Sexual Health Awareness week

Sexual health awareness week is UPON us.

Sexual Health Awareness Week (SHAW) is a SHine SA initiative that runs from 14-21 February every year and targets young adults between 18 and 30 years. SHAW encourages them to look at the social, cultural, environmental and behavioural factors that can influence their own health.

The focus for 2010 is Emergency Contraception (EC). We are aiming to increase knowledge in the South Australian community about the safety, effectiveness and availability of EC by providing accurate information and “busting the myths”. Recent studies have shown that, while the use of EC has increased in Australia since it was introduced, not enough is understood about this safe and effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancy in particular circumstances.

We all know that accidents happen – a condom breaks, you forget to take your birth control pill, or maybe you didn’t plan on having sex and didn’t use any contraception. By encouraging individuals, groups and communities to start talking more honestly, openly and accurately about EC, as well as about their sexual health and wellbeing, this can enable healthy life choices which put people in control of the decisions which affect their sexual health, relationships and reproduction.

Go on - get involved