The Caya Diaphragm 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. Other diaphragms are available online with multiple sizes available, however the appropriate size needs to be determined by a qualified clinician.  How does it work? The diaphragm forms a barrier which prevents sperm from getting into the uterus. It is inserted before...

Cervical Screening 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.   What is the cervix and where is it? The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) and is at the top of the vagina.  What does the Cervical...

Contraceptive Options 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...

Gonorrhoea 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? If infected with gonorrhoea, you might not notice any symptoms. If you do have symptoms they can include: Thick, yellow, or white discharge from the penis Redness around the opening of the penis Pain or discomfort passing urine Anal discharge and...

Syphilis What is syphilis?  Syphilis is a sexually transmissible bacterial infection. In Australia, cases of Syphilis have been steadily increasing in recent years. Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. Without treatments, 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 highly infectious...

The Pill 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...

Genital Warts 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...

Trichomonas 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 rarely causes 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...

Emergency Contraception 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...

High School Education 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...

Contraception kits SHFPACT hires Contraception Kits to any High Schools and Colleges that have a Friends of SHFPACT Membership (Organisational/Nonprofit/Small Business/Schools). 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 vial in box   1 x demonstrator (to demonstrate condom use) 1 x...

Vasectomy A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception. It iis a minor surgical procedure that involves cutting the 2 small tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testes to the penis. After a 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 blocked off, grow back together, or if a third tube...