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Sexual health |
Relationships
We all have lots of different kinds of relationships. They range from the friends that you occasionally go to the pub with, to the ones you can tell all your secrets.
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Puberty
Puberty causes the changes which our bodies go through as we develop into adults. Puberty happens to everyone, but it does not happen at the same age, or same speed for everyone.
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Negotiation
Communication is the key to any relationship, whether it is a short or long term one. In order to ensure that we have safer sex it is important for us to master our skills of negotiation.
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Condoms
A condom is a piece of latex or rubber which fits over the penis. It catches semen when a man ejaculates (comes) and prevents the semen entering their partner.
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Lubricant
Lubricants should be an important part of any safer sex regime. Lubricants can help keep condoms in good working order. By using a water based lubricant on the outside of the condom, you reduce the friction and decrease the chance of breakage.
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Dental dams
A dental dam is basically a small sheet of latex which acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and the mouth. Dental dams get their name because they are used during dental surgery such as root canals.
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Femidoms
So what is a femidom? Well they aren't available widely in Australia yet but they are coming - and you can get them if you look hard. Put simply a femidom is a new condom made specifically for women to wear during sex and other sexual acts.
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Chlamydia
One of the most common STD's in Australia, yet is one of the most invisible. Chlamydia a is a bacterial infection of the throat, anus or genitals.The bacteria is passed on through direct anal, oral or vaginal sex without a condom.
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Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by a virus (human papilloma virus). Genital warts are caused by a virus which is passed on from direct skin to skin contact during sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
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Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacteria. The bacteria is passed on through direct anal, oral or vaginal sex without a condom.
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Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A frequently causes a generally ill feeling which includes aches and pains, nausea and possibly vomiting.
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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is caused by a virus which effects the liver. Hepatitis B is passed on in body fluids - blood, semen, vaginal fluids and saliva.
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Herpes
There are two types of herpes which are both caused by a virus- simplex I and simplex II. Herpes simplex I is associated with cold sores and fever blisters. Herpes simplex II is associated more with genital herpes.
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HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus which damages the bodies immune system and ability to fight disease. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the last stage of HIV infection.
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Pubic lice
Crabs, or lice, are tiny insect like animals which cause itching. They live in the pubic hair and may also be found on other parts of the body. Crabs are caught through close body contact with someone who is infected.
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Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection. Both men and women have natural fungus in the genital region which helps fight infection. If an imbalance occurs with the natural level of this fungus thrush can occur.
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© 2005: Authorised: Melanie Dowling (Legal
stuff)
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