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Your Health

Mental Health and Wellbeing

We all have difficulties from time to time in managing our thoughts, feelings and actions to events that happen in our lives. discovering your true feelings about relationships and your sexuality can be an exciting time, but it can be difficult too. Some ideas for helping you keep a healthy mind and body include; Finding an outlet that helps you explore your feelings e.g. art, music, excercise and/or talking about your feelings with some one you can trust. If you have persistant feelings like depression then you should talk to your doctor or welfare person in your school. See our online services for lots of good starting points.

Spirituality

Some times people might find it difficult reconciling their feelings of same sex attraction with the teachings of their religion. Although most of the major religions in Australia have groups, churches and denominations that embrace gay, lesbian and bisexual people your experience might be different from that. Read through our FAQ's section on 'what is the viewpoint of different religions' to learn more. Spirituality really refers to having a connection in some way to a higher being or life force. This means that lots of people define themselves as 'spiritual but not ascribed to a particular religion. to be happy and secure with your sexuality and your spirituality is achievable, you dont have to choose one or the other.

Safe Sex

Safe sex is any sexual activity that does not allow semen, vaginal fluid or blood to pass from one person into the bloodstream of another person. HIV negative of HIV positive, safe sex is everyone's responsibility.

There are some sexual activities that are safe and do not present a risk for HIV transmission.

• Kissing is safe because it does not involve semen, vaginal fluid or blood. Saliva does not transmit HIV.
• Massage. All forms of sexual enjoyement with only skin contact, such as massage or body stroking, have no risk of HIV transmission. 
• Receiving oral sex. The chance of contracting HIV from some one else's mouth is remote.
• Rimming is safe for HIV but many other serious illnesses such as Hepatitis A and B as well as gut bugs are easily passed on this way.
• Mutual Masturbation. Touching and rubbing each other's penis or vagina is safe. However, there are some circumstances under which mutual masturbation can be unsafe: Cuts or sores on the hands and on the penis or vagina. Using some one elses pre-cum, cum or vaginal fluid as a lubricant. Rubbing the penis underneath the foreskin of another person's penis when cuts are present or if pre-cum or cum are exchanged through the opening of the penis. Rubbing the vagina against another vagina where cuts are present or blood or vaginal fluids are exchanged.

What is unsafe sex?

Unsafe sex is any sexual activity that allows semen, vaginal fluid or blood to pass from one person into the bloodstream of another person

Unsafe sex practices include:

• Intercourse without a condom - Anal or vaginal intercourse without  a condom represents a real risk of HIV transmission. Whether you are the insertive or receptive partner, male or female, intercourse is the major wayHIV is passed on. Infected blood, pre-cum or semen can enter the bloodstream through the lining of the rectum or the vaginal wall. From the lining of the rectum, the virus can pass through tiny cuts or through the opening of the penis. HIV can also be present in vaginal fluids or blood that enters the penis through tiny cuts or through the opening of the penis. Either partner can get HIV during intercourse. HIV is also found in pre-cum and withdrawing before ejaculation is not safe sex.
• Giving oral sex - Oral sex without ejaculation carries a very small risk for transmitting HIV from the penis or vagina to the mouth of the receptive partner. Taking blood, semen or vaginal fluids into your mouth will increase the risk. This is especially so if you have any cuts or bleeding caused by flossing and teeth brushing, gum disease, ulcers or other throat infections.

Safe sex equiptment

Condoms and lubricant

If used properly, condoms will eliminate the risk of HIV transmission. Choose the right size, check the use by date and Australian Standard mark and take care not to tear the condom when opening the packet. put the condom onn before intercourse starts - make sure the penis is fully erect (if uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back), hold the condom by the teat and roll the condom all the way to the base of the penis. Always use a water-based lubricant as oil-based lubricants can destroy comdoms. Hold the condom at the base when withdrawing and only use comdoms once. Use a new condom if changing between anus and vagina, or partners.

Dams

Dams anre thin square pieces of latex which, if used properly, can prevent the transmission of HIV and other STI's through oral sex. Use the dam by completely covering the vagina or anus - adding water-based lubricant on the body side of the dam to increase sensitivity and take care with sharp finger nails. Use only one side of the dam and use a new dam for each person. Use a new dam if changing between anus or vagina.

Gloves

Latex gloves prevent HIV and other STI's entering cuts or sores in the hand when fingering and fisting. Always change gloves when changing partners and use plenty of water-based lubricant on the outside of the glove.

Sex Toys - Use Condoms

If toys, such as vibrators , dildos or buttplugs are shared during sex then semen, vaginal fluid or blood may be passed from person to person. Keep your own toys, use new condoms on them or wash them carefully in hot soapy water after each person uses them.

What is an STI?

Sexually transmitted infections are caused by a range of viruses, parasites, bacteria and fungi. Viruses include HIV/AIDS, Genital Herpes, Genital and Anal Warts, Hepatitis A, B & Cand Molluscum Contagiosum. Parasites include Public Lice (crabs) and Scabies. Bacteria include Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gut Infections and Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV). Fungi includes Thrush (candidiasis).

How are STI's transmitted?

STI's are infections that are transmitted through close body contact, usually sexual. Sexual contact includes vaginal/anal sex, oral sex, touching, fingering or kissing/licking a penis or rectum.

How would i know if i have an STI?

Many people with an STI do not have any symptoms. Getting an STI check-up regurlary is the only way to detect most STI's.

Signs that may indicate that you have an STI sometimes include:

• smelly, cloudy or yellowish discharge or pus coming from your penis or vagina.
• blisters, sores, warts or lumps on your genitals, anus or any of the surrounding skin.
• itchiness in the genital area
• if it hurts when you pee
• if it hurts when you have sex
• fever
• swollen glands, especially in the groin
• unexplained weight loss or tiredness

If you have any of these symptoms you should see your doctor or health care worker. If you are sexually active, and especially if you are having sex with different casual partners, you should have regular check-ups for STI's even if you do not have any symptoms. Every 6-12 months is a guideline.

If you want to know more about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's) Go to: www.fpv.org.au

This information was sourced from www.notsostraight.com.au

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