Media Release 10 Sep 2007

Let’s Talk About Sex & RESPECT Sexual Health Week 10-16 September 2007

Talking about sexual health isn’t always easy

“RESPECT” is the theme for this year’s Sexual Health Week’.

“When it comes to having sex it is important that young people respect themselves and respect the sexual choices other people make,” explained Rob Hardy, Manager, HIV and Related Programs at Northern Sydney Central Coast Health (NSCCH).

“We want young people to talk about their feelings with their friends, family or a sexual health worker and to keep each other safe”, Rob said.

University of Western Sydney (UWS) research indicates that condom use during casual sex appears well accepted by young people but they were not always able to discuss and negotiate sexual encounters.

“Young people are asking for more information and discussion at school and with their parents about personal respect and respect for others. They want to know how to negotiate sex and relationships and how to ensure that they are being treated respectfully,” explained Associate Professor Moira Carmody from the Centre for Social Justice and Social Change at UWS.

“The young people involved in our research also wanted to explore how to ethically address the potential risks of sexual activity and alcohol and how to prevent sexual assault and unwanted sex.”

It is estimated that one in ten sexually active young people in Australia has a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Chlamydia is the most common curable STI but infection rates continue to increase.

Chlamydia can lead to infertility in women if not treated and can reduce fertility in men. Having chlamydia can also put people at increased risk of other STIs and HIV.

Testing for chlamydia is easy and treatment is a simple course of antibiotics. Sexual Health Week is a good time to find out more about your sexual health so respect yourself and have a check-up with your GP.

For additional information and support, contact the FPA Healthline (1300 SAFE SEX or 1300 723 373) and the Sexual Health Infoline (1800 451 624) or Family Planning website: www.fpnsw.org.au.

Media Contact: Emily Saker, Public Affairs Tel: 9926 8313 or 0404 054 160

NB: Interviews with experts and target youth available on request.

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