With the theme of ‘Safety, Pleasure, Respect’, the first-ever WA Sexual Health Week on May 5-11 is a reminder to everyone about the importance of sexual health.

“WA Sexual Health Week is a great opportunity to bring together the diverse range of agencies in the sexual health sector, and increase the community’s access to accurate information and appropriate services,” said Dr Marisa Gilles, Public Health Physician for the Midwest.

“The event aims to raise awareness of sexual health issues, in particular prevention of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.”

“It is evident that the safe sex message is still not getting through to some people, with STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea becoming increasingly common among the community especially in the age range of 15 to 27yrs.”

“WA Sexual Health Week is a good reminder for people to always use condoms if they are sexually active, and to get tested if they’ve had unprotected sex in the past – the scary thing is that as many people have no symptoms, they may have an STI and not know it” she said.

“If left untreated, some infections can cause serious health problems such as infertility and chronic ill health for both men and women.”

Dr Marisa Gilles said it was a good idea for people to talk about condoms early on in any relationship.

“Lots of people plan on having safe sex, but find it hard to bring up the topic in the heat of the moment – don’t get carried away and forget to use protection.”

Agencies taking part in WA Sexual Health Week include Local GPs, Geraldton Community Health, Geraldton Hospital, Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS), Mt Magnet, Meekatharra and Carnarvon Hospitals, FPWA Sexual Health Services,  WA AIDS Council, and the Hepatitis Council. 

"Everyone can get involved by attending one of the many free events being held around the Midwest.  Look out for the three yellow Love bugs cruising around Geraldton and on the road to Meekatharra and Carnarvon next week,” said Dr Marisa Gilles.

For more information about SHW and a list of events go to www.fpwa.org.au/shw.  Free condoms and STI screening will be available throughout the week at Geraldton Community Health, Geraldton Hospital Emergency Department, GRAMS, Cue and Mt Magnet Nursing Post, and Meekatharra, Carnarvon and Hospital.