Nurse_Nettie

Hi @nasty67, your resident Sexual Health Specialist here. Make sure to read the replies to the original post before you worry too much about what the OP said. Safe anal sex is pretty simple 🙂

@tim2020 its great that you’re thinking of safe sex! It’s not only gay & bisexual men at risk through condomless anal sex, it’s all sexual orientations too. The anus is full of nerves that provide sexual pleasure & people may want anal sex as their is no pregnancy risk. Whilst sex toys reduce the risk (particularly when changing condoms between…[Read more]

Hi @sextronaut @stephaniaaaah…did you know that almost one in five women with an IUD can’t feel their strings? True. It’s because the strings can bundle or get tucked in the cervical opening or vaginal folds or they can be cut short too. It’s great that you’re aware of your menstrual changes. One of the concerns about not feeling the strings is…[Read more]

Hey @purple, great question 🙂 The reason you may have gotten mixed messages is the actual test that’s done on the cervix completely changed a couple of years ago!

When you were 20 years old we were still doing the pap smear test. We used to recommend people start getting this test from age 18 (or two years after becoming sexually active). After…[Read more]

Thanks for getting back @butterfly01. As the intense cramps are frequent see a doctor earlier. They can order an ultrasound test to check the IUD is in place.
If you can’t see your GP then another option is to call your local Family Planning Clinic. You can also speak to a nurse on their Talkline by calling 1300 658 886 (weekdays 8.30am to 5pm).…[Read more]

Hi @butterfly01, that sounds really intense. Would you make a note in a diary about when it happened (day, time of day) & what you were doing? Mapping it like this is helpful to know how frequent the cramps are & any triggers that may cause it. If it continues you will need to see your doctor.

Thanks @sextronaut, those are great points & useful links!

There is absolutely no reason people need to fear anal sex. It’s not for everyone, but it can be perfectly safe. STIs aren’t a spontaneous result of sex. One person has to have the infection first in order to pass it on to someone else. If both people get tested first, you can rule that…[Read more]

@rodeo14 and @sextronaut, if your not sure if the condom broke or not, having an STI test will give peace of mind. Be reassurred that the risk of STIs from receiving oral sex is lower than giving oral sex. That’s because saliva is the only body fluid a person is exposed to (like kissing). The best time to have an STI test would be 2 weeks after it…[Read more]

@butterfly01 I’m glad you’ve got some peace of mind. All these are new sensations & will take time to learn what they mean. It’s ok to ask the nurse or doctor in the early days of IUD insertion if you’re ever unsure.

Hi @butterfly, it is normal to have cramping after getting the IUD. If it’s severe cramping, you have a fever, or it’s getting worse over time, that’s not normal & you should go back to the doctor. The vaginal soreness could be related to the IUD insertion & muscle tension, but I would definitely mention that & the itching to the nurse.
I hope you…[Read more]

Ok @butterfly01, that sounds like a good plan for your peace of mind. Let me know how it goes?

@butterfly01, It sounds like this is a good option for contraception & care of PCOS for you. As this is new, it’s completely normal to be unsure & it will take time to feel confident with the IUD. It’s perfectly ok to contact the nurse at the clinic & let them know you can’t find your strings. They will have a record of how long the strings are. A…[Read more]

Hi @butterfly01 the Mirena is a great option for many people! Set & forget 🙂

It’s true it can be uncomfortable to put in, but usually tolerable. It will depend a lot on your unique body. Taking Naproxen 1-2 hours ahead of time may help. You can always choose to do it under sedation though (which is like going to sleep & waking when it’s over!).…[Read more]

Hi @bigblue, thanks for asking this question. You are mostly right, with a couple rare exceptions! It is possible to get HIV from non-sexual contact, but in Australia at least, that’s pretty unlikely.

HIV can be passed if someone’s blood gets into your bloodstream (e.g. by sharing injecting needles) or from mother-to-child in pregnancy/birth or…[Read more]

Hi @sparkling, I can’t recommend any gels or creams. You’ll need to speak with a doctor about what is safe & effective in your situation. Tattoo creams are not meant for the genitals though & could be harmful. Unfortunately, I can’t give you any specific advice about the type of specialist to see in the US. Australia has a completely different…[Read more]

Hi @sparkling, Unfortunately, I can’t provide you with local services as I’m based in Australia only. Perhaps the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists may assist with the right local referral options for you.

@sextronaut, what @stephaniaaaah wrote is true…the risk of dislodgement of the IUD using a menstrual cup is low. However it’s safer to not use a menstrual cup for up to 8 weeks after IUD insertion. After this time, it should be ok. Take care with the removal (pinching the base of the cup will release the suction at the top near the cervix,…[Read more]

Hi @stephaniaaaah @snapesonaplane, when switching between different methods of hormonal contraception you need to get advice about when it will be effective. Some may work immediately however some may delayed & only be protective after 7 days.

Hi @snapesonaplane there are so many alternatives to the oral contraceptive pill. Each type has its own pros & cons. What’s best for you really depends on your unique body and your priorities.

The copper IUD is an IUD with no hormones at all. This is great for those people who can’t or don’t want to use any hormones. It also starts working…[Read more]

Hi @sparkling, thanks for reaching out. I’m sorry you’ve been suffering with this for so long without relief. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend any type of numbing gel. Has your doctor given you any idea what is causing the problem? Women often get the message that it’s normal for sex to be painful. It’s not uncommon, but it usually does have a…[Read more]