Media Releases 2005

Click on the titles below to read FPWA's 2005 media releases.

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

• School leavers reminded to 'play it safe': 8th November 2005

• Low-cost abortion counselling available for WA women: 18th October 2005

• Women need to be reminded about emergency contraception option: 5th October 2005

• Performance rewards for men who look after sexual health: 12th September 2005

• Decision about condom use not to be taken lightly, says FPWA: 25th July 2005

• Seek help for painful periods, says FPWA: 19th April 2005

• Women set to have more choices in contraception: 13th April 2005

• Sexual difficulties a common problem: 23rd February 2005

• Say it with flowers - and a condom - on National Condom Day: 1st February 2005

8th November - School leavers reminded to 'play it safe'

With levels of sexually transmissible infection (STIs) on the rise, FPWA is encouraging school leavers to take precautions when joining in final year celebrations.

“It’s a good idea for school leavers to consider what they intend to do on holidays or at parties before the event – when it comes to sex it’s important that young people take their time deciding and don’t feel pressured into doing something they don’t want to,” said Rebecca Smith, Manager of Information Services.

“We encourage young people to discuss contraceptive choices and safe sex with a doctor in preparation for leaver’s events, and as a precaution, take some condoms with them. Free ‘Play it Safe’ leaver’s packs, containing condoms and lubricant, are available at FPWA.”

“As end of school festivities are often viewed as an initiation into adulthood, alcohol and drugs are usually involved. 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.”

Ms Smith 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. “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.”

“With record numbers of STIs being reported, in particular chlamydia and gonorrhoea, it is important that people take responsibility for their sexual health,” she said.

“Chlamydia is very common among men and women aged 15-25, with more than half 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.”

“As some STIs have no symptoms, it is possible to have one and not 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.”

Ms Smith said it was also important that young people were aware that emergency contraception was available over the counter at pharmacies.

“Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy when intercourse has occurred without contraception or when contraception may have failed. It 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 emergency contraception, the less effective it is at preventing pregnancy.”

18th October - Low-cost abortion counselling available for WA women

With recent media attention focusing heavily on the availability of RU-486 in Australia, women need to be reminded that low-cost unplanned pregnancy counselling sessions are available, said FPWA Sexual Health Services.

“Sessions on unplanned pregnancy and post terminations issues are subsidised by the Health Department of WA, and women can access up to four sessions through FPWA’s counselling service for an annual membership fee of $12,” said Jane Irvine, Manager of the Roe St Centre for Human Relationships.

“RU-486, or mifepristone, has featured heavily in the media of late, meaning more women are becoming aware of the potential options available to them should they find themself with an unplanned pregnancy.”

“While RU-486 is currently unavailable in Australia in a practical sense, women shouldn’t lose sight of one of the options that is accessible to them – inexpensive counselling,” she said.

“Unplanned pregnancy raises many concerns and questions for women of all ages and situations, and as such, a lot of women chose to have counselling to help them decide on the best course of action.”

“As abortion is something which often affects not only women themselves, the Roe St Centre also offers confidential counselling for partners and other family members,” said Ms Irvine.

“The role of counselling is to assist people to clarify issues, provide information, and to support their decision-making process - not to advise them what they should or shouldn’t do.”

“The aim of abortion counselling is help people make the best decision for themselves within the context of their circumstances.”

Ms Irvine said that some abortion counselling services had strong beliefs, and it was a good idea for women to try finding out about a service before they approached them.

“Women should never feel as though they are being subjected to the counsellor’s personal beliefs around abortion,” she said.

“If a woman isn’t getting the sort of advice and support she wants, it is advisable that she goes elsewhere.”

Appointments for the Roe St Centre for Human Relationships can be made by phoning 9228 3693.

5th October - Women need to be reminded about emergency contraception option

12th September - Performance rewards for men who look after sexual health

Many men take their sexual health for granted, focusing on things like sexual performance instead. What they don’t realise is that sexual health is an important part of their overall wellbeing, and is a major contributor to personal satisfaction and feeling good.

“Lots of men have questions about their sexual health, but are often reluctant to seek medical help simply because they are too embarrassed,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Sexual Health Services Medical Consultant.

“Many wish they’d taken action sooner after becoming aware that looking after their sexual health can often lead to improved performance in the bedroom!”

“Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) often go unnoticed in men as many of them don’t visit a health professional on a regular basis,” she said.

"Women often have STIs picked up when they have a Pap smear or pregnancy test, but as some men can go for years without having any contact with a doctor or nurse, STIs can remain undetected for long periods of time, causing serious health problems such as infertility.”

“Many men with an STI have no symptoms, but some do. Signs can include an unusual discharge from the penis, itchiness, sores or a rash around the genital area, or a burning sensation when peeing. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past, get tested by a doctor or at FPWA. Always using condoms helps prevent you getting or passing on an STI.”

Dr Cooney said that premature ejaculation was a common problem for many men.

“Sometimes there is an inherited tendency for this condition, and it can frequently be treated with medications and specific exercises.”

“Erection problems in young men are often due to anxiety or depression, and generally respond well to simple treatments. However, erection problems in older men may be an early warning sign of deeper problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, or circulatory problems caused by smoking.”

“Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is very common among older guys, with many needing more foreplay to get and maintain an erection. Causes include diseases, injuries and certain commonly-prescribed medications. Drug use, relationship and psychological problems, especially stress, depression, fatigue or anxiety, can also cause difficulties in guys of all ages,” she said.

“Men experiencing problems with premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction should see a doctor – don’t ‘put up’ with the problem as help and treatment is available, and it may save you from a heart attack.”

Dr Cooney said many men were surprised to learn that difficulties conceiving a child could often be due to problems on their part.

“Changing your lifestyle can often help improve fertility. Both partners should cut down on alcohol and give up smoking, as it can reduce a man’s sperm quality. If you take recreational drugs consider stopping, as they can have a negative effect on fertility and for a developing baby. Check with your doctor if any medication you are prescribed could affect your fertility, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.”

FPWA runs a ‘Men’s Clinic’ every second Thursday. The clinic is staffed by both male and female clinicians and appointments can be made by phoning 9227 6177. The B2 Clinic at Fremantle Hospital runs a ‘Mainly Men’ clinic at Quarry Health Centre in Fremantle on Wednesdays. Appointments can be made by phoning 9430 4544.

25th July - Decision about condom use not to be taken lightly, say FPWA

When to stop using condoms is a question that comes up for many couples at some point in their relationship, and one without an easy answer, says FPWA Sexual Health Services.

‘Condoms protect against many sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS and pregnancy, so the decision to stop using them shouldn’t be taken lightly,” said Manager Rebecca Smith.

“Even though it can be difficult, before you make a decision about whether or not to continue using condoms it’s a good idea to talk openly with your partner about your relationship. You may both have different feelings around safe sex and condom use, and it can help to get these feelings out in the open. Discussing these issues may make you feel uncomfortable, but try to be as honest as you can.”

“Think about what kind of relationship you have. Some people find that monogamy works for them, while others prefer an ‘open’ relationship. It’s important to be clear on the type of relationship you have, and for both people in the relationship to be happy with the decision. People often think they are in an exclusive relationship, but this isn’t always the case.”

Ms Smith advised couples to talk about and agree on what was acceptable behaviour in and outside the relationship.

“You may decide not to have sex outside the relationship, or that if you do it will be safe sex. If you think there is a possibility that one or both of you might want to have sex with someone else, you may decide you want to continue using condoms.”

“Ask yourself if your partner is pressuring you to stop having safe sex, or if it is something you want to do. It’s important that you do what feels right for you, not what someone else wants you to do,” she said.

“If pregnancy is an issue for you, have you considered what form of contraception you will use in place of condoms? If may be helpful to see a doctor to discuss your contraceptive options.”

Ms Smith said that if a couple did decide to stop using condoms, it was important that they both got tested for STIs first.

“Many STIs don’t have any symptoms, so you or your partner could have one and not know it. If left untreated, many STIs have serious health consequences, such as infertility for both men and women.”

“Once you’ve been tested, talk about how you are going to stay safe from now on, and have a clear understanding of what safe sex means for you. If you need to protect against pregnancy, make sure you have another effective form of contraception organised before you stop using condoms,” she said.

“Relationships and the people in them change over time, and what you both decided initially about condom use may alter at some point. It’s important to occasionally talk about what you’ve decided and check whether your decision is something you both still agree on.”

19th April - Seek help for painful periods, says FPWA

Many women experiencing period pain or pain during intercourse don’t seek medical help as they think it’s normal, says FPWA (formerly Family Planning WA). What they don’t realise is that there are a variety of conditions which could be responsible, and treatments are available.

“Most period pain is annoying but harmless,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“Often there is a family history of painful periods, and the periods have been the same since the woman was a teenager. In this case it is very unlikely that anything sinister is happening, but also a woman shouldn’t feel that she has to put up with what can be a very difficult problem. There are many effective treatments for painful or heavy periods.”

“However there are some important conditions that may be related to period pain, especially pain that develops suddenly or gets worse with time.”

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition which affects many women at some stage in their lives.

“This is a condition where the tissue which lines the uterus - the endometrium - is found in locations outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, bowel, pelvic ligaments and bladder,” said Dr Cooney.

“Endometriosis can affect women of all ages prior to menopause. Some women with endometriosis experience many symptoms, while others have none. Pain may be felt before or during periods, during or after sex, with bowel movements or when urinating.”

“The only way to firmly diagnose endometriosis is through a minor surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. Treatment can include drugs, including taking the contraceptive pill continuously to avoid having a painful period, natural therapies, or surgery,” she said.

“The cause of endometriosis is unknown, but research suggests it may be hereditary, with women who have an immediate family member with endometriosis more likely to get it themselves.”

Ovarian cysts are another condition found in women during their reproductive years, though are uncommon in women using the contraceptive pill.

“Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs, similar to blisters, found on the ovaries. Most of the time they are harmless and disappear on their own. When these cysts grow large however, they may cause feelings of pressure, fullness or discomfort,” said Dr Cooney.

“Women can have one or many cysts, which can vary in size from as small as a pea to the size of a grapefruit. While women with larger ovarian cysts often have no symptoms, symptoms can include a dull ache or a sense of fullness or pressure in the abdomen, pain during intercourse or irregular or unusually painful periods.”

“Ovarian cysts are usually diagnosed by an ultrasound, during which the doctor is able to check the size and location of any cysts.”

Another cause of unusually heavy or painful periods, or bleeding at unusual times in the cycle, are sexually transmissible infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. These infections can also cause unusual vaginal discharge or pain during sex.

Dr Cooney said women experiencing pain during intercourse or severe period pain should see a doctor straight away.

“While many women experience painful intercourse, it should not be ignored. Vaginal pain during intercourse usually means an infection such as thrush or herpes, a small tear, or a lack of lubrication, while abdominal or deep pelvic pain suggests infection of the tubes with gonorrhoea or chlamydia, or the possibility of endometriosis."

“If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can damage the Fallopian tubes and affect fertility.”

14th April - Women set to have more choices in contraception

Women will soon have more choices in contraception than ever before, with a vaginal ring set to be released in Australia within the next few months, and a contraceptive patch likely to be available by early next year (please note - Nuvaring is now expected to be available in Australia in the first half of 2006).

Nuvaring is a soft plastic ring containing the same hormones as the combined contraceptive pill and is worn for three out of four weeks. It is inserted inside the vagina like a diaphragm, but has no requirement for correct positioning.

The patch, Evra, is applied to the skin in the same manner as a nicotine or HRT patch, and is changed once a week. It can be worn on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso or upper outer arm.

Both are good alternatives for women who have trouble remembering to take the Pill each day. They are also likely to appeal to women who are uncomfortable using more invasive methods of contraception such as implants or intrauterine devices.

“As forgetting to take the Pill is one of the major causes of its failure, representing around 30-50% of cases, these long-lasting methods are set to be even more effective at preventing pregnancy," said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“They also avoid the risk of pill failure associated with diarrhoea and vomiting.”

An additional benefit of the patch and the ring is that they contain a lower dose of hormones than the Pill and therefore have fewer side effects.

“The level of hormones used 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," said Dr Cooney.

FPWA said it welcomed alternative contraceptive options for women.

“The more safe and reliable contraceptive options there are available, the more likely women are to find an option which suits them.”

23rd February - Sexual difficulties a common problem

Sexual difficulties are a common problem in many relationships, but they need not signal the end of enjoyable sex as help and treatment is available says FPWA.

“Sexual dysfunction - when a person is unable to experience pleasurable sexual activity - is a common condition in men and women of all ages,” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“Widespread sexual dysfunctions experienced by men include premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, as well as delayed ejaculation.”

“Premature ejaculation occurs when a man experiences lack of control over his ejaculation, with it happening sooner than he or his partner wants,” she said.

“It is thought that some related factors include depression, anxiety about sexual performance, stress and relationship problems. For a number of men, it is an inherited tendency which responds very well to specific medication. Exercises or counselling may also be beneficial.”

“Erectile dysfunction, or impotence, is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for intercourse.”

“Some causes include medications such as antidepressants and those used to control high blood pressure, drugs such as marijuana, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking,” said Dr Cooney. “Other causes are illnesses such as heart or liver disease, diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis, injuries, such as spinal cord damage or pelvic fracture, or psychological problems, such as stress, depression, fatigue or anxiety.”

“Erectile dysfunction is more common among older men, and should be assessed as it may point to serious but treatable underlying problems such as blood vessel blockage from smoking or high cholesterol. It can also be a problem for younger men, where it is often related to anxiety or other psychological issues. Treatment is usually in the form of medications or counselling.”

Dr Cooney said that a common sexual problem reported by females was painful intercourse.

“Vaginal pain during intercourse usually means an infection such as thrush or herpes, a small tear, or a lack of lubrication, while abdominal or deep pelvic pain suggests infection of the tubes with gonorrhoea or chlamydia, or the possibility of endometriosis,” she said.

“Emotional disturbances, such as a history of sexual abuse, can also be responsible for pain. Some women have vaginismus, a condition in which the vaginal muscles tighten so much they make penetration difficult and painful.”

“If you are experiencing persistent painful sex see a doctor straight away – if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can damage the Fallopian tubes and affect fertility. It is also important to exclude physical reasons for any pain before putting it down to psychological factors.”

Dr Cooney said that reduced libido was another common sexual problem among women, and certain types of contraception could be the culprit.

“Any hormone-based contraceptive, such as the Pill, can affect libido levels. Sometimes changing the form of contraception you are using can improve the situation – speak to your doctor for more details.”

“Things like stress and relationship problems can also affect libido in both men and women. If the problem is your relationship, counselling is an option – while many people find it difficult to talk about their sexual problems, sharing your problems with your partner is often the first step to overcoming them.”

Dr Cooney said people were often reluctant to seek help about their sexual problems as they were embarrassed and felt they were the only ones in the world who had these types of issues.

“Whether is be a doctor, counsellor or therapist you seek help from, don’t be embarrassed – they deal with these kinds of problems every day, and you are certainly not alone in having these difficulties.”

1st February - Say it with flowers - and a condom - on National Condom Day

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

“As Valentines Day celebrations can often lead to sex, what better time to remind people to always use a condom?” said Dr Angela Cooney, FPWA Medical Consultant.

“On a day when love is foremost in everyone’s mind, we want everyone to think about the consequences of having unprotected sex.”

“While a condom might not be a very 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 (formerly Family Planning WA) is also encouraging people to talk to their partners about their sexual health and safe sex on National Condom Day.

“The aim of National Condom Day is not only to raise awareness about practising 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 Dr Cooney.

“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 people feel at ease discussing condoms, the more likely they are to use them. 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 of condoms 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,” she said.

According to Dr Cooney, 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 practicing safe sex and getting tested if you’ve had unprotected sex in the past – you or your partner may have an STI and not even know it, as many people have no symptoms.”

“STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea are becoming more common in the community. Some STIs are easily treatable and can be cleared up with a dose of antibiotics. If left untreated however, they can cause serious health problems for both men and women.”

Page last updated Wed, 07 Jun 2006 09:21

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