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.

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Description:

They are tiny insects, like head lice, that live in pubic or body hair.

Effects:

  • The itching will continue and get worse
  • You can pass it on to your sexual partner(s)

Cause:

  • Close body contact with an infected person
  • Rarely, infected bed linen or clothes may pass on the lice

Symptoms:

  • Itching in your pubic hair
  • You may be able to see the lice

Treatment:

  • It can be treated with creams and lotions – for you and your partner(s)
  • You can buy these at a chemist, however, you should also have a full STI check

Prevention:

  • Don’t have intimate sexual contact
  • Using condoms may not protect you against pubic lice

Source: Health Service Executive (HSE), 2007