Sexual Health
Good sexual health is important at all ages and all stages of relationships.
Around 2 in 3 Australian women experience at least one example of sexual difficulty.
Good sexual health is important at all ages and all stages of relationships. At The Bubble we hope to provide a safe and inclusive environment with no judgement in order to help you attain positive and safe sexual experiences.
"Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality. It is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence." (World Health Organisation).
Examples of sexual difficulty include:
- lacking interest in having sex
- unable to climax
- taking too long to orgasm
- vaginal dryness
- not finding sex pleasurable
- feeling anxious about ability to perform sexually
- physical pain during intercourse
- came to orgasm too quickly
Good sexual health includes being aware of how to protect yourself and your sexual partners from sexually transmissible infections, seeking testing and treatment if you do get a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and having access to contraception.
More than 30 different viruses, bacteria and parasites are known to be transmitted sexually. Most STIs do not show symptoms. You can still pass on an STI even if you don't notice symptoms, or after your symptoms resolve.
While some STIs can be cured, a person can have an STI without symptoms of disease. If left untreated, STIs can cause serious health effects for men and women, like permanent damage to your reproductive system which might result in infertility, chronic pain, and impact your unborn babies.
In Australia about 16% of Australians report having a sexually transmitted infection in their lifetime.
The best ways to prevent STIs are to:
- practise safe sex
- use protection such as condoms, in combination with condom-safe lubricants.
- get tested regularly
- get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B.
Doing these things reduce your risk of getting an STI, but there is still a chance of infection. Hormonal contraception such as the birth control pill does not protect you from STIs.
At The Bubble we can arrange non-judgemental testing and management of most STIs. We aim to provide a safe and inclusive environment with no judgement in order to help everyone attain positive and safe sexual experiences.
Offering appointments for Sexual Health:
