Sexual health
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- Women's sexual and reproductive health
Good sexual and reproductive health is central to women's ability to make choices and decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children.
- Your sexual health
Sexual health month brings the community together to highlight the importance of getting regular sexual health checks, STI testing and preventing illness through safer sex.
- Contraception - choices
Different methods of contraception available in Australia - includes LARC implants and IUDs, injections, contraceptive pills, condoms, diaphragm, vaginal ring, sterilisation, natural and withdrawal.
- Contraception - diaphragms
The diaphragm is a non-hormonal barrier form of contraception. Includes information on how they work, effectiveness, use, advantages, possible risks and side effects, where to get them and support.
- Contraception - emergency contraception
It is best to take emergency contraception as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, but it still works well within 96 hours (4 days).
- Contraception - female (internal) condoms
Information about female (internal) condoms - includes how to use condoms to reduce your risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and pregnancy during sex, how they work and where to get them.
- Contraception - implants
Hormonal contraception is available as implants that slowly release hormones into the body over time.
- Contraception - injections
Hormonal contraception is available as injections that slowly release hormones into the body over time.
- Contraception - injections to stop sperm production
Contraceptive injections to stop sperm production are not yet available in Australia, but studies suggest that they may provide a safe, effective and reversible method of contraception in the future.
- Contraception - intrauterine devices (IUD)
Information about intrauterine devices (IUDs - copper and hormonal) as long acting reversible contraception (LARC) to prevent pregnancy. Includes possible side effects and risks, costs and support.
- Contraception - male (external) condoms
Information about male (external) condoms - includes how to use condoms to reduce your risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and pregnancy during sex, how they work and where to get them.
- Contraception - the progestogen only (mini) pill
The 2 types of oral contraception available in Australia are the combined pill, known as 'the pill', and the progestogen only (mini) pill.
- Contraception - tubal ligation
Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception.
- Contraception - vaginal ring
The vaginal ring works in a similar way to the combined oral contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy.
- Contraception - vasectomy
Having a vasectomy does not affect a person's ability to produce sex hormones, enjoy sex or reach orgasm.
- Contraception – the combined pill
The 2 types of oral contraception available in Australia are the combined pill, known as 'the pill', and the progestogen only pill.
- Contraception after an abortion
You can become fertile again very soon after a surgical or medical abortion, so it's important to start using contraception immediately if you wish to prevent any unwanted pregnancies.
- Contraception after giving birth
After having a baby, you need to choose an effective method of contraception if you don't want to have another baby straight away.
- Contraception information translated into community languages
This page shows you where to find translated information about the different methods of contraception (how to prevent getting pregnant) available in Australia
- Pregnancy - unplanned
Information about unplanned pregnancy including pregnancy options (such as medical and surgical abortion, adoption, foster and kinship care), pregnancy counselling and where to get help.
- Women's reproductive health - where to find reliable information and services
This list includes some key Victorian and national services and phonelines providing health and sexual and reproductive health information and or health care.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health
Good sexual and reproductive health is central to women's ability to make choices and decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Your sexual health
Sexual health month brings the community together to highlight the importance of getting regular sexual health checks, STI testing and preventing illness through safer sex.
- Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Includes causes, symptoms, transmission, treatments, prevention and where to get help.
- Brain injury and sexual issues
A brain injury can change the way a person experiences and expresses their sexuality.
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is called a 'silent infection' because many do not realise they have it. Includes causes, symptoms, risks, transmission, diagnosis, STI checks, treatment, prevention, notifying partners.
- Cognitive disability and sexuality
People with cognitive disability can express their sexuality in satisfying ways.
- Diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Men with diabetes are more prone to problems with erectile dysfunction or impotence.
- Disability and sexuality
Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support, education or services to enjoy healthy sexuality and relationships.
- HIV and AIDS
All about HIV and AIDS including HIV transmission, how HIV spreads, prevention, symptoms, treatment, testing, letting sexual partners know, reducing stigma and where to get help.
- HIV and women – having children
All about women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), conceiving a baby, HIV status, pregnancy, HIV services, childbirth, baby feeding, babies with HIV, HIV prevention and treatment.
- Myths and facts about chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection that is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Parkinson's disease and sexual issues
Communication is the best remedy for all types of relationship problems, including sexual problems caused by Parkinson?s disease.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection that affects the female reproductive system. Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks, treatment, prevention and where to get help.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is antiviral medication to prevent HIV infection. Learn what is PEP, what PEP is for, where to get PEP, important reminders about PEP and where to get help.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an oral medication to prevent HIV in people at risk. All about PrEP, what PrEP is for, dosage, where to get PrEP, PrEP side effects, PrEP health checks and support.
- Scabies
If you have scabies, your sexual partners and household members need to be treated. More on symptoms, scabies rash, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and where to get help.
- Sex and chronic illness
Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support, education or services to enjoy healthy sexuality and relationships.
- Syphilis
Information about syphilis - includes who is at risk, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health issues and congenital syphilis in babies.
- Trichomonas
Trichomoniasis (or trichomonas) is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Includes causes, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, notifying partners and where to get help.
- Vaginal thrush
Vaginal thrush is common. All about causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention and what to do if you keep getting vaginal yeast infections.
- Women's reproductive health - where to find reliable information and services
This list includes some key Victorian and national services and phonelines providing health and sexual and reproductive health information and or health care.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health (video)
Find out some facts about women's sexual and reproductive health - including fertility, contraception, menopause, parental consent and conditions (such as PCOS and endometriosis).
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Contraception - choices
Different methods of contraception available in Australia - includes LARC implants and IUDs, injections, contraceptive pills, condoms, diaphragm, vaginal ring, sterilisation, natural and withdrawal.
- Talking to children and young people about relationships, sex and sexuality
How parents and carers can talk to children about relationships, sex and sexuality. Includes - how and when to start, topics at different ages and stages, teenage sex, school safety and support.
- Talking to children with cognitive disability about sex
All people, including those with cognitive disabilities, have the right to explore and express their sexuality in appropriate ways.
- Women's reproductive health - where to find reliable information and services
This list includes some key Victorian and national services and phonelines providing health and sexual and reproductive health information and or health care.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health (video)
Find out some facts about women's sexual and reproductive health - including fertility, contraception, menopause, parental consent and conditions (such as PCOS and endometriosis).
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect
People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect can seek help from a range of services specifically designed to help them.
- Pregnancy - unplanned
Information about unplanned pregnancy including pregnancy options (such as medical and surgical abortion, adoption, foster and kinship care), pregnancy counselling and where to get help.
- Recognising when a child is at risk
Too many children are physically, sexually and emotionally abused and when this happens, it is up to adults to speak up.
- Sexual abuse
If you suspect sexual abuse or have been told about it by a child, you must report it.
- Sexual abuse - helping your child
As a parent, you have an important role in helping your child recover from sexual abuse.
- Sexual assault
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behaviour or activity that makes the victim feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Contraception - choices
Different methods of contraception available in Australia - includes LARC implants and IUDs, injections, contraceptive pills, condoms, diaphragm, vaginal ring, sterilisation, natural and withdrawal.
- Contraception - emergency contraception
It is best to take emergency contraception as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of having unprotected sex, but it still works well within 96 hours (4 days).
- Contraception - female (internal) condoms
Information about female (internal) condoms - includes how to use condoms to reduce your risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and pregnancy during sex, how they work and where to get them.
- Contraception - male (external) condoms
Information about male (external) condoms - includes how to use condoms to reduce your risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and pregnancy during sex, how they work and where to get them.
- Contraception information translated into community languages
This page shows you where to find translated information about the different methods of contraception (how to prevent getting pregnant) available in Australia
- Masturbation
Masturbation is a normal and healthy way for people to explore their own bodies. More on - what it is masturbation, frequency, benefits, myths, facts, tips for parents and support.
- Myths and facts about chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection that is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Oral sex
Oral sex is using your mouth, lips or tongue to stimulate your partner’s genitals or anus. Includes consent, risks, STIs, reducing risk, avoiding oral sex and where to get help.
- Safe sex
Safe sex is sexual contact that doesn't involve the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners.
- Sexual decision making
It is normal to have mixed feelings about having sex with someone else.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health
Good sexual and reproductive health is central to women's ability to make choices and decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health (video)
Find out some facts about women's sexual and reproductive health - including fertility, contraception, menopause, parental consent and conditions (such as PCOS and endometriosis).
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Your sexual health
Sexual health month brings the community together to highlight the importance of getting regular sexual health checks, STI testing and preventing illness through safer sex.
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is called a 'silent infection' because many do not realise they have it. Includes causes, symptoms, risks, transmission, diagnosis, STI checks, treatment, prevention, notifying partners.
- Cognitive disability and sexuality
People with cognitive disability can express their sexuality in satisfying ways.
- Disability and sexuality
Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support, education or services to enjoy healthy sexuality and relationships.
- Menopause and sex
Menopause, the final menstrual period, is a natural event that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.
- Puberty
Adjusting to the many changes that happen around puberty can be difficult for both parents and young people.
- Sex and chronic illness
Sexuality is a key part of human nature. Expressing sexuality in satisfying ways is important for everyone, including people with a disability. Some people with disability may need additional support, education or services to enjoy healthy sexuality and relationships.
- Women's reproductive health - where to find reliable information and services
This list includes some key Victorian and national services and phonelines providing health and sexual and reproductive health information and or health care.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health
Good sexual and reproductive health is central to women's ability to make choices and decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria normally present in the vagina. Includes causes, symptoms, transmission, treatments, prevention and where to get help.
- Chlamydia
Chlamydia is called a 'silent infection' because many do not realise they have it. Includes causes, symptoms, risks, transmission, diagnosis, STI checks, treatment, prevention, notifying partners.
- Erectile dysfunction
Common causes of erectile dysfunction include physical illness, anxiety and too much alcohol.
- Libido
Physical illness or relationship problems can cause a loss of sex drive or libido.
- Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is the most common sexual problem in in the world.
- Syphilis
Information about syphilis - includes who is at risk, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health issues and congenital syphilis in babies.
- Trichomonas
Trichomoniasis (or trichomonas) is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Includes causes, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, notifying partners and where to get help.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Partying safely and sex
Partying is fun but being out of it on alcohol or drugs can put you at risk of unwanted or unsafe sex
- Partying safely at schoolies
Every year, Year 12 students head to schoolies (leavers) to celebrate the end of school life. Includes alcohol and drug safety, tips, how to prepare, what to pack and what to do in an emergency.
- Safe sex
Safe sex is sexual contact that doesn't involve the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners.
- Sex work
There are many services available to support sex workers in Victoria, including peer services.
- Sexual decision making
It is normal to have mixed feelings about having sex with someone else.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health
Good sexual and reproductive health is central to women's ability to make choices and decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health (video)
Find out some facts about women's sexual and reproductive health - including fertility, contraception, menopause, parental consent and conditions (such as PCOS and endometriosis).
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Your sexual health
Sexual health month brings the community together to highlight the importance of getting regular sexual health checks, STI testing and preventing illness through safer sex.
- Bisexuality
Bisexuality is when a person finds men and women physically, sexually or emotionally attractive.
- Gay male sexuality
There is no real explanation as to why some men are gay and others are not; it is just part of the wide variety of human sexuality.
- Lesbian sexuality
Many women report they have lesbian experiences or feelings, but do not think of themselves as lesbians.
- Men and sexuality
Sexuality is not about whom we have sex with, or how often we have it. Sexuality is about our sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards other people. We can find other people physically, sexually or emotionally attractive, and all those things are a part of our sexuality.
- Sexuality explained
Sexuality is not about whom we have sex with, or how often we have it. Sexuality is about our sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards other people. We can find other people physically, sexually or emotionally attractive, and all those things are a part of our sexuality.
- Switchboard Victoria
Switchboard Victoria (Inc.) is a community-based not for profit organisation that provides a peer-based, volunteer driven support service for LGBTIQA+ people and their friends, families and allies.
- Talking to children and young people about relationships, sex and sexuality
How parents and carers can talk to children about relationships, sex and sexuality. Includes - how and when to start, topics at different ages and stages, teenage sex, school safety and support.
- Trans and gender diverse people
Your gender is what feels natural to you, even if it is different from your biological sex. Some people may not feel comfortable with their biological sex but choose to live with the gender with which they were born.
- Women, sex and sexuality
This page explores both the gendered and biological aspects of women’s sexuality and sexual pleasure.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
- Your sexual health
Sexual health month brings the community together to highlight the importance of getting regular sexual health checks, STI testing and preventing illness through safer sex.
- Abortion in Victoria
Some abortion services in Victoria offer reduced fees to students, healthcare card holders and those experiencing financial difficulty.
- Abortion information translated into community languages
In Victoria, you can have two types of abortion: surgical and medication. Both types are safe and reliable. You can have a medication abortion up to nine weeks of pregnancy. You can have a surgical abortion from around six weeks of pregnancy onwards.
- Abortion procedures - medication
Information about medication abortion (also known as medical abortion or the 'abortion pill') - includes how medication works, appointments, what to expect, side effects, possible risks, self-care.
- Abortion procedures - surgical
Abortion is one of the most common and safest types of surgery in Australia.
- Contraception after an abortion
You can become fertile again very soon after a surgical or medical abortion, so it's important to start using contraception immediately if you wish to prevent any unwanted pregnancies.
- Myths and facts about abortion
In Victoria, where abortion is available in a range of public and private settings, it is a safe, common and legal reproductive health choice.
- Pregnancy - unplanned
Information about unplanned pregnancy including pregnancy options (such as medical and surgical abortion, adoption, foster and kinship care), pregnancy counselling and where to get help.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health
Good sexual and reproductive health is central to women's ability to make choices and decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children.
- Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs
Sexual and reproductive health hubs provide a range of sexual and reproductive health services for Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.