Flash Required.

Media Releases 2003

Click on the titles below to read the media release.

For more information on the topics mentioned below, or any other sexual health issue, please contact the FPWA library or our Sexual Health Helpline.

   

1st December ~ Pap smears help prevent cancer

Many cases of cervical cancer could be prevented through regular Pap smears, says FPWA.

"Regular Pap smears help detect early warning signs of cervical cancer and allow women to receive treatment before the cancer develops," said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

"Figures show that each year around 1,000 Australian women develop cervical cancer and over 300 die – many of these cases could be prevented through early detection."

"A lot of women don’t have regular Pap smears for a variety of reasons – they forget, are too embarrassed or simply think they don’t need to," said Dr Cooney.

"As one of the main causes of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus, which can be passed on through sexual activity, all women who have had sex at some stage in their life are at risk. Smoking and having intercourse for the first time at an early age also increases the risk of cancer."

"Every woman needs to have regular Pap smears regardless of her age or number of sexual partners. The risk of cervical cancer increases with age and around half of the new cases of cancer diagnosed each year are in women over the age of 50."

"Even if you’re not currently sexually active, have only ever had one partner or have been through menopause, you’re still at risk of cervical cancer."

Dr Cooney said that many women thought they didn’t need to have a Pap smear as they didn’t have any symptoms.

"Early changes to the cervix don’t usually have any symptoms – this is why regular Pap smears are required to helps detect changes before they turn into cancer," she said.

"Many women who develop cervical cancer haven’t had regular Pap smears, or haven’t ever had a Pap smear before."

"Women should start having Pap smears two years after first having sex, or when they turn 18 - whichever comes first."

"A woman should have a Pap smear every two years, though a doctor may recommend more frequent smears if a previous one showed significant cell changes."

Dr Cooney said that cervical cancer was one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

"There is no excuse for not having regular Pap smears. A Pap smear takes only a few minutes to perform, but these few minutes could save your life."

5th November - FPWA supports emergency contraception decision

The decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to allow pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception (EC) without a doctor’s prescription is one that is strongly supported by FPWA.

"This move will allow more women access to EC and will help lower the incidence of unplanned pregnancy," said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

"The TGA’s decision means that EC can be dispensed very quickly. This is particularly important as EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse – there is some effectiveness for up to five days afterwards, but the longer a woman has to wait before taking it, the less effective it becomes at preventing pregnancy," she said.

"Accidents can happen at any time. Now, if a condom breaks in the middle of the night or a woman misses a pill over the weekend, she can find an all-night chemist and go straight in, rather than having to wait a day or two to get an appointment with a doctor."

EC is currently available over the counter at pharmacies in many Eurpoean countries, as well as in Canada and parts of the US and New Zealand. It will be available without prescription in Australia from January next year.

Dr Cooney said that the new method of dispensing EC would also allow safe sex messages to be promoted and further contraceptive needs to be considered. Women with any concerns could be referred back to their doctor for discussion.

"A comprehensive education package has been put together to train pharmacists in dealing with concerns such as promotion of safe sex and reliable contraception, as well as referral of high risk clients for sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing," she said.

"Having EC available over the counter has proven successful in many other countries overseas and there is no reason to suggest this won’t be the case in Australia."

"There is no evidence supporting the concern that easy access to EC promotes unsafe practices – on the contrary, there is evidence that women who have this ready access don’t put themselves at more risk of STIs or unplanned pregnancy, and have a good uptake of long term methods of contraception."

"The decision to allow EC to be made available over the counter is a big step forward in reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies in Australia," said Dr Cooney.

"As Australia has the second highest rate of abortion in the developed world, the benefit of having EC available without a prescription can’t be over estimated."

FPWA and the Pharmaceutical Council of WA will commence training with WA pharmacists about dispensing EC next week.

3rd November - Safe sex at schoolies

With rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) on the rise, FPWA is encouraging school leavers to take precautions when joining in final year celebrations.

"End of school celebrations are often viewed as an initiation into adulthood, and as such, alcohol and drugs are usually involved," said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

"While many young people want to let down their hair at this time, alcohol in excess carries with it big risks for both males and females, and can often lead to unsafe sex, STIs, unplanned pregnancy and the increased risk of sexual assault," she said.

Dr Cooney said it was important that school leavers remembered they could minimise their risk of harm by drinking alcohol in moderation.

"A lot of young people don’t necessarily plan on having sex, but once they get drunk it is easy to abandon precaution and have unprotected intercourse," she said.

"For this reason it’s a good idea for school leavers to discuss contraceptive choices and safe sex with a doctor in preparation for schoolies, and to take some condoms with them, just in case."

"Teenagers who do drink and take drugs should know their own limits so they can make the same safe decisions that they would if they were sober."

Young people are also encouraged to access sexual health services after schoolies if necessary.

"Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy when intercourse has occurred without contraception or when contraception may have failed. It is available by prescription through doctors, FPWA or most hospital emergency centres," said Dr Cooney.

"Emergency contraception is most effective if taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse - there is some effectiveness for up to five days afterwards, but the longer a woman waits to take it, the less effective it is at preventing pregnancy."

Dr Cooney said that with record numbers of STIs being reported, in particular chlamydia and gonorrhoea, it was important that people took responsibility for their sexual health.

"Chlamydia is very common among men and women aged 15-25, with around 60% of cases occurring in this age group. While chlamydia is easily treatable, it can have serious consequences if left untreated, including infertility in both men and women," she said.

"As some STIs have no symptoms, it is possible to have one and not even know it. People should always use condoms to protect themselves and their partner and get tested by a doctor or at FPWA if they’ve had unprotected sex in the past."

FPWA and Quarry Health Centre for under 25s offer sexual health services including testing and treatment for STIs, contraception advice, pregnancy testing and unplanned pregnancy information.

26th September - Finding the right contraceptive pill

With so many different contraceptive pills on the market, finding the right one can be difficult for some women.

“The pill is one of the most effective, and most popular, contraceptives in the world and there are around 20 types available in Australia,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“However, as a woman’s unique hormonal balance can affect how she reacts to the hormones in different pills, choosing the right one can involve some trial and error.”

“Progestogen only pills contain one hormone - progestogen. These pills are particularly suitable for women who cannot tolerate or should not take oestrogen for medical reasons, such as if they suffer from migraines, are breastfeeding, or are at risk of thrombosis (blood clots).”

“The most commonly prescribed pills in Australia are combined pills. These pills contain the hormones oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent the release of an egg cell.”

“Combined pills differ in their formulations in that some have a different type of progestogen, while others have more or less oestrogen,” said Dr Cooney.

“Side effects can vary among women - some women experience nausea, sore breasts and fluid retention while taking an oestrogen-dominant pill, while side effects such as acne, greasy hair and weight gain are often linked to progestogen.”

“It is important to remember that some side effects that emerge when starting a pill don’t always last – they may disappear or decrease after your body adjusts to the hormones in the pill. Some women find the problems improve if they take their pill at night, rather than in the morning. If problems persist however, see your doctor, as a change of pill may be all that is required.”

“Some side effects of the pill are very positive, such as a big reduction in period pain and heaviness. There are also some long-term benefits, such as a lower rate of ovarian cancer in women who use the pill.”

“There is also evidence that being on the pill can protect a woman’s fertility - women who have been on the pill for a few years may find it easier to fall pregnant when they stop than someone who has not been taking it.”

Dr Cooney says that new ‘third generation’ pills contain different types of progestogens which may help improve skin and counteract bloating.

“These new types of pills may be suitable for women who have experienced bloating, skin problems or weight gain on other pills,” she said.

“Released 18 months ago, Yasmin has been associated with a reduction in fluid retention and an overall small weight loss rather than the gain frequently seen with other pills. It also has some effect on reducing acne and greasy skin but, like the other pills with these benefits, such as Diane and Marvelon, is quite expensive compared to some of the older pills.”

“Don’t expect Yasmin to be a substitute for a sensible diet and exercise, as the usual weight loss is around one kilogram, but this may be an option for women who have experienced problems on other pills,” she said.

Loette is another low-dose pill that can be prescribed to treat acne after topical preparations have failed to improve the skin.

“The normal hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle can trigger or worsen acne in some women. Taking an oral contraceptive pill like Loette means a more constant hormonal dose throughout the month, so many women will find that their acne symptoms settle down while they are using it,” said Dr Cooney.

“The pill also tends to reduce the levels of specific hormones called androgens in the blood stream, and it is these androgen hormones that are particularly involved in the development of acne.”

“Factors such as health, medical history and age can rule out some pills, so it’s important to discuss the options available with your doctor,” she said.

“Don’t be discouraged if the first pill you try doesn’t suit you – there are many different varieties available, and there’s a good chance that the second or third one you try will.”

25th August - Lesbians at risk of STIs

Many lesbians are unknowingly putting themselves at risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI), says FPWA.

“There is a common misconception that lesbians are not at risk of contracting an infection because they don’t have sex with men,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“However, many lesbians and their partners have had sex with men in the past. This means they may have been exposed to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) at some stage, which is one of the main causes of cervical cancer.”

“Regular Pap smears help detect early warning signs of cancer, but as many lesbians think they don’t need to access sexual health services, they are less likely to have cancers detected at an earlier, more treatable stage.”

“Figures show that each year around 1,000 Australian women develop cervical cancer and over 300 die – many of these cases could be prevented through early detection,” said Dr Cooney.

“HPV and other STIs can also be passed on through female to female sex, so lesbians should use female condoms to protect themselves and their partner. Dental dams are another option for safe sex practices in situations where there can be an exchange of body fluids, such as during oral sex.”

“Earlier this year the first case of female to female sexually transmitted HIV was documented, with the main risk thought to be overly vigorous use of sex toys leading to blood exchange. If you do share toys cover them with a condom, and put a new condom on before a new person uses your toy,” said Dr Cooney.

“There is also a risk of transmitting hepatitis C when sharing sex toys that might cause tiny nicks or cuts, especially during menstruation, so always practise safe sex and use a condom.”

Dr Cooney said it is particularly important for lesbians planning a pregnancy to maintain their sexual health.

“Some blood borne viruses like HIV and hepatitis can be transmitted to the baby during birth. Careful management during pregnancy and delivery can help protect the baby from infection.”

“Other infections like chlamydia, which is quite common but easily treatable, can make it harder to fall pregnant, and can cause chest and eye infections in newborn babies. It is a good idea to get tested before pregnancy - as some STIs have no symptoms, it is possible to have one and not even know it,” she said.

“Smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer, miscarriage and premature birth, so all women should seriously consider quitting before they get pregnant.”

Dr Cooney said that with STIs such as chlamydia and herpes on the rise, it was vital that people took responsibility for their sexual health.

“Remember, practising safe sex reduces the risk of contracting or passing on HIV and other STIs. If you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, get tested by a doctor or at FPWA.”.

20th August - Relationship challenges in later life

Starting a new relationship in later life can present many different challenges, especially when it comes to having sex, says FPWA (formerly Family Planning WA).

“While it’s natural to feel nervous starting a new relationship at any age, a younger person doesn’t usually have to talk about what does and doesn’t work in terms of sexual functioning,” said Jane Irvine, FPWA Counselling Consultant.

“Older people can struggle with body image issues related to aging - things have begun to hang, flop, dry-out, wrinkle and go grey, which can cause self consciousness and inhibit responsiveness. Physical strength and stamina also change with age and impact on sexual capacity."

“It’s important to remember that these changes are normal and the same for all of us. With that in mind, share your worries but don’t dwell on the imperfections,” she said.

“After all sex in later life is about relaxing and enjoying yourself – many post-menopausal women feel they have a new lease on life at this time as they don’t have to worry about the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy.”

“Don’t forget to always practise safe sex with a new partner as age doesn’t protect people from sexually transmissible infections, but after testing by a doctor, not having to worry about contraception any longer can give you a lot more freedom.”

Ms Irvine said that the way someone had sex with a former partner will not be the same as with their new partner, so people need to be willing not only tell their partner what feels right, but also to experiment.

“Older people are also likely to have been through a greater number of “heartbreaks” than younger people, which may impact on sexual intimacy and trust,” she said.

“The best way to reduce anxiety when dealing with these situations is to be honest, open and communicate any concerns right from the beginning. This can be confronting because of the lack of familiarity, and most people find it awkward to talk candidly with someone they haven’t known for a long time, but try hard to express how you are feeling.”

Finding the time or an opportunity to have sex can also pose problems for new relationships in later life, especially if people are trying to juggle work and family lives.

“If you have children living at home, your privacy and time for sexual expression may be limited. It’s usually a challenge for separated or divorced couples to introduce a new partner to their children, let alone have them ‘sleep over’. Patience and time is necessary to make these adjustments and to find the right balance,” said Ms Irvine.

“Couples who have been together for many years face a different dilemma in later life. While they probably find the familiarity of their old sexual partner to be a comfort, they may also need to be more creative in the bedroom to keep their sex life alive and well. Romance and passion comes easily in new relationships, but in time can fade or disappear altogether, with sex becoming routine and monotonous.”

“It is therefore important to make an effort to give attention and priority to ‘wooing’ each other, and to remember that we are never too old for candle lit dinners, adventures on a tropical island, or luxurious lingerie.“

The Roe Street Centre for Human Relationships offers specialist counselling about relationship issues at any age. Phone 9228 3693 to make an appointment.

22nd July - Women wanted for contraceptive trial

Remembering to take the contraceptive pill may be a thing of the past for some women, with a new contraceptive device soon to be on trial in WA.

Nuvaring is a soft plastic ring containing the same hormones as the combined contraceptive pill and is worn inside the vagina for 3 out of 4 weeks to give reliable contraception. It is currently available in the USA and other parts of the world.

“Using Nuvaring is similar to being on the pill - for three weeks you are getting the hormones and for one week your body is resting. You have a small period as you would get on the sugar pills in the pack, then the ring goes back in,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA trial coordinator.

“The upside is that instead of having to remember to take a pill every day, you only need to remember to insert the ring twice a month.“

“The level of hormones in the ring is equivalent to the lowest-dose pills available, and because the hormones don’t have to go through the stomach, side effects such as nausea are much less common.”

The safety and reliability of the vaginal ring has already been demonstrated in other trials overseas. FPWA is hoping to assess the acceptability of this method by WA women, and look at their experience with its use and any problems that they may encounter.

“Sexual activity should not be affected by the use of the ring,” said Dr Cooney.

“The ring lies against the vaginal wall and its position is not important to its effect. Though it is not necessary, the ring can be taken out during sex if desired, but if removed it should be reinserted within 3 hours to maintain contraceptive effect.”

Nuvaring is expected to be available in Australia is the first half of 2006.

10th July - Sexuality in later life

Despite what many people may think, getting older doesn’t have to mean the end of a satisfying sex life, says FPWA. (formerly Family Planning WA).

“Most older people want and are able to enjoy an active, satisfying sex life. Normal aging brings about physical changes in both men and women, but with a few small adjustments, there is no reason that sex can’t still be a satisfying and loving part of life,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“Most older women will notice changes to their vagina, including having less lubrication. Vaginal dryness can often affect sexual pleasure, and over the counter lubricants may be helpful. Pain during sex is often encountered by older women, and can be easily managed by simple hormonal creams or pessaries which are not associated with the risks of other forms of hormone treatment.”

“Impotence in men becomes more common as they get older, and some men may find they need more foreplay to get and maintain an erection. Over time everyone may notice a slowing of response, so couples may find it helpful to give their partner pleasure in ways other than the quick methods that did the job before.”

“Most men will have erection problems at some time in their lives, and one bad day doesn’t mean it will happen again. But ongoing problems with erections do not have to spell the end of good sex. Before the arrival of Viagra and other related medicines, many couples still managed to have a lot of fun with a “softie” penis. Your doctor will be able to advise which erection treatments are appropriate for you.”

Dr Cooney said that while health problems often come with age and can have the ability to affect sexual pleasure, even the most serious of health conditions don’t usually stop people from having a satisfying sex life.

“After a heart attack or stroke, a person may be required to abstain from sex and all activities which cause exertion for some time. Many people who have had an attack are afraid that having sex will cause another one, but the risk of this is very low. Always ask your doctor when it is safe to return to sexual activity,” she said. “In general, sex with the usual partner is not seen as a risky activity.”

“Loss of bladder control or leaking urine is more common as we get older, especially in women. While incontinence can cause some people to avoid sex, the problem can usually be treated, so see your doctor.”

“People suffering from arthritis can find sex uncomfortable if they are still trying to use the athletic positions they enjoyed years ago. Exercise and warm baths beforehand, cushions and pillows for supported positions, and adopting more relaxed positions for sex can be helpful. Appropriate pain relief before sex is also important – if you take a couple of Nurofen before walking to the shops, why not have a couple before a romantic evening?”

Dr Cooney said that surgery involving sexual organs is more common in older people and while many worry that their sexual desire will diminish as a result, this does not have to be the case.

“Having a hysterectomy may interfere with a woman’s sexual functioning, and some women feel less feminine after the operation, especially if the ovaries were removed at the same time. It is important to discuss with a doctor if hormone treatment or counselling may be helpful. Similarly, after a mastectomy a woman’s body is still capable of the same sexual responses as before, but some women lose their sexual desire or feelings of being desirable. Again, many women find counselling or joining a help group to be beneficial.”

“There are several things people can do to help make sure their sex life remains as active as they would like it to be,” said Dr Cooney.

“My advice to older people who wish to maintain their sexual activity is to be flexible, understand that the goalposts have changed, and be prepared to spend more time for both partners to become aroused. Regular sexual activity helps maintain sexual ability, and remember that sex doesn’t have to include intercourse. A great relationship is the best foreplay of all.”

“Timing is also important for satisfying sex. Try to find times during the day when both partners are well rested and alert. Some couples find that early morning is the best time to make love, after a good night’s sleep, or in the afternoon after lunch,” she said.

“Don’t forget to always practise safe sex with a new partner – age doesn’t protect people from sexually transmissible infections and a woman can still (rarely) get pregnant for up to 12 months after what seems to be the end of menopause.”

“See your doctor or a counsellor if you continue to experience sexual problems. Some women enjoy sex more as they get older, as after menopause or a hysterectomy they no longer need to worry about becoming pregnant, while others feel anxious about not being attractive to their partner anymore. Some men worry that they will let their partner down by not being able to get an erection. It is important that both partners reassure one another about their sexual ability and attractiveness.”

3rd July - Low-dose pill approved to treat acne

Australian approval of an oral contraceptive pill for the treatment of acne comes as good news for the many women who suffer from this condition.

Loette is the first low-dose oral contraceptive to be granted approval for the treatment of moderate acne by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It can be prescribed after topical preparations have failed to improve the skin.

Around 80-90 percent of young women and up to 30 percent of older women suffer from acne.

“The normal hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle can trigger or worsen acne in some women,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“Taking an oral contraceptive pill like Loette means a more constant hormonal dose throughout the month, so many women will find that their acne symptoms settle down while they are using it.”

“The Pill also tends to reduce the levels of specific hormones called androgens in the blood stream, and it is these androgen hormones that are particularly involved in the development of acne.”

Dr Cooney said that although doctors have been prescribing oral contraceptives to improve the appearance of skin for years, this new approval means that GPs can confidently prescribe Loette to help with acne.

“Having acne can have a negative effect on a woman’s self-esteem, and can lead to her feeling less confident,” she said.

“The approval of Loette for treatment of acne is good news for acne sufferers who have found little relief from other forms of treatment, such as antibacterial face washes.”

“It is also a very attractive option for women who not only require treatment for their acne, but who also want effective oral contraception.”

19th June - HT findings reasons no reason to panic, says FPWA

Recent media attention surrounding the risks associated with hormone therapy (HT, commonly referred to as HRT) has unnecessarily alarmed many women, says FPWA.

“The way the results of several studies were reported has caused anxiety for many women taking any form of HT, particularly in regards to breast cancer,” said FPWA Medical Consultant Dr Angela Cooney.

“One study showed that taking HT increased the risk of breast cancer, causing many women to stop their treatment immediately.”

“This is not new information - it is known from previous studies that breast cancer is slightly more common in women taking HT,” said Dr Cooney.

“One study calculated that after four years of treatment, there would be about 8 more women in 10,000 who would get breast cancer per year.”

“Other studies have similarly calculated that in every 1000 women taking HT for 10 years, there may be a total of six extra breast cancers.”

“These figures are relatively small, as it is important to remember that the incidence of breast cancer increases with age in all women and that one in 11 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime,” she said.

Dr Cooney said that while HT can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, it does not appear to increase the risk of dying from it.

“An interesting aspect is that women who do develop breast cancer on HT actually respond better to treatment than those not on HT, so there is actually no difference in mortality rates from breast cancer in these two groups.”

“Studies have not only shown an increase in survival from breast cancer in oestrogen (HT hormone) users, but also that HT users seem to develop less aggressive tumors that are less likely to spread and are more easily treated,” she said.

“A recent American study found that there was an increase in heart disease, stroke and blood clots in women taking HT, but this was mainly in women already at risk of these conditions.”

“The same study also found a reduction in osteoporotic fracture and bowel cancers, which is good news for HT users.”

“My advice to women who are concerned about the results of studies relating to HT is not to panic,” said Dr Cooney.

“Many of the recent studies only looked at the way particular types of HT affected specific groups of women and the results are therefore not relevant to all women. Australia doctors are very concerned about safety aspects of HT and will help a woman to carefully weigh up the risks and benefits of HT for her personal situation.”

In the past few weeks, new information has been released from the US Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study, which assessed the incidence of dementia in HT users. The rate of dementia in users of HT was twice that of placebo treated women.

“These studies were done on women whose average age was 71, with no menopausal symptoms,” said Dr Cooney. “Most women who need HT to control severe menopause-related symptoms will be in their forties and fifties, when dementia is a very rare problem.”

“It is important that women get as much information from their doctors as they need to be able to make an informed choice about their treatment,” she said.

“At the end of the day the decision to take HT is an individual one and improving the quality of life doesn’t necessarily mean reducing its quantity.”

6th June - Conception through reproductive technology - what to tell children

All parents are faced with the inevitable ‘where do I come from question?’ at some point, but for the parents of children born as a result of assisted reproductive technology (Donor Insemination and In Vitro Fertilisation), answering can prove a little more difficult.

“Deciding when and what to tell your child about their conception is a complex and sensitive issue,” said Jane Irvine, FPWA Counselling Consultant.

“Many children born after a battle with infertility are particularly ‘precious’ and it is understandable that parents have concerns about how ‘telling’ will affect the child and relationships within the family."

“Every situation is unique and there is no ‘one way’ to address the issue. There are, however, two important things that parents should consider. Firstly, it is crucial that they tell the truth - trust can easily be broken if a child learns about their conception from a source other than their parents, and secrets have the potential to create numerous problems within a family.”

“Parents also need to ask themselves ‘Ethically, do I have a right to keep this information from my child?’ From a medical point of view, it can often be very useful for adults to know their genetic make –up,” said Ms Irvine.

“Secondly, correct and relevant information is the key. The best person to guide a parent about what is relevant is the child itself - some children want to know details and will ask questions, while others may be completely disinterested. If parents provide too much information, or give the information too early, it may be confusing and distressing, especially if the child has not yet begun to think about these issues.”

“Some parents choose not to think about how their child was conceived, and hope that the topic won’t come up. Occasionally the issue can arise quite unexpectedly - IVF and donor insemination are touched upon quite regularly in the media and infertility is often a topic addressed in T.V serials. This may prompt children to ask about their conception, in a way they may previously have asked about adoption, which is much less common these days,” she said.

“For this reason, it’s a good idea for parents to give some thought to the issue, such as how comfortable they are with the topic and what they may say if questioned. Withholding or glossing over information can lead to a sense of secrecy, shame and insecurity. It’s important that a child feels good about his or her origins, and that how they came about is not something to ‘cover-up’ or be ashamed of.”

Ms Irvine said that if parents wanted to raise the subject of conception they needed to individually assess the right time to talk to their child.

“It’s important to assess a child’s emotional and intellectual readiness and this may vary among siblings. Younger children need short and simple information - if they want more, they will keep asking questions. If a child is older, and understands how babies are made, words like ‘sperm’ and ‘egg’ can be used.”

“Children also naturally lean towards a family context, as opposed to a technical one, so choose a word or a description that you feel comfortable with to describe the “donor”. Some parents with younger children use the description of “the person that helped mummy and daddy have you“, while terms like “biological father“ can make more sense to older children and adolescents.”

“During adolescence, children may ask more detailed questions either from their parents or their peers. Some will react with disgust and resentment, which is typical at this age as children are struggling with their sense of identity, so stay calm and be available to talk to them more,” said Ms Irvine.

“At the end of the day, kids cope well with the truth. They need parents to be open and up front, and at the same time feel that their parents are being sensitive to their individual needs.”

Roe Street Centre for Human Relationships offers counselling sessions on telling children about their conception. Phone 9228 3693 to make an appointment.

20th May - Don't leave it too late to have children

Putting off having a baby to save for a house or holiday may seem like a good idea, but is one that can end in heartbreak, warns FPWA.

While recent trends show more women are delaying having children, those waiting too long can often find their childbearing years are behind them.

“Many women in their 30s think they have plenty of time when it comes to getting pregnant, but unfortunately this is not always the case,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“We are seeing more and more women who have missed their chance to have a baby, simply because they left it too late.”

“Women in their early 30s wanting to have children need to think hard about their time-frame. Even by the age of 35 a woman’s fertility slows down - her ovaries have aged and her egg cells are dwindling,” said Dr Cooney.

“Many women don’t appreciate how hard it can be to get pregnant, not just in their 40s, but also in their late 30s. They are also not aware that menopause can occur before the age of 40.”

“It can be very distressing for a woman to wait until she is 38 to have a baby, only to find out she is in the early stages of menopause,” she said.

“My advice to women in their early 30s wanting to have children is to move quickly.”

Dr Cooney said that advances in fertility treatments could also give women a false sense of security.

“Reports of women storing their eggs for future use has lead many women to incorrectly believe that they will be able to conceive later in life,” she said. “This technology is still highly experimental and may never be available to the general public.”

“Women shouldn’t rely on new technology being available to help them conceive down the track.”

“Some women also think that IVF can be of assistance if they are running out of time, but in reality the success rate of IVF in women aged 40 and over is around 2%.”

“There is a lot of pressure on women these days, both financially and professionally, and many want to be secure in these areas before they think about having children,“ said Dr Cooney.

“At the end of the day, if you want to have a baby, other aspects of your life may need to be put on the back burner – you can always get a pool or new car later on, but this may be your last chance for a child.”

28th March - Emergency contraception not readily available

If emergency contraception (EC) was available over the counter and without a prescription it would help lower the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, says FPWA (formerly Family Planning WA).

“At present in Australia, EC is only available by prescription through doctors, family planning clinics and most hospital emergency centres,” said Steve Blackwell, Manager of Clinical Services.

“Accidents can happen at any time. If a condom breaks in the middle of the night or you miss a pill over the weekend, you may have to wait until the next day or two to get an appointment with a doctor.”

“EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse – there is some effectiveness for up to five days after intercourse, but the longer a woman has to wait before taking it, the less effective it becomes at preventing pregnancy,” said Mr Blackwell.

“Seeking a prescription from a doctor means wasting precious time, whereas you can usually find an all-night chemist nearby and go straight in.”

“Another problem with the prescription-only method is that not all doctors are willing to prescribe EC. For ethical reasons some doctors may prefer to refer patients elsewhere, meaning that they lose even more vital time in their search for a prescription.”

“For many young people, it is very difficult to make an appointment to begin with and a rebuff may mean that they give up completely,” he said.

“FPWA would like to see doctors who refuse to prescribe EC announcing this with a sign outside their surgeries, so that women will not waste time, money and emotional energy approaching them.”

“In rural areas, where it can sometimes take up to three weeks to get an appointment, women are also limited by the services they can access – if their local GP won’t prescribe EC they find themselves with a problem, a problem which would never have come up if they could get it at a pharmacy,” he said.

A new brand of EC now means that doctors no longer have to use several contraceptive pills to make up the pregnancy-preventing dose required for emergency contraception, as was previously the case.

“Postinor-2 came onto the Australian market mid-way through last year and consists of two pills. The first pill needs to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, within 72 hours, and the second after 12 hours,” said Mr Blackwell.

Mr Blackwell says that making EC more readily available is important in reducing the incidence of abortion, especially among teenagers where the rate of unwanted pregnancies is high.

“FPWA wants to see EC available from specially trained pharmacists who would supply users with information about dosage and side effects, in a similar manner to the way many other over-the-counter medications are sold,” he said.

“EC provides women with a chance to prevent a possible unwanted pregnancy in a way that is convenient and non-intrusive. Some women don’t feel comfortable with their regular doctor knowing they want EC, while others don’t even have a regular GP to start with – for them it means locating a GP before they can even begin the process.”

EC is currently available over the counter at pharmacies in many European countries, as well as in Canada and parts of the US and New Zealand.

24th March - Contraception choices for women at all time high

Western Australian women have more choices than ever before when it comes to choosing contraception, says FPWA (formerly Family Planning WA).

“The last few years have seen several new varieties of contraception come onto the market, including an implant which offers protection for three years and a very low-dose oral contraceptive pill,” said Medical Consultant Dr Angela Cooney.

“The wide range of contraception on offer means that women wanting to prevent pregnancy can choose a method that suits their individual needs. For example, the needs of a single woman in her early 20s are usually quite different to those of a mother in her mid-30s, with plans for more children.”

“Women can choose to take one of the many brands of oral contraceptive pills available - the newest one, Yasmin, claims to lead to a reduction in fluid retention,” said Dr Cooney.

“Other women prefer to have a hormone injection every twelve weeks, or use a diaphragm or cap. Femidoms (female condoms) are also an option – like diaphragms and caps, they fit inside the woman and act as a barrier.”

Dr Cooney says that it is important for women to discuss the growing number of new options available with a doctor when deciding on contraception.

“Most women want contraception that is as stress-free and hassle-free as possible - contraception that provides long-term protection seems to be the way of the future.”

“Both the intrauterine device (IUD) and the intrauterine system (IUS) are effective for at least five years, meaning that, along with the contraceptive implant, the days of worrying about a missed pill are over,” she said. “The hormone-releasing IUS may be especially suitable for women who have very heavy periods.”

“The contraceptive implant has been a very popular choice with Perth women - when it was released two years ago, it sold out within a couple of weeks and women were forced to go on waiting lists.”

“For women wanting a more permanent contraception solution, Essure is a new birth control method now available in Australia. Essure blocks the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy, but unlike other similar methods of sterilisation, it doesn’t require surgery that cuts the skin,” she said.

A woman’s lifestyle needs to be taken into account when deciding which contraception to use. Protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is an important consideration and many methods of contraception available for women protect against pregnancy only.

“Male and female condoms are the exception - when used correctly, they also help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and other STIs,” said Dr Cooney.

A new brand of emergency contraception (EC) was also released in Australia mid-way through last year – Postinor-2.

“There is no method of contraception currently available that is 100% effective, and accidents can happen,” said Dr Cooney.

“Postinor-2 requires prescription by a doctor and consists of two pills. To prevent pregnancy, one pill needs to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and the second after 12 hours.”

“Previously, due to only low-dose pills being available in Australia, women had to take a large number of pills to reach the pregnancy-preventing dose required for emergency contraception, but with the introduction of Postinor-2 this is no longer the case,” she said.

Australia will see even more options in contraception become available over the next few years, including a contraceptive patch and a hormonal vaginal ring.

Weekly dose pills, a contraceptive gel and male hormonal contraceptives are possible developments for the future.

18th March - New contraception option listed on PBS

As of last month, doctors are now able to prescribe the contraceptive intrauterine system (IUS) Mirena on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The IUS consists of a plastic device that is placed inside the uterus, releasing a progestogen hormone called levonorgestrel.

The system works in a number of ways; by making the lining of the uterus very thin so that it is unsuitable for pregnancy, by affecting movement of sperm once inside the uterus and by thickening the mucus around the cervix, preventing sperm from entering the uterus.

The IUS is designed to be effective against pregnancy for five years and is a very effective method of contraception (at least 99.7% effective). It may be particularly suitable for menopausal women taking oestrogen who cannot tolerate other forms of progesterone.

“Mirena can also be used as an alternative to surgical or oral hormonal treatments for women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding,” FPWA Medical Consultant Dr Angela Cooney.

“Unfortunately, Mirena has a PBS listing for contraceptive use only - this means that sterilised or infertile women wanting to use Mirena to reduce bleeding still have to pay full price. I hope the next step will be listing for heavy bleeding, as such a listing will help reduce the number of hysterectomies in Australia.”

“Despite the restricted listing, the subsidisation is still great news in terms of contraception options for women,” said Dr Cooney.

The IUS is referred to as a ‘system’ to distinguish it from a similar contraception method, the intrauterine device (IUD), which does not release hormone.

IUDs are small plastic and copper devices. They work mainly by preventing sperm from fertilising the egg. In the rare instance an egg is fertilised, the IUD prevents the egg from attaching to the lining of the uterus so a pregnancy does not occur.

They are more than 99.9% effective for between five to eight years.

IUSs and IUDs need to be inserted and removed by a trained doctor and can be taken out at any time. They do not provide protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

12th February - Implanon and recent reports

Western Australian women who are relying on the contraceptive implant Implanon to protect them from pregnancy may understandably be concerned by recent media reports regarding pregnancies occurring in women using this form of contraception.

FPWA would like to acknowledge that there is no contraceptive method available at the present time that is 100% effective. The contraceptive failures as stated in the media represent a reported total failure rate of less than 0.1% in women presently using Implanon in Australia.

“I have carried out over 180 Implanon implants on women in WA – the implant is safe and effective when inserted correctly,” said FPWA Medical Consultant Dr Angela Cooney.

“In our training of doctors to insert the implants we have, in the last year, been emphasising the need for both the doctor and the woman to check, immediately after insertion, that the device can be felt in her arm.”

“Worldwide there have only been a very small number of cases where it would seem the device was correctly inserted, at the correct time in a woman's cycle, and where a pregnancy still occurred,” said Dr Cooney.

“The timing of the insertion is also important. If a woman is four hours pregnant at the time the device is inserted, no pregnancy test is going to detect this. Another potential timing issue is if the device is inserted too late in the cycle to prevent a pregnancy from occurring in that cycle.”

“All doctors need to be aware of the possibility of pregnancy and ask a woman to return for a pregnancy test if there is any doubt,” she said.

“Women who are worried about recent reports and think that they might be affected should feel for the implant in their arm. If they can’t feel it, they should start using condoms and see their doctor as soon as possible. An ultrasound will soon reveal if it is there or not.”

Women who would like further information can contact their general practitioner, FPWA's Sexual Health Helpline on 9227 6178, or call the information line set up by Organon, the manufacturers of Implanon, on 1800 800 686.

11th February - Talk about your sexual health, says FPWA

On National Condom Day, February 14, FPWA is encouraging people to talk to their partners about their sexual health and safe sex.

“The aim of National Condom Day is not only to raise awareness about practicing safe sex, but to make people feel that condoms are a normal thing to talk about and to help them become comfortable bringing up the subject with their partner,” said FPWA spokesperson Deborah Wright.

“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.”

“The more comfortable people feel talking about condoms, the more likely they are to use them.”

“If you are in a new relationship, discuss condoms early on, before the heat of the moment. Many people would like to practice safe sex, particularly with a new partner, but find it hard to bring up the topic,” said Ms Wright.

“Even if you are planning a long-term relationship, you should always use condoms – you might not know your partner’s sexual history and unless you’ve both been tested, it is impossible to tell if either if you has an STI (sexually transmissible infection).”

According to Ms Wright, once trust has been built in a relationship people tend to get complacent about their sexual health.

“Once you have 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.

Ms Wright said it is also important to talk about your sexual health with your partner, particularly if you notice any unusual symptoms.

“If you are in a relationship, talk to your partner about any risks you’ve had of contracting an STI.”

“If you have had unprotected sex in the past, get tested. You may have an STI and not even know it, as some people experience no symptoms,” she said.

“Some STIs like chlamydia are easily fixed with a course of antibiotics, but can have serious consequences if left untreated.”

6th February - Say Happy Valentines Day...with a condom

National Condom Day on February 14 aims to increase awareness of the need to practice safe sex at a time when the focus is on romance and passion – Valentines Day.

While a condom might not be a very romantic gift, using one can help prevent you from getting or passing on an STI (sexually transmissible infection).

“STIs like chlamydia and herpes are becoming more and more common in the community. Unfortunately, many people with STIs show no symptoms, so you don’t really know if you or your partner has one until you’re both tested,” said FPWA spokesperson Deborah Wright.

“Valentines Day is traditionally a day for lovers and using a condom shows your partner that you really care about their health.”

“It’s a good idea to discuss condoms early on in any relationship. Lots of people plan to have safe sex, but find it hard to bring up the topic of condoms when it comes time to use one.”

“National Condom Day is a good reminder for everyone not to be complacent about their health – this means practicing safe sex and getting tested if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past,” said Ms Wright.

“Some STIs, like chlamydia, are easily treatable and can be cleared up with a dose of antibiotics. If left untreated though, it can cause serious health problems for both men and women, including infertility.”

15th January 2003 - New clinic for men to start in Fremantle

A sexual health clinic with a focus on men will commence at Quarry Health Centre for Under 25’s in Fremantle later this month.

“Mainly Men” will cover all aspects of sexual health, with an emphasis on HIV and Hepatitis C management.

The free service, running every Wednesday between 2-5pm, will provide testing and treatment for STIs (sexually transmissible infections) as well as safe sex education and contraceptive advice.

“Mainly Men” will be run by Dr Lewis Marshall from the B2 sexual health clinic at Fremantle Hospital.

“The thought of going to a hospital for STI testing can be quite daunting for some men and we find that they will go to a clinic more readily,” said Quarry Manager Deborah Wright.

“The introduction of the clinic will hopefully mean that more men come along and get tested and treated if necessary – this is especially important as STI levels in the community are on the rise.”

“We want to provide sexual health care that is accessible to everyone and while the clinic is aimed primarily at men, women are also very welcome,” said Ms Wright.

“All clients can be assured that their sexual health concerns will be addressed confidentially and in a caring and sensitive manner.”

“Mainly Men” starts on January 29th. Ring Quarry on 9430 4544 to make an appointment.

Page last updated Thu, 08 Jun 2006 10:10