Theory Lesson Plan

Lesson #: 7 of 8 Venue: Classroom

Lesson Topic: Safe sex Unit Topic: Risk taking, safety and harm minimisation
Year Level: 9 Lesson Duration: 50 minutes

VELS Specific Lesson Outcomes for How will I determine if outcomes

the students have been met
They identify and explain the Students become aware of their Class participation, students will be
rights and responsibilities responsibilities in protecting their visually checked throughout the
associated with developing own and others health in relation to proceedings of the class to assess
greater independence, including safe sex, contraception, pregnancy participation in class activities.
those related to sexual matters and the impact of alcohol on sexual
and sexual relationships.
safety.
Students rehearse strategies for Students become aware of safe sex Assessment of Post unit test. Students
being assertive when protecting practices, contraception, pregnancy will be able to recall 50% of the contents
their own and others’ health. and the impact of alcohol on sexual studied to obtain a passing grade.
safety.
Students explore a range of Students are informed on the Assessment of Post unit test. Students
issues related to sexuality and issues relating to safe sex and will be able to recall 50% of the contents
sexual health such as safe sex where to go for help and treatment studied to obtain a passing grade.
practices, and the impact of with issues relating to safe sex,
alcohol on sexual safety.
contraception and pregnancy.

 INTRODUCTION 10 min a. What is safe sex?

The discussion questions aim to help students define safe sex and provide a rationale b. Where do you get condoms
for learning about safe sex. and water based lube from?
With the class, discuss answers to the following questions. c. Why do some people
Discussion notes are provided to help teacher below each question. choose to have sexual
Write student responses to the following questions on the board/chart paper. partners?
a. What is safe sex? d. What are some of the
 cuddling, stroking, kissing, vaginal sex with a condom and water based positive and negative
lube, massage, rubbing, anal sex with a condom on and water based lube, consequences?
mutual masturbation (touching each other), masturbation, oral sex with a e. Who’s responsible for birth
condom or dam/lollye to cover penis, vulva or anus.
control or safe sex practices
b. Where do you get condoms and water based lube from?
 Supermarkets, chemists, family planning clinics, vending machines, petrol in the relationship?
stations or sexual health centres. f. What are some ways that
c. Why do some people choose to have sexual partners? people who engage in
 Good Choices: in a relationship, attraction, fun, love, excitement, sexual activity can practice
commitment or want to have a baby. safer sex?
 Bad choices: impaired judgment from alcohol/drugs, pressure from
peers/partner, guilt/resentment/jealousy, force Students remain in their assigned
seating positions.
d. What are some of the positive and negative consequences?
 Positive: strengthens relationship, fun, love, desired pregnancy.
 Negative: sexual assault/rape, weaken relationship, rumors/reputations,
unwanted pregnancy, STI’s
e. Who’s responsible for birth control or safe sex practices in the relationship?
  Both parties that are engaged in sexual activity are responsible for safe
sex

f. What are some ways that people who engage in sexual activity can practice
safer sex?

 Not using drugs/alcohol, using condoms, knowing their partners, getting

tested for HIV/AIDS/STI, using other birth control methods, mutual
masturbation, and abstinence.

PROCEDURE Students remain in their assigned

Safe sex PowerPoint - 35 minutes seating positions.
See Appendix
(The State of Queensland, 2010)

CLOSURE Students remain in their assigned

Question box time – 5miniutes seating positions.
Allow students to write a question on a paper and place it in the question box.
Answer previous week’s questions.

RESOURCES
Powerpoint presentation
Could it happen to you? work sheet

The state of Queensland, (2010). Advice for teenagers on sexual health, HIV and hepatitis. Retrieved 04 21, 2012, from I
Stay Safe: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/istaysafe/index.aspx

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Define safe sex
 What is safe sex?
 What are the contraception methods?
 When could you become pregnant and what are some of the signs of pregnancy?
 How does drinking alcohol affect safe sex?
 How can you keep yourself safe in relation to sex?
 Who is the best person to contact if you decide to go on the pill?
Attitudes
 Accept the aspects of safe sex, contraception, pregnancy and the impact of alcohol on sexual safety.
 COULD IT HAPPEN TO YOU?
People often seem to go through life acting as if they have superhuman powers and abilities to
escape from harm that will only affect “somebody else”. So, will it ever happen to you? Take the self-
awareness quiz below to discover more about whether you are invincible. Read each of the
descriptions that follow and decide which of the choices best describes you and your situation.
Remember the ground rules. You have the right to pass on any items that you feel are too
personal. You do not have to share your answers with the group.
N! = No Way! U = Unlikely P = Possibly Y = Yes AH = Already Has

1. Become infected with the chicken pox? N! U P Y AH

2. Break an arm, leg or other bones? N U P Y AH

3. Become really ill with flu? N! U P Y AH

4. Have to spend time in hospital? N! U P Y AH

5. Fall out of love N! U P Y AH

6. End a great friendship? N! U P Y AH

7. Have to break up with someone? N! U P Y AH

8. Have someone break up with you? N! U P Y AH

9. Become lost in a strange place? N! U P Y AH

10. Get grounded for at least a week? N! U P Y AH

11. Fail a course in school? N! U P Y AH

12. Smoke? N! U P Y AH

13. Become addicted to nicotine? N! U P Y AH

14. Develop lung cancer/heart disease? N! U P Y AH

15. Abuse alcohol or other drugs? N! U P Y AH

16. Become alcohol or drug dependent? N! U P Y AH

17. Become addicted to drugs? N! U P Y AH

18. Be physically abused by someone you N! U P Y AH

know?

19. Physically abuse someone you know? N! U P Y AH

20. Be sexually assaulted by someone you N! U P Y AH

know?

21. Sexually assault someone yourself? N! U P Y AH

N! U P Y AH
22. Become infected with an STI?

23. Become HIV positive? N! U P Y AH

24. Be part of an adolescent pregnancy? N! U P Y AH

25. Drive with someone who is drunk or N! U P Y AH

high?

26. Drive while drunk or high yourself? N! U P Y AH

27. Be a victim of crime? N! U P Y AH

28. Shoplift? N! U P Y AH

How Much Do You Know?

 Sexual Health Questionnaire

Please answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ by putting a tick in the Yes or No column

Yes No

a) Could a person get HIV (the AIDS virus) by sharing a needle

and syringe with someone when injecting drugs?.......................... ....... .......

b) Could a woman get HIV (the AIDS virus) through having sex

with a man? ....................................................................... ....... .......

c) If someone with HIV coughs or sneezes near other people,

could they get the virus?........................................................ ....... .......

d) Could a man get HIV through having sex with a man?..... ....... .......

e) Could a person get HIV from mosquitoes?............................... ....... .......

f) If a woman with HIV is pregnant, could her baby become

infected with HIV?............................................................... ....... .......

g) Could a person get HIV by hugging someone who has it?..... ....... .......

h) Does the pill (birth control) protect a woman from HIV infection? ....... .......

i) Could a man get HIV through having sex with a woman? .. ....... .......

j) If condoms are used during sex does this help to protect people

from getting HIV? ............................................................... ....... .......

k) Could someone who looks healthy pass on HIV infection? ....... .......

Please answer the remaining questions by

putting a tick in the True or False column True False

1. A man can have a sexually transmitted infection without any

obvious symptoms. .............................................................. ....... ..........

2. A woman can have a sexually transmitted infection without

any obvious symptoms. .............................................................. ....... ............

3. Apart from HIV, all sexually transmitted infections can be cured... ....... ............

Please answer the remaining questions by

putting a tick in the True or False column True False

4. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects

only women....................................................................... ....... ............

5. Chlamydia can lead to sterility among women. ............................ ....... .............

6. Once a person has caught genital herpes, then they will

always have the virus. ........................................................... ....... ...........

7. People who always use condoms are safe from all STIs ....... ............

8. Gonorrhoea can be transmitted during oral sex............................ ....... ...........

9. Genital warts can only be spread by sexual intercourse. ................. ....... .........

10. HIV only infects gay men and injecting drug users. ....................... ....... .........

11. Cold sores and genital herpes can be caused by

the same virus ....... ..........

12. Hepatitis C has no long term effects on your health................... ....... ..........

13. It is possible to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. ...................... ....... ..........

14. It is possible to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. ...................... ....... ..........

15. It is possible to be vaccinated against Hepatitis C. ...................... ....... ..........

16. People who have injected drugs are not at risk for Hepatitis C.... ....... ..........

17. Hepatitis C can be transmitted by tattooing and body piercing... ....... ..........

18. Hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually. ..................................... ....... ..........

19. All people that have Hepatitis C. can be cured. ............................ ....... ..........

20. Hepatitis C. can be transmitted by sharing razors

and toothbrushes. .. ....... ..........

(Ollis & Roberts, 2004)

Answer sheet
Yes or No

a) Yes g) No

b) Yes h) No

c) No i) Yes

d) Yes j) Yes

e) No k) Yes

f) Yes

True or False

1) True 18) True

2) True 19) True

3) True 20)True

4) False

5) True

6) True

7) True

8) True

9) False

10) False

11) True

12) False

13) True

14) True

15) False

16) False

17) False
Powerpoint slides

 Safe sex

 Safe sex

 To be safe during sex means to care for your own health and that of your
partners. Practicing safe sex protects you from getting or passing on sexually
transmissible infections (STIs) as well as unplanned pregnancy.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 How to stay safe?

 Always use condoms if you have vaginal, oral or anal sex.

 Condoms are the only form of contraception that protects against both STI’s
and pregnancy. Always use condoms even if you’re using other methods of
contraception.

 If you are having unprotected sex, talk to your partner about the risks
involved.

 Before having sex, you need to discuss with your partner the use of condoms
and come to an agreement about using condoms. Remember, you have the
right to say NO if your partner does not agree to use condoms.

 Never have sex (even with a condom) if your partner has a visible sore, ulcer
or lump on their genitals or anal area.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Contraception

 Contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy, it can be called "birth control".

Some forms of contraception such as condoms can also help reduce the
spread of STI’s. Contraception is a very important part of making sure sex is
safe and that you are being responsible for your actions.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Contraception methods

 The pill - a tablet taken daily by girls to prevent pregnancy

 Condoms – a rubber sleeve worn on the penis

 Diaphragms – a rubber device worn inside the vagina

 Contraceptive implant – a device inserted under the skin of girls by a doctor

which releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.
 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Contraception

 It is extremely important to talk about contraception with your partner.

 Decide how you will approach any issues before having sex.

 You both have to be happy with the decision and make sure you are aware of
any risks there may be.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 pregnancy

 Any time you have sex, there is a risk that you will become pregnant.

 No one contraception method is 100% effective.

 Though the risk might be low (1-2%), pregnancy can occur even if only a
small amount of semen comes into contact with the vagina.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 How can you tell if you’re pregnant?

 Signs change from woman to woman but can include:

 A missed period.

 Very light or short period

 Swelling, tenderness or tingling in the breasts

 Going to the toilet often

 Feeling tired

 Nausea or vomiting

 Bloated or stomach cramps

 Mood changes.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Drinking and sex

 Alcohol affects the way a persons brain operates and their behaviour.

 Being under the influence of alcohol can reduce your capability to protect
yourself and may change your sexual behaviour.
 Alcohol affects people in different ways. Some people may experience
behaviours and emotions that they do not normally experience.

 Decisions people make and the actions they take when affected by alcohol is
often different than the decisions they would make when sober. This includes
decisions about sexual activity.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Drinking and sex

 If your thinking is unclear, you could make choices that put you at risk.

 You might plan to look after yourself and your friends by planning only safe
behaviours, but those plans can just disappear when you've been consuming
alcohol.

 Alcohol can cloud your mind and lead you to take risks you might not
otherwise take. You can lose control of your inhibitions when alcohol is
involved.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Follow these tips to keep safe:

 Know that you have the right to say NO to sex.

 Agreeing to go on a date with someone is not the same as agreeing to have

sex.

 Learn to communicate in a direct, confident way. Put the message across -

NO means NO.

 If the person doesn’t listen to you, making a stand verbally might stop them.
Tell the person with a strong voice, or yell at them to stop.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Who to contact

 If you want to talk to someone about issues relating to sex and your sexual
health, there are lots of people ready to help you. Who you should talk to
depends on what you'd like to discuss.

 To organise a sexual health check:

Talk to your local sexual health clinic, doctor or Family Planning Clinic

 To get the emergency contraceptive pill:

Talk to your local sexual health clinic, doctor, Family Planning Clinic or
pharmacy
 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Who to contact

 To get the pill or arrange a Pap smear:

Talk to your local doctor or Family Planning Clinic

 To discuss contraception:
Talk to your doctor or local Family Planning Clinic

 Other people you might like to talk to include:

 school-based youth health nurse

 guidance counsellor or school counsellor

 doctors and nurses who work in sexual health clinics

 your local doctor

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 Talking about sex

 You should feel comfortable talking to your partner and medical professional
about anything you are concerned about.

 (The State of Queensland, 2010)

 References

 The State of Queensland, (2010). Advice for teenagers

on sexual health, HIV and hepatitis. Retrieved 04 21, 2012, from I Stay
Safe: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/istaysafe/in dex.aspx
 Theory Lesson Plan

Pre-Service Teacher: Kate Bradbury Lesson #: 8 of 8 Venue: Classroom

Lesson Topic : STI’s Unit Topic: Risk taking, safety and harm minimisation
Year Level: 9 Lesson Duration: 50 minutes

VELS Specific Lesson Outcomes for How will I determine if outcomes

the students have been met
Students rehearse strategies Students become aware of STI’s, Assessment of Post unit test. Students
for being assertive when the transmission of STI’s and will be able to recall 50% of the contents
protecting their own and others’ strategies to prevent the studied to obtain a passing grade.
health. transmission.
Students identify and explain the Students become aware of their Class participation, students will be
rights and responsibilities responsibilities in protecting their visually checked throughout the
associated with developing own and others health in relation to proceedings of the class to assess
greater independence, including STI’s. participation in class activities.
those related to sexual matters.
Students identify the health Students are informed on where to Assessment of Post unit test. Students
services and products provided go for help and treatment of STI’s. will be able to recall 50% of the contents
by government and non- studied to obtain a passing grade.
government bodies and analyse
how these can be used to
support the health needs of
young people.

1. INTRODUCTION 1. Why is it important to learn

Defining STI – 10 min about STIs?
The discussion questions aim to help students define STI and provide a 2. When you hear the word
rationale for learning about STI’s. STI what do you think?
With the class, discuss answers to the following questions. 3. What is the definition for
Discussion notes are provided to help teacher below each question. STI, or sexually transmitted
a) “Why is it important to learn about STIs? infection?
 It helps individuals be able to take care of their own body 4. What are some STI you have
 Untreated STIs can jeopardize a person's health and future ability to heard of?
have children. 5. STI can be viral, or
 It helps a person to discuss STIs with a boy/girlfriend. bacterial/parasitic. What
 It helps us recognize myths like “It’s easy to tell if a person has a STI do those words mean?
because he/she will look sick” that could prevent a person from using 6. If you want to find out
effective prevention methods or seeking needed treatments. about STIs, what sources
b) When you hear the word STI what do you think? can provide accurate
 Encourage students to share feelings and reactions. information?
 Common student responses may be that these words are “disgusting,” (Calgary Health Region,
or that it makes them think about death. 2008)
 Identify common themes throughout the discussion. Students remain in their assigned
c) What is the definition for STI, or sexually transmitted infection? seating positions.
 STIs are infections spread primarily by close sexual contact and sexual
intercourse.
d) What are some STI you have heard of?
 List student suggestions on the board.
 e) STI can be viral, or bacterial/parasitic. What do those words mean?
 Viral: If a virus causes a disease, it is possible for it to remain
“asymptomatic” for periods of time (meaning there are no symptoms).
It is possible to have the virus and not know it, and it is possible to pass
it to another person without either person knowing it. Viral STIs can
be treated with medications, but not cured. A person with a viral STI
will have that virus for life. STI that are viral include genital warts
(HPV), HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and genital herpes.
 Bacterial/Parasitic: If bacteria or a parasite causes a disease, it needs
to be treated with antibiotic or antimicrobial medication. STIs that are
bacterial/parasitic include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, pubic lice,
cabies and vaginitis.
f) If you want to find out about STIs, what sources can provide accurate
information?
 Doctor or public health clinics (such as the Sexual and Reproductive
Health Clinic or STI Clinic)
 Teachers, counsellors, or school nurse
 Internet – see Links for Students
 Fact Sheets from a reliable source”
(Calgary Health Region, 2008)
PROCEDURE Students remain in their assigned
STI’s PowerPoint - 35 minutes seating positions.
See Appendix
(Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

CLOSURE Students remain in their assigned

Question box time – 5miniutes seating positions.
Allow students to write a question on a paper and place it in the question box.
Answer previous weeks questions.

RESOURCES
Powerpoint presentation
Homework sheet to assess knowledge of STI’s

Calgary Health Region. (2008). Studying STI/HIV. Retrieved 04 12, 2012, from Teaching Sexual Health:
http://www.teachingsexualhealth.ca/media/lessons/8_StudyingSTDsLess1.pdf

Schaeche, G., Ollis, D., Roberts, P., Watson, J., Blackman, P., & McHugh, M. (2004). Catching On. Melbourne:
Communications Division, for the Department of Education & Training.

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT

Define STI?
 Identify symptoms, effects, treatments and prevention for common STI?
 Identify community-based resources where information and testing for STI is available?
Attitudes:
 Accept the need to prevent STI/HIV?

Powerpoint slides
  Sexually Transmitted Infections

 (STI’s)

 Contents covered today

 Causes

 Symptoms

 Treatment

 and prevention

 Of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Intro to STI’s

The term ‘sexually transmitted infection’ is the chosen term used to distinguish
a number of infections which are one of the main risks associated with unprotected
sexual activity. This term considers infections that can be but are not only
transmitted sexually.

(Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Intro to STI’s continued

 STI’s can be classified and grouped according to the type of infection that
causes them:

 • virus

 • bacteria

 • yeast infection

 • lice or mites.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Causes of STI’s

 STIs Caused by Viruses

 Genital warts

 Genital warts are one of the most common STI’s. The warts are caused by the
human papilloma virus (HPV). Genital warts can emerge in the regions of the
genitals and anus or, occasionally, within the vagina, rectum or urethra.
Genital warts are contracted by direct skin-to-skin contact.
  (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Genital warts

 Treatments

 Treatment removes the visible wart but not the virus. Always consult your
doctor about any treatments.

 Appearance of genital warts

 Genital warts are a painless growth and may be:

 • Raised of flat

 • Cauliflower appearance.

 • At times they are not visible

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Genital warts

 Things to remember

 • People with HPV can spread the infection, even if they do not have visible
warts.

 • Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).

 • Warts can reappear after treatment.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Genital herpes

 Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus. The herpes infection is

transmitted by skin-to-skin contact during genital, oral or anal sex. Cold sores
on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex. The virus can be
spread when a person is showing symptoms of the virus (when you have an
ulcer) as well as in between when you are not showing symptoms.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Genital herpes

Symptoms

 Many people with genital herpes are not aware that they have the infection
because they have no symptoms.
 Treatment

 There are no drugs to rid your body of the herpes virus.

 Prevent the spread

 Condoms can stop the spread of the herpes virus across the area of skin that
they cover.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Genital herpes

 Things to remember

 • Genital herpes can be spread by genital, oral or anal sex.

 • There is no cure for herpes, but treatment helps ease symptoms.

 • Genital herpes is a common STI.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 STIs Caused by Bacteria

 Chlamydia

 Chlamydia infection is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.

 In females, chlamydia infects the cervix. In males, it infects the urethra.

 Symptoms frequently do not develop at first but might include:

 • An abnormal discharge from the vagina

 • Pain during urination.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Chlamydia

 If left undetected, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

resulting in infertility

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Chlamydia

 Men can also be infected with chlamydia

 Symptoms of chlamydia in men do not always occur but include:

 A clear or white discharge from the penis

 • A burning sensation while urinating.

 Treatment

 Chlamydia infection is treated with antibiotics depending on how long the

infection has been present.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Chlamydia

 Things to remember

 • Chlamydia may not cause symptoms at first

 • Chlamydia can lead to infertility

 • Prevention is best. Use a condom.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Gonorrhoea

 Gonorrhoea usually affects the genital area, although the throat or anus may
be affected as well. Gonorrhoea affects both men and women and is easily
transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Gonorrhoea

 Symptoms in women

 • Unusual discharge from the vagina

 • Pain on urination

 • If untreated can lead to infertility

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Gonorrhoea

 Male symptoms

 Burning sensation on urination.

 Treatment

 Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Gonorrhoea

 Things to remember

 • Use condoms.

 • Gonorrhoea can occur without symptoms, predominantly in women.

 • Gonorrhoea can lead to infertility in women.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Syphilis

 Syphilis affects both men and women. Used properly, condoms will reduce
the risk of syphilis. There are three stages of syphilis. Only the first two stages
are infectious.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Syphilis

 Symptoms during the three stages of syphilis

 First stage (4 to 6 weeks)

 A sore on the penis, vulva (lips of vagina), anus or mouth.

 Second stage (0 to 12 months)

 There may be a flat, red skin rash. It may cover your entire body. It is
extremely contagious.

 Third stage (may occur years later)

 This occurs in about one third of untreated individuals. Severe brain or heart
complications may occur during this stage.

 Avoid sex until the infection is cured

 You should not have sex until your treatment has finished and follow-up blood
tests have confirmed the infection is cured.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Syphilis

 Things to remember

 • There are three stages of syphilis. The first two are infectious.
 • Syphilis is easily treated.

 If left untreated, syphilis could lead to serious brain or heart complications.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 STIs Caused by Yeast Infections

 Thrush

 How thrush occurs

 Thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by an overgrowth of

candida, which usually lives in the vagina. The overgrowth could be due to:

 • Antibiotic use

 • The use of oral contraceptive

 • Diabetes

 • Pregnancy

 • General illness and immune system disorders.

 • Sometimes, the reason can’t be recognized.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Thrush

 Common symptoms

 • Itching or burningof the vagina

 • Thick white discharge

 • Swelling or redness of the vagina

 • Stinging or burning when urinating

 Treatment

 Treatment usually involves antifungal creams or tablets, which are placed

inside the vagina.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Thrush

 Prevention

 • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

 • Use mild soap or sorbolene-glycerine cream to wash the genital area daily.

 • Avoid tight fitting pants and synthetic underwear.

 Things to remember

 • Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast known as candida.

 • Vaginal creams and tablets help reduce candida overgrowth and thrush
symptoms.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 STIs Caused by Lice and Mites

 Pubic Lice and Scabies

 Crab lice are small, flat, light brown insects that cling to pubic hair and suck
blood for nourishment. They prefer pubic hair and do not leave the body
voluntarily. Crab lice fix their eggs (nits) to pubic hair. Crab lice are spread by
close physical contact, including sexual activity.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Pubic Lice and Scabies

 Removing crab lice from pubic hair

 • Treating crab lice involves applying permethrin liquid to all skin between the
chest and knees.

 • Treating any clothing, bedding or towels used in the last two days should be
washed in hot water or dry cleaned.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Pubic Lice and Scabies

 Contact sexual partners

 Your sexual partners may also require treatment for crab lice.

 Things to remember

 • Crab lice cling to pubic hair and suck blood for nourishment.

 • The blood sucking can cause small red sores and itching.

 • Crab lice do not voluntarily leave the body and will need to be treated to
remove.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

  Symptoms, Treatment and
Getting Help

 Symptoms

 If you develop symptoms that could be a sign that you have a sexually
transmitted infection (STI), it is important that you see your doctor
immediately. Do not try to identify your condition yourself.

 You could be at risk of contracting an STI if you have sex with a new partner
or if your partner has an STI. Proper use of condoms reduces, but does not
eliminate, the risk of acquiring an STI. Many people who catch an STI do not
develop any signs and symptoms. Therefore, the only way to check if you
have an infection is to have a check-up.

 (Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 Prevention

 The best way to prevent infection with a sexually transmitted infection, apart
from choosing not to have sex, is to always use condoms.

 The rules for using condoms include:

• Careful not to tear the condom when opening the packet.

• Pinch the tip of the condom before rolling it down the entire shaft of the erect penis.

• Do not use spit, Vaseline, baby oil or other oil-based lubricants. Use water-based
lubricants

• Withdraw the penis before the erection is lost, so that the condom does not fall off.
Hold the base of the condom to prevent spills.

• Store condoms in a cool, dry place and check the expiry date.

(Schaeche, Ollis, Roberts, Watson, Blackman, & McHugh, 2004)

 References

Schaeche, G., Ollis, D., Roberts, P., Watson, J., Blackman, P., & McHugh, M.
(2004). Catching On. Melbourne: Communications Division, for the Department of
Education & Training.