Protection
July 2nd 2020
Hi there Caddyshackers,
Kaitlyn here, taking over the blog for July!
Over the next three blog posts I’ll give you the low down on all things contraception.
Today more than ever there is so much choice in contraception for wherever you are at in your life.
So grab a cuppa, a comfy space and join us over the next month as we dive into contraception. But first, let’s talk about protection (which is different from contraception) what it is, why it’s important and where you can get it.
Protection
Protection is a type of contraception, the great multitasker - it’s used during sex to prevent both unplanned pregnancy AND the spread of Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs). This is called a barrier contraception method. Pretty cool hey?
Condoms are a form of protection, they are actually the best form of protection.
Condoms have been around for centuries! Have a google, or go back to our ‘Condoms, Condoms, Condoms’ blog post, you will be surprised at how far back in history we had to go to find the first condom (and what it was made out of!) Today we have both internal and external condoms.
External (male) Condom
Here is a refresher of the external/male condom;
A soft (usually latex) sheath open at one end and closed at the other end.
Prevents sperm from reaching the uterus and prevents the transmission of STIs.
Can be used on sex accessories and for vaginal or anal sex.
Considered 98% effective if used correctly all the time.
Readily available from supermarkets, pharmacies.
Free from some community and youth services. Contact us to find out which services in the Illawarra Shoalhaven are part of our Condom Dispenser Project.
Did you know your service can order 144 Play Safe branded condoms every month from Play Safe Pro? For FREE?!
Unsure about your service providing condoms? Check out Condom Protocol.
Internal (female) condom
Over the last few years we’ve seen the Internal (female condom) being introduced into Australia. Have you heard of it before?
It’s a thin, soft nitrile sheath placed in the vagina before sex.
It is 17cm long.
It has two flexible rings at each end with one end opened and the other closed. The open end sits on the outside of the vagina. The closed end is inserted similar to a tampon or diaphragm.
It provides protection against STI’s.
When used correctly it is 95-98 % effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy.
These can be found at some pharmacies and are readily available online. Please ask your pharmacy to stock these. More demand will make them more widely available and accessible.
Dental Dam
A dental dam is a latex film placed over the genital area and is used during oral sex to prevent the spread of STI’s, such as skin to skin infections like herpes and genital warts. They can be bought online.
Originally invented in 1864 the “rubber dam” was used to isolate a tooth from the rest of the oral cavity for dentists to use. Who knew!
All of these protection measures are ‘one use only’ and it is really important to check the expiry date on all of them. Got a question about protection? Jump on Play Safe Nurse Nettie to talk to a qualified nurse!
Condom Demonstrations
Want to see a step by step external and internal condom demonstration? We recently recorded an education session on the Sexual Health & Relationships Kit. Skip ahead to 26:35 to see a talk through of the external and internal condom!
Condom demonstrations at 26:35
What we are loving right now
Right now we are loving HANX !
Not just Gynaecologist approved products you'll be proud to tear open once you've torn your clothes off, but all things sexual wellness in the Naked Truths blog.
While your there, check out their Knicker Box Glory Podcast - a weekly podcast exploring the world of sex, love and relationships with guests discussing culture and the influence of sexual wellness.
Looking forward to chatting about hormonal contraception next fortnight! Until then,
Peace, Love & Protection
x