 or visit http://www.fpwa.org.au/edit/mediareleases/services/librarybookshop/ to download a catalogue.
Library and Information Week will be held from 19-25 May. This year’s theme is ‘Libraries are for everyone'.
5th May - Love Bugs take safe sex message to regional WA
With the theme of ‘Safety, Pleasure, Respect’, the first-ever WA Sexual Health Week on May 5-11 is a reminder to everyone about the importance of sexual health.
As part of the festivities, VW Love Bugs (cars) will be making their way through Midwest and Northwest WA over the next fortnight, with giveaways and health information galore.
Local Public Health Units and Aboriginal Medical Services will also be getting on board by hosting and taking part in local events.
“WA Sexual Health Week is a great opportunity to bring together the diverse range of agencies in the sexual health sector, and increase the community’s access to accurate information and appropriate services,” said Rebecca Smith, project co-ordinator.
“The event aims to raise awareness of sexual health issues, in particular prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.”
“The Love Bug tour will take the safe sex message to rural and remote communities in a fun, creative way, providing interactive education opportunities for local people and information and support for health professionals.”
“It is evident that the safe sex message is still not getting through to some people, with STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea becoming increasingly common among the community.”
“WA Sexual Health Week is a good reminder for people to always use condoms if they are sexually active, and to get tested by a health professional if they’ve had unprotected sex in the past – they may have an STI and not know it, as many people have no symptoms,” she said.
“If left untreated, some infections can cause serious health problems for both men and women.”
Agencies taking part in WA Sexual Health Week include FPWA Sexual Health Services, Department of Health, WA AIDS Council, Quarry Health Centre, Hepatitis Council, Freedom Centre, the University of WA and secca.
"Everyone can get involved by attending one of the many free events being held around the state,” said Ms Smith.
For more information about SHW and a list of events go to http://www.fpwa.org.au/edit/mediareleases/shw. Free condoms will be available throughout the week.
Please contact Trish Langdon on 0419 858 494 for more information on events happening in your area or to organise a photo.
14th April - 'Surviving Adolescence' - a free event for parents
For many parents and step-parents of teenagers, adolescence can be a confusing and difficult time.
To help them deal with some of the issues facing young people today, FPWA Sexual Health Services is holding a free ‘Surviving Adolescence’ workshop as part of WA Sexual Health Week.
“FPWA understands that parents often want to talk to their teenager about issues such as sex, alcohol and other drugs, but are unsure how to go about doing so,” said Deborah Wright, workshop coordinator.
“The event will provide parents with an insight into how they can raise such issues in a positive manner, and look at helping improve communication in general between themselves and their teenagers.”
“It will also offer mums and dads the opportunity to meet with other parents in similar situations, and go over basic information about safe sex for those who may need a refresher,” she said.
Topics covered on the night will include sexual and emotional health, contraception and alcohol and other drugs. Brochures and other resources will also be available.
“Parents often find it hard to talk to their teenagers, especially when the topic has anything to do with sex,” said Ms Wright.
“However, teenagers need accurate information and support if they are to negotiate sexual relationships safely and responsibly.”
‘Surviving Adolescence’ – a free event for parents
Where: FPWA, 70 Roe Street Northbridge
When: Wednesday May 8th
7:00 – 9:00pm
Light refreshments provided
Everyone welcome
Phone 9227 6177 to reserve your place or for more information. For more information on WA Sexual Health Week go to http://www.fpwa.org.au/edit/mediareleases/shw
14th April - WA Sexual Health Week an important reminder
With the theme of ‘Safety, Pleasure, Respect’, the first-ever WA Sexual Health Week on May 5-11 is a reminder to everyone about the importance of sexual health.
“WA Sexual Health Week is a great opportunity to bring together the diverse range of agencies in the sexual health sector, and increase the community’s access to accurate information and appropriate services,” said Rebecca Smith, project co-ordinator.
“The event aims to raise awareness of sexual health issues, in particular prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.”
“It is evident that the safe sex message is still not getting through to some people, with STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea becoming increasingly common among the community.”
“WA Sexual Health Week is a good reminder for people to always use condoms if they are sexually active, and to get tested by a health professional if they’ve had unprotected sex in the past – they may have an STI and not know it, as many people have no symptoms,” she said.
“If left untreated, some infections can cause serious health problems for both men and women.”
Ms Smith said it was a good idea for people to talk about condoms early on in any relationship.
“Lots of people plan on having safe sex, but find it hard to bring up the topic in the heat of the moment – don’t get carried away and forget to use protection.”
Agencies taking part in WA Sexual Health Week include FPWA Sexual Health Services, Department of Health, WA AIDS Council, Quarry Health Centre, Hepatitis Council, Freedom Centre, the University of WA and secca.
"Everyone can get involved by attending one of the many free events being held around the state,” said Ms Smith.
For more information about SHW and a list of events go to http://www.fpwa.org.au/edit/mediareleases/shw. Free condoms will be available throughout the week.
1st April - New Northbridge clinic open
FPWA Sexual Health Services has opened its newly refurbished clinic in Northbridge.
Thanks to a grant from LotteryWest, the new clinic boasts extra clinician’s rooms and an improved reception/waiting area.
“The increase in size will shorten our wait list and mean we can see a higher number of clients,” said Ms Deborah Wright, Clinical Services Manager.
“This is good news for people who need to see a clinician quickly.”
“Doctors and nurses are available Monday – Saturday to discuss sexual health issues such as STI testing and treatment, contraception, Pap smears and planned and unplanned pregnancy,” she said.
“Men and women of all ages are welcome.”
To make an appointment at the FPWA Clinic please phone 9227 6177.
1st February - Say it with flowers - and a condom - on National Condom Day
FPWA Sexual Health Services is reminding people to ‘Say it with a condom’ as part of National Condom Day on February 14.
“As Valentines Day celebrations can often lead to sex, what better time to remind people to always use a condom?” said FPWA spokesperson Rebecca Smith.
“On a day when romance is foremost in everyone’s mind, we want to increase awareness of the need to practise safe sex.”
“While a condom isn’t exactly a romantic gift, using one can help prevent you from getting or passing on a sexually transmissible infection (STI), and shows your partner that you really care about their health,” she said.
“So when organising chocolate and champagne for your Valentines Day celebrations, respect yourself and your sexual partner and don’t forget the condoms.”
FPWA is also encouraging people to talk about safe sex on National Condom Day.
“People are getting used to buying and carrying condoms, but sometimes the hardest part can be talking about them when it comes time to use one. National Condom Day is a good opportunity for people to bring up the topic of safe sex with their partner - the more comfortable someone feels discussing condoms, the more likely they are to use them,” said Ms Smith.
“It’s a good idea to talk about condoms early on in any relationship. Lots of people plan on having safe sex, but find it hard to bring up the topic in the heat of the moment.”
“Even if you don’t plan on having sex, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. If you think there is a chance you will be getting intimate on Valentines Day, have some condoms handy.”
According to Ms Smith, once trust has been built in a relationship people tend to get complacent about their sexual health.
“Once you’ve decided to practise safe sex, stick to it. Don’t get carried away and forget to use protection – you may regret it later if you get or pass on an STI,” she said.
“National Condom Day is a good reminder for everyone to take responsibility for their sexual health. This means practising safe sex and getting tested if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past – you or your partner may have an STI and not know it, as many people have no symptoms.”
“STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea are becoming increasingly common, and if left untreated can cause serious health problems for both men and women.”
Free National Condom Day packs are available from FPWA in Northbridge.
23rd January - Contraception choices for women at all time high
West Australian women have more choices than ever before when it comes to choosing contraception, according to FPWA Sexual Health Services.
“Over the last ten years we’ve seen several new varieties of contraception come onto the market including an implant, low dose pills, a progestogen intrauterine system and more recently a vaginal ring,” said spokesperson Rebecca Smith.
“As there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to contraception, the wide range on offer increases women’s chances of finding a method that suits their individual needs, which can change at different stages in their lives.”
“Most women want contraception that is as stress-free and hassle-free as possible, and methods that provide long-term protection seem to be the way of the future,” said Ms Smith.
“Since its release in 2001, many women have found the implant to be extremely suitable. Effective against pregnancy for three years, it has been a very popular choice among Perth women, with many deciding to have another implant inserted once their initial three years were up.”
“The vaginal ring has also been well-received in WA since its launch last year, appealing to women who are uncomfortable using more invasive methods of contraception,” she said.
“Along with intrauterine devices and systems which are effective for at least five years, the introduction of the implant and vaginal ring mean the days of worrying about a missed pill are over.”
Despite the new additions to the market, the pill remains one of the most effective, and most popular, contraceptives in the world, with around 20 types available in Australia.
“Newer low-dose pills released over the last few years may be suitable for women who have experienced bloating, skin problems or weight gain on other pills,” said Ms Smith.
Ms Smith said it was important for women to discuss contraceptive options with a health professional.
“A woman’s lifestyle needs to be taken into account when deciding which contraception to use. Protection against sexually transmissible infections is an important consideration and many methods of contraception available for women protect against pregnancy only,” she said.
Australia may see even more options in contraception become available over the next few years, including a contraceptive patch and extended use oral contraception (both currently available in the US).
Weekly dose pills, a contraceptive gel and male hormonal contraceptives are possible developments for the future.