SEXtember

sextember

Join us for SEXtember at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide as we break the silence and start conversations about sexual health and wellbeing. Explore our events, workshops, and resources throughout the month of September.

SEXtember events for 2024

Let's talk about

  • Sexual health

    Sexual health is the state of physical, mental and social wellbeing related to sexuality. It encompasses not just the absence of disease and dysfunction, but also the ability to have satisfying and safe sexual experiences.

    Learning about sexual health is important for several reasons. It helps people make informed decisions about their sexual behaviours, including contraception, STI prevention, and healthy relationships. Understanding sexual health can help reduce the stigma surrounding sexuality and promote open communication about sexual topics, which is essential for maintaining healthy relationships. Being knowledgeable about sexual health can empower individuals to advocate for their own health and wellbeing, seek appropriate medical care when needed, and navigate sexual experiences in a way that is safe, consensual, and fulfilling.听

  • STI checks

    STI checks, also known as STI screenings or tests, are medical tests used to detect the presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in individuals. When STI checks are performed, you can also be tested for infections that are not necessarily sexually transmitted as well, such as听(thrush or yeast infection).听

    STI checks screen for a range of infections, including but not limited to:

    • Chlamydia: A common bacterial infection that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system.
    • Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that can grow in warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
    • Syphilis: A bacterial infection that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly.
    • HIV: The virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections and certain cancers.
    • Hepatitis B and C: Viral infections that affect the liver and can cause acute and chronic disease. Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with infected body fluids.
    • Herpes: A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause sores in the genital area and is highly contagious.

    STI checks are important for early detection and treatment of STIs, which can prevent further transmission and complications. It's essential to discuss your sexual history and any concerns with a healthcare provider to determine which tests are appropriate for you. Regular screenings, especially for individuals who are sexually active or have multiple partners, are recommended to maintain sexual health and wellbeing.

  • PrEP and PEP

    Potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection.

    PrEP and PEPare crucial in the prevention of HIV. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. It is highly effective when taken as prescribed, along with other preventive measures such as condom use. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a short-term treatment taken after potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection. Both PrEP and PEP are important tools in HIV prevention and are part of a comprehensive approach to sexual health. Understanding how PrEP and PEP work, who can benefit from them, and how to access them is crucial for maintaining sexual health.

  • Safe sex

    Safe sex is the practice of engaging in sexual activities safely. Safe sex promotes physical safety (keeping from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), injury and unintended pregnancies) as well听as emotional safety (feeling safe and respected).听This can include the use of barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, and open communication with sexual partners.听

    Contraception

  • Consent and healthy relationships

  • Pleasure and safety

    Sexual health encompasses not just physical wellbeing but also emotional and social aspects, including pleasure and safety. Understanding one's own desires, boundaries, and how to explore them safely is key to a fulfilling sexual experience. It's important to recognise that sexual pleasure is diverse and can include a range of activities, including those involving kinks, fetishes, and erotica. It's crucial that these activities are consensual, safe, and respectful.

    Good sex comes from understanding how your body works. Everyone likes different things when it comes to sex, so don鈥檛 worry about whether you鈥檙e 鈥渘ormal.鈥

    How do people have sex?

    Sex isn鈥檛 one size fits all. What feels good to you might not be right for someone else. Everyone鈥檚 different when it comes to sexual behaviors and desires, but here are some common kinds of sexual activity:

    • 听alone or with a partner听
    • oral, vaginal, and anal sex
    • kissing
    • rubbing your bodies together
    • using sex toys
    • phone sex or 鈥渟exting鈥
    • reading or watching porn

    People get turned on by different things, so 听about what you like or don鈥檛 like lets your partner know what鈥檚 OK and what鈥檚 off limits.

    Is sex good for you?

    Having a healthy sex life is good for you both emotionally and physically. Sex can help you create a connection with another person, and sexual pleasure has lots of health benefits 鈥 whether you鈥檙e with a partner or not. When you have an , your body gives you a natural high. You release endorphins, which are hormones that block pain and make you feel good.

    There are lots of other health benefits associated with sexual pleasure:

    • better general health
    • better sleep
    • better self-esteem
    • better fitness
    • less stress and tension
    • a longer life

    How often do people have sex?

    There鈥檚 no amount of sex that鈥檚 considered 鈥渘ormal鈥 鈥 everyone鈥檚 different. How often you have sex depends on a lot of things, like whether you have a partner, what else is going on in your life, and how strong your sex drive (your desire to have sex) is.

    People have different . Your own sex drive can change based on things like stress, medications you take, and other physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors. Some people want to have sex every day or more than once a day, and some people hardly ever want to have sex. People who don't experience any sexual attraction for anyone may call themselves .

    How can I have a healthy sex life?

    Having a healthy sex life is about taking care of yourself, whether you have a partner or not. Physically, that means practicing , 听regularly, , and seeing a doctor or nurse if you have a 听or听any other health problems.

    Feeling good about your body, enjoying sexual pleasure, being comfortable with your 听and , and having 听are also big parts of healthy sexuality. Having a healthy sex life means knowing what you do and don鈥檛 want to do sexually and being able to 听that to your partners. Your partner should respect your boundaries, and you should respect theirs.

    Education and open dialogue about sexual pleasure can help individuals navigate their sexuality in a way that is fulfilling and safe for all parties involved.

  • Sexual orientation and gender identity

    Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral components of an individual's identity, reflecting who they are attracted to in a sexual or romantic way and how they identify their own sexual and gender identities. Understanding and respecting diverse sexual orientations and gender identities is crucial for promoting inclusivity and acceptance.

  • Reproductive health

    Reproductive health encompasses the physical, mental, and social wellbeing related to the reproductive system and its functions. Reproductive health issues include menstruation, prostate issues, sexual function issues (such as pain with intercourse, erectile and rapid ejaculation issues), fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, with access to safe and legal abortion services.听If you experience unplanned pregnancy, and are not sure what to do, speak to someone who can help; see .

  • Culture

    Culture profoundly influences attitudes and behaviours related to sexual health. There can be taboos, secrecy or silencing about some topics relating to sex and sexuality. Also, things that may be private to some may not be to others. There are personal differences around values and behaviour in this space. Regardless of these differences, we have the right to be who we are, to be heard and respected, and access help as needed.

    It's essential to understand and respect that sexual health varies for each individual, and everyone brings their own cultural expertise, with distinct beliefs and practices that deserve recognition and appreciation from both themselves and others.


More information

Got a sexual health question? You can talk to a SHINE SA nurse for free on their confidential Sexual Healthline.
Adelaide Sexual Health Centre provides a free and confidential specialist sexual health service for South 最新糖心Vlog located on 260 Currie St, Adelaide SA 5000.
Finding a place to get an STI test is easy! Your local doctor or sexual health clinic can offer STI testing. Browse this list of sexual health clinics throughout South 最新糖心Vlog.听
Tune into the Shine SA podcase Sexual Health Matters where sexual and reproductive health topics are explored and your questions are answered.
Binge your next read on sexual health! Explore diverse perspectives and expert advice on sexual wellbeing and inclusivity.
Find your next favourite song on the SEXtember spotify playlist!