Healthy sex & relationships Category - Play Safe
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What is a dental dam? How to use them and where to find them

Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you?...

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Been diagnosed with an STI? Now what?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an...

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Why we love lube (and you will too)

Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly,...

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LQBTQIA+ Support

Offering a range of services to the LGBTQIA+ community. No matter your age, stage or inclinations, ACON is here for you, here for health.  ACON is here for community and...

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All about Anal Sex

We’re talking about sexual activity that involves your butt.  Anal play can be enjoyed by anyone of any gender or orientation and can be: Putting fingers or a tongue (rimming)...

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Safe sex between women

Women who have sex with women are wonderfully diverse. And sex between women is just as diverse. The risk of getting an STI or HIV depends on what kind of...

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Sydney World Pride 2023

If you’re like us, you can’t wait to celebrate the first ever Sydney WorldPride, whether you’re going to be marching in the parade or attending one of the 200+ events...

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Dealing with sexual anxiety

Whether you’re new to sex or pretty experienced, sexual anxiety is real and can impact you at any stage. But never fear, we’ve put together some info to help you...

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Why do we have pubic hair?

Pubes, bush, carpet, map of tassie, rug – whatever you call it, pubic hair can be a divisive issue. Whether you choose to treat your pubic hair like a work...

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Is my body ‘normal’?

Having sex (of any kind) involves partial or full nudity. So, whether you’re engaging in penetrative sex, or having some fun with oral or foreplay — one thing’s for sure,...

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6 things we wish sex ed had taught us

With consent education becoming mandatory for schools in NSW and VIC, we thought it would be worth revisiting sexual education as a whole. Whether you graduated in the early 00’s,...

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Is penile discharge normal?

Penile discharge is a watery or thickened fluid that sometimes comes out of the penis. It travels down the middle of the penis to the opening at the head (glans)...

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Having sex for the first time? Here’s what to expect…

So, you’re thinking about having penetrative sex for the first time? Penetrative sex (aka sexual intercourse) can be an enjoyable way to connect and get closer with someone. It’s healthy...

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Awkward sex ‘problems’ that are actually totally normal

A fulfilling sex life doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some love the intimacy of an exclusive relationship, others enjoy experimenting with different sexual partners. There’s no ‘right’ way to...

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Ask Nurse Nettie: the top 10 questions from 2021

Nurse Nettie, our resident sexual health expert, is available throughout the year to answer sexual health and relationship questions from young people across NSW.  All answers are 100% anonymous (always)...

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How to improve your sex life overnight

Do you want an amazing sex life; one that’s satisfying, exciting and safe? There’s more to it than simply trying the latest moves you’ve seen in porn. From open communication...

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How to have safe sex: the importance of consent

Before having sex, it’s important you have your partner’s consent, and that you give yours too. In this article we explore the who, what, when, where, how, and why of...

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Four dating tips for a healthy and safe internet relationship

It seems like everyone meets their partners online nowadays, and post COVID-19 lockdown it’s become even more popular to chat online. There’s no denying that internet dating is a great...

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What’s the difference between an STI and an STD?

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection, not disease. That last word makes all the difference because most of the bacteria or viruses passed on via sex are actually infections, not...

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The 4 C’s of safe sex

When people hear ‘safe sex’ they usually think about protecting themselves and partners from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). But we reckon that safe sex means much more...

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Is it normal to bleed after sex?

Bleeding from inside the vagina after penetrative sex is called post-coital bleeding, and is more common than you might think. There are plenty of reasons why it might be happening...

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Consent: How does it work?

We spoke to Consent Labs on the topic of consensual sexual encounters, and here’s what they had to say about how it all works… Talking about sexual consent, and actually...

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Preparing to have sex for the first time

Deciding to have sex for the first time is a big decision. Being prepared is one of the best things that you can do to make sure it’s  safe and...

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Am I addicted to Porn?

The internet has made porn more accessible than ever before. One quick search and you have a host of pornographic material – no matter your taste – available within seconds....

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Erectile dysfunction

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when your penis usually or always won’t get fully erect (hard) or won’t stay erect when you want it to.Everyone with...

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How to put a condom on without being awkward

Condoms. They’re the only contraception that protects against both unwanted pregnancy and STIs, yet they can cause people a whole lot of stress when it comes to putting them on...

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Can pre-cum get you pregnant?

Pre-cum (or pre-ejaculate if we want to use the fancy proper name), is fluid that’s released from the penis during foreplay or sex. It usually happens during arousal, and a...

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Why do pronouns matter anyway?

When we speak about someone else, it’s common to use pronouns to talk about them. She, he, they, etc. But what if the pronoun you use doesn’t reflect who they...

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Can I get an STI from that?

Sex is great. But also kinda confusing sometimes. What risks are there for different kinds of sex? And how do you stay safe and take control of your sexual health?...

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When can you stop using condoms with a partner?

When someone chooses to be in a monogamous relationship, they might start thinking about stopping the use of condoms during sex. It might be for reasons of trust, lust, or...

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Can technology help us have safer sex?

Technology has changed every part of the world we live in; from the way we listen to music to the way we date. But we want to know; can technology...

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5 condom myths debunked

Did you know that condoms are the only form of contraception that protects against both STIs and pregnancy? But for some reason, not everyone wants to use one when they’re...

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How to ask your partner to wear a condom

Even though condoms are literally the only way to protect yourself from STIs and pregnancy during sex, for some reason some people still want to avoid using them. From ‘it...

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Foreskin Care- Everything you need to know

Turtleneck, penis beanie, magician’s cloak – the foreskin seems to bear the brunt of a lot of ridicule. People either love them or hate them, but either way you should...

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Our favourite sex and relationship YouTubers

YouTube is the second most visited website in the world and is packed with content that tackles every subject imaginable – from sex and sexual health, to relationships, body positivity...

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Herpes Pt 3: How to talk about it with a partner

Talking about herpes can be hard. Stigma exists. But it’s important to let any new sexual partners know if you’ve been diagnosed with herpes. This allows people to make informed...

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Herpes Pt 2: How to avoid passing it on

1. You can only pass herpes on from the part of the body where you have the infection For example: if you get cold sores on the mouth, you can...

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Herpes Pt 1: Everything you need to know

Herpes might be the most misunderstood infections around so let’s start with the facts. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is usually passed on by kissing, oral sex, vaginal sex or anal...

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Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the biggest worries I hear about it, but it’s rarely medical issue. So what is it? PE is just a fancy way of describing...

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The dos and don’ts of online dating

There are so many online dating sites to choose from today, and more and more people are finding relationships and hookups online. But, navigating the world of online dating isn’t...

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Our favourite Posts on the Play Safe Forum

Run by our team of volunteer moderators (mods), the Play Safe forum is packed full of topics, threads and conversations from people just like you. Covering everything from sexual health...

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Sex on your period. Everything you need to know.

Sex on your period will undoubtedly be messy, but can also be enjoyable. In fact, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having sex during this time. But… there’s a few things...

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8 must haves for your festival packing list

Who doesn’t love a festival? The music, the vibes, the people. The free STI testing (yep, that’s a thing). Whether it’s a day festival or a three-day camping extravaganza we’ve...

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7 gifs that show why we love condoms

The 14th February isn’t just Valentine’s Day. It’s National Condom Day here in Australia. To celebrate, we share seven reasons why we believe in no glove, no love. 1). Condoms...

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5 Australian women changing the way we think about sex

Loving your body and understanding how to have a healthy and confident sex life is so important. Luckily, Australia has plenty of incredible women who are driving change in the...

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Consent – it’s not a yes, unless it’s a hell yes

With summer fast approaching, and Schoolies around the corner it’s easily going to be one of the most exciting times of your life and with excitement comes new experiences. Some...

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How to talk about STIs

Want to ask your partner to get an STI test? Or let someone know you’ve got an STI? Talking about STIs isn’t always easy – here’s some advice to make...

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Popping your cherry

Ever heard the phrase “popping your cherry”? It’s slang for losing your virginity and refers to the tearing (stretching open) or “popping” of the hymen during vaginal sex (penis-in-vagina intercourse)....

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Let’s talk lube

Lubricant, or lube, increases pleasure for girls and guys, during sex, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable. Lube is used to decrease friction, which means sex with lube won’t be...

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Sexting

Sending sexy pics can be fun, but once a picture is sent it’s out there for all to (potentially) see. It doesn’t take long to screenshot a Snapchat and send...

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Foreplay

Foreplay is usually a big part of sex – some might even say the best part.  What is foreplay? Foreplay builds sexual arousal and pleasure through physical and mental stimulation....

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Let’s talk about sex

The song is so right. If we’re having sex – we want to have amazing sex, whether it’s with a long-term partner or a casual fling. Talking about sex, what...

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Sex toys – the low down

Sex toys can bring extra fun to masturbating and sex. They’re not just for using alone – they’re also a lot of fun to use with someone else too.  Sex...

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Pain in the penis

No one likes to experience pain – especially in the penis! Let’s look at some of the reasons why you can feel pain in your penis, and the solutions for...

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Consent 101

Before having sex, it’s important you have your partner’s consent. Here’s the who, what, when, where, how, and why of consent: What is consent? Consent means to agree to do...

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The “friend zone”

It’s something most of us will go through at some point. You really like someone, you hang out a lot and have fun together. You have a crush on them,...

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Pregnancy Choices

Whether you expected it or not, finding out you are pregnant can be a shock. You are probably finding that you will go through a whole range of feelings. Whatever...

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What is asexuality?

I don’t feel sexually attracted to anyone. What’s wrong with me? Nothing! Some people are attracted to boys, some to girls, and some to both and/or other genders. But some...

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What does the word “sex” mean to you?

Have you just started our ‘Have I got an STI?’ quiz but you’re not sure if the questions apply to you? That’s because sex isn’t quite as simple as it...

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10 ways to be better in bed – via GIF

Want a session you’ll never forget? 1. Talk Talking about sex, makes the actual sex better. Share what you like and don’t like. 2. Laugh Let’s face it. Sex has...

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Talk First!

Talk First – how to talk about sex Whether you’re having sex for the first time or you’re about to sleep with a new partner, talking about sex isn’t always...

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5 New Year’s resolutions for a better sex life

Forget ‘going to the gym’, or ‘giving up chocolate’. How about a new year’s resolution that’s actually fun? Here are our top 5 resolutions for a healthy and better sex...

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Get to Know Your Schoolies Superhero!

The most epic week of your life has arrived. You have just finished the HSC and you’re ready to let your hair down on Schoolies! But before your trip starts,...

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Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation just means “coming too fast”. But what is too fast? Sometimes movies and TV shows make premature ejaculation out to be a big deal, but really it’s not...

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Vaginal pain during sex

Vaginal pain during sex is more common than you might think. Here, we discuss the different causes of vaginal pain during sex, how you can address it with your partner,...

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The Big O… Orgasms!

Let’s talk about the big O – Orgasms! What is an orgasm? Having an orgasm or “coming” is what happens when you hit your sexual climax. It’s an intense feeling...

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Girls carrying condoms

Have you ever been in the situation where you are getting hot with a guy and then he drops the line “I can’t find a condom” while fumbling around in...

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How to play safe – online dating

Grindr, Tinder, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat… dating apps and social media platforms have made it easier than ever to meet new people. As with traditional dating, you want to keep...

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7 ways to Play Safe at schoolies

Schoolies will involve a lot of “first times” for many students. So we want to ensure every experience is awesome but safe. Here are 7 things you need to think...

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Thrush

It can often make women feel embarrassed, miserable and even dirty. But thrush, also called Candidiasis, is more common than you think! It happens in around 50% of women at...

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Penile Discharge

What’s normal? For guys, the urethra runs through the middle of the penis to the opening at the head of the penis (glans), and carries urine (pee) during urination or...

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Vaginal Discharge

What’s normal and not normal? All women have some vaginal discharge (fluid or semisolid substance that flows out of the vaginal opening). It’s a way the body maintains a healthy...

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Penis 101

No matter how often guys hear the expression ‘size doesn’t matter’, chances are they’ve, at some stage, worried about the size, shape, look, and ability of their penis. Here are...

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Vagina 101

There’s a lot of confusion about what the vagina ‘should’ look, feel or smell like. So, here are some simple facts (vagina 101) to clear the rumours. The vagina is...

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Boobs 101

Jugs, sweater stretchers, airbags, tits, hooters, lung protectors, bongos, knockers, melons, gazongas, frost detectors, honkers, fun bags, boobs, bazookas, boobies… BREASTS! Young women often worry about their breasts. Are they...

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Am I normal?

It’s a question that everybody asks themselves from time to time. Truth is there are so many types of normal that two people can be completely different, but still be...

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What is anal sex?

Bottom, ring, anus, butt or arse… Whether male or female we all have one! And just like our genitals, our anus is very sensitive and can be part of sex....

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What are periods?

Aunty Flo, rags, blob, shark week, have the painters in, closed for business, being a girl, opening the flood gates, the red river, leak week, that time of the month…...

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Am I gay?

Heaps of young people ask me if being attracted to someone who is the same sex makes them gay. So I asked Terence Humphries from Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW (Gay...

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Masturbation

As a sexual health nurse, a lot of people tell me they wish they could have more sex, more often… But without getting an STI or becoming pregnant. Sound appealing?...

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Small word. Big expectations.

  SEX. It’s amazing how such a small word can seem so huge. Sex can make us feel curious and excited. It can also make us nervous, embarrassed, and clueless....

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