Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of men (45%) and a quarter (26%) of women agreed that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using contraception. (ICCP, 2004). Be Drink Aware. (www.drinkaware.ie) You may not know if you have an STI. Up to 86% of women and 50% of men with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. (HPSC, 2008) Lots of people do not know when a woman’s most fertile time in her cycle is. Recent research found that only 31% of men and 56% of women knew a woman’s most fertile time. (ISSHR, 2006) Young people aged 20-29 have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections. (HPSC, 2008) In the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. (HPSC, 2008) Practicing ‘Double Dutch’ (using condoms with other methods of contraception) will help you to have safer sex and prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. In all instances another method of contraception should be used. The majority of contraception is 99% effective BUT only if used correctly and consistently.

Herpes

Description:

It is a virus caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types, HSV 1 and HSV 2.

Cause:

  • Direct skin-to-skin contact
  • Unprotected vagina, anal or oral sex
  • Unprotected rimming (mouth to anus)
  • From a pregnant mother to her baby

Symptoms:

  • Most people who carry the virus have no symptoms
  • During an outbreak you may have:
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Painful blisters or ulcers on your external genitals and rectum
  • A burning sensation when you pass urine

Treatment:

  • Prescribed medication can reduce discomfort during an outbreak.
  • The virus will stay in your system, so you may have further outbreaks.
  • These outbreaks are usually less severe

Prevention:

  • Don’t have sex while you or your partner(s) has an outbreak
  • Protect your sexual health - always use a new condom correctly and put it on before you have sex

Source: Health Service Executive (HSE), 2007

HPSC factsheet - Herpes