Wendouree West Community Gateway - Topics

Facts Of Life - Education

About Sex
Learning about the male and female is just as important to children as any other learning. Children need to feel that the sexual parts of their bodies are good, just as they feel that it is good to have arms and legs. They need to feel that it is good to be a boy or a girl. When parents talk to children about their bodies and about their sexual behaviour and feelings children learn that it is okay to talk about these things with parents. This will be one of the ways that parents can help children to sort out their values.

Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms
The enormous hormonal changes taking place during pregnancy trigger a variety of symptoms. Some women will experience all of the symptoms of early pregnancy, while others may have only a few. The symptoms of early pregnancy can include: missed period, morning sickness, fatigue etc.

Sex Education For Children With Disabilities
People with intellectual disabilities have the same range of sexual thoughts, attitudes, feelings, desires, fantasies and activities as people without disabilities. Sex education is sometimes withheld, even though people with intellectual disabilities experience sexual abuse at higher rates than the rest of the population. It is important that all children are educated about sex and given the opportunity to explore, enjoy and express their sexuality in positive and healthy ways.

Talking To Your Kids About Sex
Most parents want to do their best in talking with their kids about sex and sexuality, but we're often not sure how to begin. Kids are curious, and they need to learn about sex. The trouble is that most parents are very uncomfortable answering their children’s questions about sex. It is never too early to start teaching you children the facts of life.

Talking To Your Kids About HIV/AIDS
As upsetting and confusing as it can be to bring up the subject of AIDS with young children, it's essential to do so. Yet, while kids are hearing about HIV/AIDS early on, what they are learning is often inaccurate and frightening. You can set the record straight -- if you know the facts yourself.

Facts Of Life - Protecting Yourself

Condoms
It is a good idea to use a condom, as they are the only form of contraceptive that protect you against sexually transmitted infections, STI's for short. Condoms can be very effective when used properly.

Diaphragms
Diaphragms are a form of contraception. These are soft rubber caps worn inside the vagina to cover the cervix, the entrance to the uterus. They prevent the sperm entering the uterus.

The Morning After Pill
If you have had sex when you did not plan to or the condom broke and you don't want to get pregnant then you can take the Emergency Contraceptive Pill. Pills must be started within three days or 72 hours after unprotected sex.

The Pill
The Pill is a common type of contraceptive. There are many different brands of the Pill and it sometimes takes a while to find the one that is right for you. The Pill has to be prescribed by a doctor and it is a good idea to talk with your doctor about which Pill suits you best.

Facts Of Life - Sexually Transmitted Infections

What Are STD's?
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is one that is passed from one person to another during a sexual encounter. This may occur during vaginal, oral or anal sex. Close skin-to-skin contact may also permit the transfer of pubic lice, scabies and genital warts. Some of the infections include:
Chlamydia,
Gonorrhoea (The Clap),
Hepatitis B,
Herpes (Genital),
HIV / AIDS,
Lice (Crabs),
Scabies,
Syphilis, and
Genital Warts.

Prevention Of STD's
There are many ways to reduce the chance of having sexual contact with a member of the infected pool, and thus of becoming part of that pool and contracting on of the many diseases.

Safer Sex Guidelines
At present there are no absolute guidelines for some sex practices. Safer sex recommendations also vary with the particular STD— for example safe sex guidelines for avoiding herpes or chlamydia will vary slightly from specific advice given for avoiding HIV infection (one needs to be aware of the mode of transmission of each STD).