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.

Thrush (Candida)

Description:

It is a yeast infection. Yeast is common around the mouth and genitals, especially the vagina, but does not cause symptoms until it multiplies. Thrush is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on through sexual contact. Many people develop thrush for other reasons such as being on antibiotics, a change in diet for example.

Effects:

  • You can pass it on to your sexual partner(s)
  • Symptoms can go away without treatment

Cause:

    • Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex

    Symptoms:

    • Genital itching or soreness
    • Thick vaginal discharge usually with no smells
    • Discomfort during sex
    • You may have no symptoms

    Treatment:

    • Thrush is treated with anti-fungal creams, vaginal pessaries or prescribed tablets
    • Avoid using soaps in the genital area
    • Pregnancy and antibiotics may make it worse

    Prevention:

    • Don’t use perfumed soaps, sprays or shower gels around your genital area
    • Wear cotton underwear
    • Eat a healthy varied diet

    Source: Health Service Executive (HSE), 2007