STI detectives
what does STI stand for?
sexually transmitted infection
Name one strategy that can reduce the risk of STIs.
Using condoms correctly, appropriate testing, communication and accessing reliable sexual health information/support can all contribute to reducing risk.
What is contraception designed to help prevent?
Pregnancy
What type of contraception is a condom?
Barrier contraception
what is consent?
Someone is being pressured to make a sexual health decision they are uncomfortable with. Identify two skills they could use to respond to the situation.
Name two ways that STI's can be transmitted
Through sexual contact, blood contact or pregnancy and birth
Which contraception method can also help reduce the risk of many STIs, and why?
Condoms, because they act as a barrier and can reduce contact with infectious bodily fluids and affected areas.
Name one barrier method of contraception.
Condom
Name two reasons why condoms are used.
To reduce the risk of pregnancy and reduce the risk of many STIs when used correctly.
Why is it important to use reliable sources when researching sexual health?
Reliable sources provide accurate, evidence-based information that can support informed health decisions.
A person believes that knowing someone's relationship history is enough to determine whether they could have an STI. Why is this not a reliable way to assess STI risk?
A person's appearance, relationship status or assumptions about their behaviour cannot reliably determine whether they have an STI. Accurate information, prevention and appropriate testing are more reliable
Why is STI prevention different from pregnancy prevention?
Not all contraception methods protect against STIs. Some methods primarily reduce the chance of pregnancy, while condoms can provide protection against pregnancy and reduce the risk of many STIs when used correctly.
What is the difference between barrier and hormonal contraception?
Barrier methods work by creating a physical barrier that helps prevent sperm from reaching an egg, while hormonal methods use hormones to prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy through mechanisms such as preventing ovulation.
Why is it important to check the condom packaging before use?
To check that the packaging is intact and to check relevant expiry information.
Name two places or sources where a young person could access reliable sexual health information or support.
GP/doctor, sexual health service, health professional, reputable health organisation or reputable health website.
Why can STI testing be important even when a person does not think they have an STI?
Some STIs may not cause obvious symptoms, so a person may not know they have an infection. Appropriate testing can help identify infections and allow people to access suitable treatment and support.
Why might communication be considered an STI prevention strategy?
Communication can allow people to discuss sexual health, protection, testing, boundaries and consent and make informed decisions about reducing health risks.
What does LARC stand for?
Long-Acting Reversible Contraception.
A person says, “If a condom is used, there is no need to think about STI prevention or testing.” Explain why this statement is incorrect.
Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs when used correctly, but they do not eliminate all STI risk. Testing and appropriate health advice may still be important depending on individual circumstances.
A friend tells you that something they saw on social media is definitely true about contraception. What should you consider before accepting the information?
Whether the information comes from a reliable source, whether it is supported by accurate health information and whether it comes from an appropriately qualified health professional or reputable health organisation.
“If someone has only ever had one partner, they don't need to know anything about STI prevention.” What is wrong with this statement?
STI prevention and accurate sexual health information are relevant regardless of assumptions about someone's relationships. STI risk depends on factors relating to transmission and exposure, and people should use reliable information rather than assumptions.
A person is choosing between several contraception methods. They want to reduce the risk of pregnancy and make informed decisions about STI prevention.
What three questions should they ask themselves before making their decision?
Two people are considering contraception. One person prefers a method that does not need to be remembered every day, while another person may prefer a different option. Why might different people make different contraception choices?
Choices can be influenced by personal circumstances, preferences, health needs, effectiveness, access to healthcare, advantages and limitations, communication and STI protection.
Name three important things to remember when using condoms safely.
Check packaging/expiry, open carefully, use correctly from the beginning of sexual contact, avoid common mistakes, use a new condom when required and dispose of it appropriately.
A young person wants to make an informed sexual health decision. Name five things they should consider or do to support a safe and informed decision.
Seek accurate information, consider contraception, consider STI protection, communicate with the other person, establish consent and boundaries, consider personal circumstances/preferences, seek professional health advice and understand the advantages/limitations of different options.