What is a diaphragm? A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is a dome of soft silicone with a flexible rim that is placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb). The Caya® diaphragm, which is a single size diaphragm, is the only one available in Australia. How does it work? The diaphragm forms a barrier which prevents sperm from getting into the uterus. It is inserted before sexual intercourse and is left in place for at least 6 hours afterwards. It takes 6 hours for the sperm to die in the acidic environment of the vagina. How effective...

What is the Cervical Screening Test? The Cervical Screening Test (CST) aims to prevent cancer of the cervix (also called cervical cancer). Cervical cancer is preventable with regular cervical screening because pre-cancerous changes can be found and easily treated, so cancer does not develop. Most people who do develop cervical cancer have either never had cervical screening or have had screening less often than recommended. Cervical screening saves lives! What is the cervix and where is it? The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and is located at the top of the vagina. [ID:...

What is contraception? Contraception (also called birth control) protects you from pregnancy. There are a number of different methods of contraception available. It is important to choose a method that suits you. Using contraception gives you more control, allows you to decide if, and when, to have children, and allows you to enjoy sex without having to worry about an unintended pregnancy. Which contraceptive is right for me? Many factors affect your choice of a contraceptive method including: Your stage of life Your lifestyle How effective the method is How easy the method is to use Any...

What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the urethra, throat, cervix, anus, and (rarely) the eyes. How do you catch gonorrhoea? You can catch gonorrhoea through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. What are the symptoms? Symptoms will depend on where the infection is. Up to 80% of people with a vaginal infection will have no symptoms at all. In people with an infection in the penis, most will have symptoms, only about 10-15% will not have symptoms. Symptoms are rare with a throat or anal infection. When...

What is syphilis?  Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum.  It is not as common in Australia as in some countries, but cases are increasing.   Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. Without treatment serious health problems can occur. The infection has different stages: primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, latent syphilis, and tertiary or late syphilis.   How do you catch syphilis? Syphilis is passed on through skin-to-skin contact. You can catch it by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has syphilis.  It is...

What is the combined oral contraceptive pill? The combined oral contraceptive pill, usually simply called ‘the pill’, is a contraceptive pill taken by mouth which contains 2 hormones, oestrogen, and progestogen.  These hormones are similar to the hormones produced by your ovaries. How does it work? The pill works by preventing ovulation, which means it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, which in turn means that fertilization cannot occur, and a pregnancy cannot begin. It also thickens the mucus in your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get into the uterus (womb). How...

What are genital warts? Genital warts are growths on the skin’s surface or mucous membrane that occur in the genital area. What causes genital warts? A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) causes genital warts. HPV is a group of viruses that are common in humans and nearly all sexually active people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. There are over 100 types of HPV that can infect humans, and around 40 types can infect the genital area. Some HPV types cause genital warts, while other HPV types cause warts on the hands, feet, or other areas. There are different types of...

What is Trichomonas Trichomonas is a genital infection caused by the organism trichomonas vaginalis. While it is common worldwide, it is rare in urban areas in Australia. Trichomonas is a vaginal infection, more common in older populations and those living in remote areas. It is a rare cause of symptoms in the penis. How do you catch trichomonas?  Trichomonas is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) that is passed on during sex without a condom with a person who has trichomonas.   What are the symptoms?   Vaginal Symptoms About 50% of the time, trichomonas does not cause any vulval...

What is emergency contraception?   Emergency contraception (EC) is used after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy.                                           You might use emergency contraception if: you had sex and didn’t use any contraception a condom broke or slipped off during sex you missed one or more of your usual contraceptive pills  you were sexually assaulted What kind of emergency contraception is available? There are two types of emergency contraception available in Australia: The emergency contraceptive pills (ECP): the Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive...

SHFPACT has developed a range of workshops and education sessions for students in High School and College. Sessions can be tailored to small or large groups of students, and to meet the needs of the student, school and parents/caregivers.Topics can include: Gender and Sexual Identity Respectful Relationships Consent Technology, Social Media and Pornography Contraception, STIs and BBVs For presentations to large groups of students, the cost is $190 per educator per hour. For workshops, the cost is $10 per student, per workshop (there is a discount available if a school books multiple...

SHFPACT hires Contraception Kits to any High Schools and Colleges that have a Friends of SHFPACT Membership (Organisational/Nonprofit/Small Business/Schools). To take out a Friends of SHFPACT Membership follow the link below: Friends of SHFPACT Membership SHFPACT’s Contraception Kits contain: 1x diaphragm (Caya®) 1x hormone releasing IUD (Mirena®) 6 x male condoms 6 x lubricants 2 x female condoms 2 x dental dam 1 x oral contraception pill sample box 1 x emergency contraception sample box 1 x vaginal ring (Nuvaring®) 1 x contraceptive implant (Implanon®) 1 x contraceptive injection...

A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception. It involves a simple surgical procedure that prevents sperm from traveling from the testicles to the semen ejaculated from the penis. After vasectomy, your semen is the same, but it has no sperm in it. Vasectomy is a safe, effective, and permanent form of contraception. How effective is vasectomy? A vasectomy is over 99% effective. However, while it is rare, a vasectomy may fail, and you may stay fertile or become fertile again. This can happen if the tubes are not entirely blocked off, grow back together, or if a third vas deferens tube exists....