Flash Required.

Media Releases 2006

Click on the titles below to read FPWA's 2006 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.

1st December - Risky behaviour sparks new national safe sex campaign

Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SHFPA) and Ansell have launched a new campaign targeting young people having unsafe sex after drinking or taking drugs.

The campaign, titled ‘Big Night Out’, aims to raise awareness that alcohol consumption can lead to the inability to make safe decisions, and to encourage young people to practise and be prepared for safe sex.

‘Studies show a clear association between drinking alcohol before sexual activity and not using protection,” said Rebecca Smith, SHFPA spokesperson.

“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.”

“This type of behaviour has serious implications for transmission of infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, with levels among young people at an all-time high.”

“People 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,” she said.

Ms Smith said other reasons behind unsafe sexual activity among young people included being too embarrassed to buy condoms and not being prepared at the time.

“The ‘Big Night Out’ campaign will see safe sex kits containing condoms distributed in youth-friendly settings to increase comfort levels around condom use, and encourage people to be prepared for sexual encounters,” she said.

“Talk about safe sex early on – don’t wait until the heat of the moment when it can be difficult.”

‘Big Night Out’ posters will be displayed in nightclubs and pubs around Australia over the next month, and safe sex kits and keyrings will be available through Family Planning Organisations nation-wide.

“As the holiday season is traditionally a time when people let their hair down, this is a timely reminder about the dangers of having unsafe sex,” said Ms Smith.

13th November - Students help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS through art

Secondary and tertiary students will help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS through art, as World AIDS Day approaches on December 1st.

The World AIDS Day ‘Healthway Design for Life Poster and Exhibition Project’ will showcase the creative skills of students who have produced artwork around the theme of HIV/AIDS and prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) as part of an annual competition.

Presented by Healthway and coordinated by the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) and FPWA Sexual Health Services, the exhibition will be held at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge.

Clontarf Aboriginal College, Edith Cowan University and Cyril Jackson Senior Campus were among the educational institutions involved in the competition this year, with approximately 100 students taking part. 

“The aim of the ‘Healthway Design for Life Poster and Exhibition Project’ is to raise awareness and increase knowledge about HIV/AIDS and STIs, in particular safe sex,” said Trish Langdon, Executive Director of WAAC.

“Before entering the competition, students took part in a series of education sessions aimed at educating and informing them about HIV/AIDS and STIs, and then drew on the knowledge from these sessions to create a piece of artwork with an important message.”

“Having the artwork exhibited in a public space will help the messages reach the wider community,” she said.

A panel of judges will select winning artwork from entries in the ‘Healthway Design for Life Poster and Exhibition Project’. These will then be coordinated into education and prevention messages in the coming year. 

The ‘Healthway Design for Life Poster and Exhibition Project’ is being held at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge and runs from December 1-6. 

9th November - Consumers warned about DIY health tests

From HIV to fertility to chlamydia, a home test for just about everything can now be bought on-line, but consumers may be unprepared and ill-equipped to handle the results, warns Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SHFPA).

“The results of some tests have the ability to be life-changing, and it’s important people have the correct information and sufficient support before taking these types of tests,” said Dr Angela Cooney, SHFPA spokesperson.

“For example, imagine learning you are HIV positive while alone in your bathroom Having a HIV test can be quite daunting in itself, and people often find it useful to talk about it with someone first, such as a counsellor. Post-test counselling is also important for this reason.”

“As a HIV test can give a negative result for up to three months after the initial infection, if there is a chance someone has been infected the test will need to be repeated three months later – people may ‘forget’ to retest themselves, and go away thinking they have a negative result, when in actual fact they are HIV positive,” she said.

Dr Cooney said that while tests for sexually transmissible infections could be good for people who otherwise wouldn’t visit a doctor to get tested, these tests were best performed by a health professional who could test for all types of infections.

“Another concern is people not taking the correct test – for example, a young person may take a chlamydia test and get a negative result, but in actual fact have gonorrhoea, which then goes undetected,” she said.

“Fertility tests are again good for people - especially men - who may be reluctant to visit a clinic because they are embarrassed, but fertility is a complicated issue with many causes not identifiable by one test. For this reason it is something best discussed with a health professional.”

“There is also a question-mark over the accuracy of some of the DIY home tests available – people may think they have not got something when they have, or that they have got something when they haven’t.”

“Best-case scenario for most health tests is having a health professional by your side who can run the correct tests, talk about what the results mean and direct you to appropriate support services if necessary,” said Dr Cooney.

“Our advice to people considering using home tests because they are too embarrassed to visit a health professional is to try and choose someone they feel comfortable with and remember that doctors do these types of tests everyday for all kinds of reasons.”

27th October - School leavers warned against risky behaviour

With levels of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) at an all-time high, FPWA Sexual Health Services is reminding school leavers to take precautions when joining in final year celebrations.

“As end-of-school festivities are often seen by young people as an opportunity to celebrate their sense of achievement and subsequent freedom, alcohol and drugs are usually involved,” said FPWA spokesperson Rebecca Smith.

“Studies show a clear association between drinking alcohol before sexual activity and not using contraception, and alcohol in excess can often lead to unsafe sex, STIs, unplanned pregnancy and the increased risk of sexual assault. Those who drink and use drugs simultaneously are particularly at-risk.”

“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. 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, and it is important they remember they can minimise their risk of harm by drinking alcohol in moderation.”

“School leavers should also 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,” she said.

“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.”

“With record numbers of STIs being reported, in particular chlamydia and gonorrhoea, it is important that people be prepared for and practise safe sex. Free safe sex leavers packs are available from FPWA in Northbridge and Quarry Health Centre for under 25s in Fremantle.”

Ms Smith said it was important that young people were aware that emergency contraception was available over the counter at pharmacies or at nursing posts at some holiday destinations

“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 girl waits to take emergency contraception, the less effective it is at preventing pregnancy,” she said.

20th October - Women, it's official - the Pill doesn't make you fat

Women can no longer blame the oral contraceptive pill for weight gain, with the latest research finding there to be no link between the two, says Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SHFPA).

A recent study published in the Cochrane Review, ‘Combination contraceptives: effects on weight’, surveyed data from more than 44 studies over recent years and examined the effects of combination contraceptive pills. Researchers found no evidence that using the Pill causes weight gain.

“Fear of weight gain can sometimes prevent women from taking the contraceptive pill or cause them to stop using it, but this research shows that in most cases, their fears are unfounded,” said Dr Angela Cooney, SHFPA spokesperson.

“When taken correctly, the Pill is one of the most effective contraceptive methods available, and it is of concern if women are avoiding it due to a common misconception.”

“It’s a good idea for women to discuss contraceptive options with a doctor, so they can base their decisions on factual information.”

“However, with so many different contraceptive pills on the market, finding the right one can be difficult for some women - 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,” she said.

“It is important to remember that some side effects that emerge when starting a pill, such as fluid retention, don’t always last – they may disappear or decrease after the 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, women should see a doctor, as a change of pill may be all that is required.”

Dr Cooney said that women shouldn’t be discouraged if the first pill they tried didn’t suit them.

“The Pill is one of the most popular contraceptives in the world and there are around 20 types available in Australia – in other words, something to suit almost everyone!” she said.

The full results of the study can be found at
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab003987.html

14th August - '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 parents deal with some of the issues facing young people today, Quarry Health Centre for under 25s in Fremantle is holding ‘Surviving Adolescence’, a free event for parents.

“Quarry 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, Quarry Manager.

“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 parents the opportunity to meet with other parents in similar situations, and go over basic information about safe sex for parents who may need a refresher,” she said.

Topics covered on the night will 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: Upstairs at Quarry Health Centre for under 25s
Rear of 7 Quarry Street Fremantle
When: Tuesday September 19th
7pm for a 7:30pm start
Light refreshments provided
Everyone welcome

Phone 9430 4544 to reserve your place or for more information

19th July - Family planning organisations support transparent, comprehensive pregnancy counselling services

Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA) strongly supports the Transparent Advertising and Notification Pregnancy Counselling Services Bill 2005 in its intent to ensure women have fair, reasonable access to transparent, accurate information about pregnancy counselling services.

SH&FPA, the national body representing Australian family planning organisations, has made a submission to the Senate inquiry into the Transparent Advertising and Notification Pregnancy Counselling Services Bill 2005 and will give evidence to the inquiry in Sydney tomorrow.

The Bill addresses concerns that free or volunteer-based telephone advice services may not be subject to the same laws protecting consumers against misleading advertising by commercial health services.

“Whether or not any service has been behaving this way is irrelevant - SH&FPA believes that the Bill is necessary to remove an anomaly and so safeguard consumers in this sensitive area of health care,” said SH&FPA spokesperson and GP, Dr Sally Cockburn.

“SH&FPA supports the notion that when Australian women request information on options for an unplanned pregnancy they will be provided with accurate information on the full range of options available to them, and receive a referral to appropriate service providers,” Dr Cockburn said.

“If a service has a restrictive philosophical viewpoint and cannot provide the full range of options, this should be made clear in its promotional material.”

“Consumers have a right to know if there is a particular philosophical view or restrictions in the range of services available through a phone advice service on a sensitive topic like unplanned pregnancy. It is reasonable that these views are made clear to prospective clients before they use the service.

“SH&FPA respects the rights of individuals and organisations to hold strong views on abortion, but these personal views are irrelevant when counselling women on their options within the law — counselling should be all about the client and nothing to do with the counsellor’s personal views,” Dr Cockburn said.

SH&FPA considers that a professional who gives advice on health matters to the public is in a privileged position of trust and unless otherwise stated, it should be expected that they will remain neutral with regard to matters of morals. If there is a moral clash, the counsellor must declare their position and refer the client on to someone who can assist.

“SH&FPA believes every provider of health advice, information and/or counselling services in Australia should be accountable for the quality of their service through independent, regulatory and complaint mechanisms, regardless of whether their service is user pays or free of charge.”

SH&FPA strongly supports the stipulation in the Bill, that a service providing partial information will not be eligible for public funding. This Bill promotes transparency and accountability, with the Health Minister required to report annually on organisations receiving public funding and on their policies.

In its submission SH&FPA states that health information and advice services should be required to provide properly qualified, skilled and accountable personnel who were free to deliver information and/or counselling that was responsive to clients needs.

SHFPA Board members Dr Sally Cockburn and Dr Gwendolyn Gray will give evidence to the Senate Inquiry from 11 am – 12.45 on Wednesday 19 July in the Jubilee Room, Parliament House, Sydney. Dr Cockburn and Dr Gray will be available for interviews at Parliament House after giving evidence.

For interviews with Dr Sally Cockburn contact Vivienne Wynter,
SH&FPA Communications Officer on: 07 3250 0222 or 0419 029 728

13th June - Oral contraceptive pill provides health benefits for women

In addition to providing protection against pregnancy, taking the oral contraceptive pill also has added health benefits for many women.

‘While taking the Pill is a very effective method of protecting against pregnancy, it also has many non-contraceptive benefits,” said Rebecca Smith, FPWA Sexual Health Services.

“For many women the Pill helps with problems such as PMS, irregular or painful periods and period pain, and it reduces the risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancer, ovarian cysts and benign breast lumps.”

“The risk of anaemia is also decreased when taking the Pill, as menstrual blood loss is reduced.”

“The Pill can also be of benefit for women with endometriosis – taking the Pill continuously can help reduce the severe period pain associated with endometriosis, and if endometriosis is present, the Pill can make it less active.”

Ms Smith said that even acne could be helped by taking the Pill.

“The normal hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle can trigger or worsen acne in some women,” she said.

“Taking the Pill 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.”

Ms Smith said choices around contraception should always be discussed with a doctor.

10th May - Sexual health focus on Library and Information Week

Whether you are looking for more 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, Manager of Information Services.

The library has books, journal articles, videos and teaching kits providing information suitable for individuals, parents, students and professionals. Contraceptive kits, condom games, plastic bananas (for condom demonstrations) and magnel kits showing the male and female reproductive systems 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, which also offers free internet access, and friendly staff are available to assist with queries.”

“Our bookshop also has a selection of affordable books, videos and sex toys for sale.”

The FPWA Library and Bookshop is located at 70 Roe Street Northbridge and is open 9am to 5pm Monday - Wednesday, and until 5:30pm on Thursdays and 4:30pm on Fridays. Services are offered statewide and queries can be answered by mail, phone, fax and email.

For more information, phone 9227 6177 or visit the FPWA Library to download a catalogue.

Library and Information Week will be held from 22-28 May. The week aims to raise awareness of the value of libraries and information services and information professionals in Australia.

20th March - Freo focus on National Youth Week

Fremantle youth agencies, including Quarry Health Centre for under 25s, will celebrate this year’s National Youth Week by hosting a Youth Fairday on April 3rd.

Free food and drinks, showbags, competitions and giveaways will be on offer between 11am and 2pm at 7 Quarry Street in Fremantle.

In line with the day’s theme of ‘Healthy Lifestyles – Just Add U’, information on sexual health, drugs and alcohol, emotional health and other youth-related issues will also be available.

Quarry Manager Deborah Wright said that awareness of youth issues was important every day, not just for one week of the year.

“Young people have particular needs and want to deal with people who understand the issues they face,” she said.

“Youth-friendly organisations like Quarry provide confidential services in a safe and supportive environment.”

“This event is a great opportunity for young people to come down and learn about the different health and welfare services in the Fremantle area, and equip themselves with the information to lead a healthy lifestyle.”

Quarry Health Centre for under 25s provides sexual health services for young people, including counselling and clinical appointments. Fremantle Community Youth Services and SMYL Community Youth Services will also be in attendance at the Fairday.

National Youth Week runs from April 1-9. The 2006 theme, ‘Just Add You’, is a call to all young people to get involved in National Youth Week Activities.

Quarry Health Centre Youth Fairday
Monday April 3rd
7 Quarry Street Fremantle
11am to 2pm
Everyone welcome to attend this free event

14th February - Say it with flowers - and a condom - on National Condom Day

On National Condom Day on February 14, FPWA Sexual Health Services wants 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 Rebecca Smith, Information Services Manager. “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 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 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 encourage people to feel as though condoms are a normal thing to talk about, and to help them become comfortable bringing up the subject with their partner,” said Ms Smith.

“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 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 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 are becoming more common in the community - some 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 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 12:16