Here is
some information that can help you protect yourself and your family from
HIV/AIDS, hepatitis or other infections.
There is
some information in these pages about sexual behaviour and drug use. In many cultures, it is
difficult or embarrassing to talk about these behaviours. Whether you
practice these behaviours or not, it is still important to know how HIV and
other infections are passed on, so that you can protect yourself and maybe
inform other people in your community.
We hope you
find this information helpful. Please call our community workers any
time if you have any questions or would like some support.
what is sexual health?
People of
many cultures find it difficult to talk about sex, even though there are many things
they would like to know.
Sex is the
physical joining of two people. It can involve different parts of the body
including the genitals (penis or vagina), the anus (bum), the mouth and tongue,
or fingers and objects (eg sex toys).
Sex can
mean different things to different people. People who want to have children do
so by having sex. People in relationships often share how they feel through
sex. Sex can also be something spontaneous and unplanned that happens between
two people.
For
whatever reasons people have sex, it is important to know that sex can affect
your health. There are many infections that can be passed from one person to
another during sex. Left untreated, these infections may affect your ability to
have children.
It does not
matter in which country you were born, where you live, how old you are or when
you had sex - you should still think about your health and other people's
health.
some things you should know
What is HIV/AIDS?
What is hepatitis?
What are sexually transmissible infections?
How can I protect myself?
Where can I get tested?
Women's health issues
Same-sex relationships