Sex & Drugs

SEX AND DRUGS

SAFER SEX

STIs

BBVs

TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS

INJECTING DRUG USE

DRINK SPIKING

SEXUAL ASSAULT

TREATMENT AND SUPPORT

SEX AND DRUGS

What does alcohol and other drug use have to do with sex?

Events including parties and Leaver's week are often highly anticipated and in some cases associated with risky alcohol use, experimental drug use and planned or unplanned sex.

Using alcohol and other drugs can affect your ability to make decisions which you may regret. This section provides information about reducing the risks of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or blood-borne virus (BBV) through activities including unsafe sex, tattooing, piercing and injecting drug use.

Remember - being drunk or on drugs is not an excuse for how you act.

If you think you have been at risk of contracting a STI or BBV, you can get tested. This can be done by your GP or at a sexual health clinic. There are lots of places to go for support and up-to-date.

For more options please go to the
Support and Treatment Page Sex & Drugs.
or www.GetTheFacts.health.wa.gov.au

Only accept drinks from people you know and trust.

What does a STI test involve?

What are blood-borne viruses (BBVs)?
A BBV is a virus that is passed from person to person through blood-to-blood contact. Some of the ways they can be transmitted include through injecting drug use, or having a tattoo or piercing done.Some BBVs (hepatitis B and HIV) can also be sexually transmitted. READ MORE

Where can I get tested for an STI or BBV?
STI and BBV tests are avaliable from most GPs or you can go to a sexual health clinic. To find a service in your local area READ MORE For those aged 16 years and older, online chlamydia and gonorrhoea test requests are available at www.GetTheFacts.health.wa.gov.au.

How can I tell I have a STI?
Many STIs have no obvious symptoms, so a person can often have an STI without knowing it. A person with an STI may look and feel perfectly normal and therefore it is important that you be tested if you think there is any risk you could have contracted an STI or BBV. READ MORE

Can I catch a disease from getting a tattoo?
Tattooing involves penetration of the skin and some bleeding. This bleeding can allow blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to be transmitted. BBVs include HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. It is essential that if you are considering having a piercing or a tattoo that you go to local government approved studio which uses sterile equipment and safer practices. READ MORE

What are the signs and symptoms of STIs?
Many STIs have no obvious symptoms, so a person can often have an STI without knowing it. A person with an STI may look and feel perfectly healthy. It is important that you be tested if you think there is any risk you have contracted an STI or BBV. READ MORE

Can I catch a disease from getting a piercing?
Body piercing involved penetration of the skin and some bleeding. This bleeding can allow blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to be transmitted. BBVs include HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. It is essential that if you are considering having a piercing or a tattoo that you go to local government approved studios which use sterile equipment and safer practices. READ MORE

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
An STI is an infection that can be transmitted through sexual activity, including oral, anal or vaginal sex. Some STIs (such as herpes and genital warts) can also be transmitted through skin to skin contact. Generally testing for STIs is an easy and painless procedure. READ MORE

Who should get an STI test?
If you are having sex, then you need to think about when to have an STI test. If you have any symptoms or worries about your sexual health, then arrange a test straightaway with your doctor or sexual health clinic. READ MORE

How can I tell if my drink has been spiked?
You might not be able to see, smell or taste if you drink has been spiked - the added drug/s (the most common of which is alcohol) may be colourless, odourless and may not affect the taste of your drink. READ MORE

What should I do if my friend has been sexually assaulted?
If you know or suspect a friend has been sexually assaulted it is important to listen and believe them. Remember what your friend chooses to do after sexual assault is their choice and it is important to be respectful of the decision they make. There are services that can be contacted for confidential advice and support. READ MORE

What should I do if I think I've been drugged and sexually assaulted?
If you feel comfortable, find a friend or family member to support you and tell them what happened. In most situations, what you do after sexual assault is your choice. There are services that can be contacted for confidential advice and support. READ MORE

Where can I find out more about contraception (including emergency contraception)?
Information about the various contraceptive options can be found at: http://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/2/52/1/types_of_contraception.pm