Play Safe | Nurse_Nettie | Activity https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/members/nurse_nettie/activity/ Activity feed for Nurse_Nettie. Fri, 26 Feb 2021 08:00:39 +1100 https://buddypress.org/?v=5.2.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 b24e293478191d8832578f88b8cd4e6d Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic How to do a breast check? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/how-to-do-a-breast-check/#post-128990 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 03:55:40 +1100 Hi @yogigirl, that’s a good question. The difference when you’ve had implants is knowing where the edges of the implants are so you can focus on your actual breast tissue. Your surgeon is the best resource for helping you to feel where this is, but any doctor can probably help guide you if you’re not sure.

]]> 43ad2536ac7f0a4a002c9bf40e3e477a Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Can you use an internal condom for anal sex? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/can-you-use-an-internal-condom-for-anal-sex/#post-128989 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 03:24:43 +1100 Hi @curiousss, this a great question. The answer is, yes! You can find guidelines about how to use it for anal sex here.

]]> 213efd4942bff6af1e40878faba25b27 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Polycystic Ovaries - Any advice on managing the symptoms? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/polycystic-ovaries-any-advice-on-managing-the-symptoms/#post-128926 Tue, 02 Feb 2021 02:57:09 +1100 Thanks for updating us, @yogigirl. It’s empowering to know what was causing your symptoms. It means you can make informed choices about your health now.
And @curiousss, I’m so glad to know that you found the Jean Hailes resources helpful too.

]]> 7b514ce51a8e9066f069f2580cc1143f Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic How to do a breast check? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/how-to-do-a-breast-check/#post-128885 Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:28:56 +1100 Hi @curiousss, great question! We used to say everyone should check their breasts the same way a doctor would do it. But we’ve learned through research that the most important thing isn’t technique, it’s just getting to know the usual feel of your breasts so you can easily recognise when something isn’t right. This is called breast awareness and…[Read more]

]]> 6a0a966ada97a406fc1b019540621e7f Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Polycystic Ovaries - Any advice on managing the symptoms? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/polycystic-ovaries-any-advice-on-managing-the-symptoms/#post-128875 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:55:30 +1100 Hi @yogigirl I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with these symptoms. Irregular periods, acne, and increased body and facial hair are common signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) so it’s great that you’re getting tested. PCOS is a really common condition that effects your hormones.

If it turns out you have PCOS, your doctor will give…[Read more]

]]> e96568a27bd4279fc1f3b573e0149ca4 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Polycystic Ovaries - Any advice on managing the symptoms? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/polycystic-ovaries-any-advice-on-managing-the-symptoms/#post-128874 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:55:14 +1100 Hi @yogigirl I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with these symptoms. Irregular periods, acne, and increased body and facial hair are common signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) so it’s great that you’re getting tested. PCOS is a really common condition that effects your hormones.

If it turns out you have PCOS, your doctor will give…[Read more]

]]> 2b21f7c6805cd395af504153d2fc749a Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Polycystic Ovaries - Any advice on managing the symptoms? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/polycystic-ovaries-any-advice-on-managing-the-symptoms/#post-128874 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:55:14 +1100 Hi @yogigirl I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with these symptoms. Irregular periods, acne, and increased body and facial hair are common signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) so it’s great that you’re getting tested. PCOS is a really common condition that effects your hormones.

If it turns out you have PCOS, your doctor will give…[Read more]

]]> 61acb33075b6f19b905a5f0ae098d647 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Can irregular periods be regular? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/can-irregular-periods-be-regular/#post-128733 Wed, 25 Nov 2020 00:44:44 +1100 Hi @YogiGirl, if you haven’t had your period in three months, it’s best to check in with a GP. There are a lot of different reasons you can miss periods. It could be related to stress or adjusting to coming off the pill, but there are hormonal conditions that can cause this too. Is there any chance you could be pregnant? Know 4 Sure is a useful…[Read more]

]]> 1d57d5f7c643e7d0b636d519db3efc28 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic I'm not really sure what to do or where to go from here in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/im-not-really-sure-what-to-do-or-where-to-go-from-here/#post-128513 Wed, 02 Sep 2020 07:02:07 +1000 Hi @wakawaka123 thanks for sharing your experience here. You’re definitely not alone in struggling to find the kind of intimate relationship you’d really like to have. There are many different reasons it can be difficult. I can tell from your message that this is causing you a lot of distress and frustration though. I’d really encourage you to…[Read more]

]]> e79262748dbe27cc124b8dce13975aa4 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Is it safe to get a tattoo near the implant? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/is-it-safe-to-get-a-tattoo-near-the-implant/#post-128456 Thu, 27 Aug 2020 23:19:41 +1000 @aunt_flo, there’s no need to avoid the entire bicep/tricep area. As implants are usually placed on the inside of the non dominant arm, having the tattoo on the front of the arm is totally fine. It’s just best to avoid tattooing over or near the implant.

]]> 51b60bbc66d21d908449b73399af8624 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Is it safe to get a tattoo near the implant? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/is-it-safe-to-get-a-tattoo-near-the-implant/#post-128447 Thu, 27 Aug 2020 06:29:46 +1000 Hi @aunt_flo, it’s a good question! The main concern is the risk of the Implant breaking & not providing contraceptive cover. Although tattooing may go to different depth in the skin to the implanon, the pressure applied may cause breakage. Generally the advice is to get a tattoo first & then the Implanon inserted after…or choose a different…[Read more]

]]> 3d1c6d1da9af4f4ee387be6c30ccc631 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic UTIs - peeing after sex? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/utis-peeing-after-sex/#post-128349 Fri, 10 Jul 2020 04:59:50 +1000 @piperr42 you’re definitely not alone. Sex is one of the most common causes for UTIs (Urinary Tract infections) in young people with a vagina. Peeing ‘immediately’ after sex is the recommendation. Peeing works by washing away any bacteria that’s moved around the urethra (the hole where wee comes out) during sex.

UTIs aren’t contagious though. If…[Read more]

]]> 397610d6cb053cefc963fa0f4575e533 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Can irregular periods be regular? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/can-irregular-periods-be-regular/#post-128291 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 06:08:19 +1000 Thatโ€™s a great question! When it comes to periods we say a โ€œnormalโ€ cycle can vary between 21 to 42 days. Coming off the Pill youโ€™d usually expect your cycle to normalise within about three months. There are factors that contribute to irregular periods like travelling or weight loss or even intense physical exercise. There are also some pretty…[Read more]

]]> 475d5915a3030c088c6c680445a83294 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Early period? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/early-period/#post-124131 Tue, 19 May 2020 01:52:33 +1000 Hi @champagnepapi, it’s great that you’re keeping a log of your periods & are keeping aware of changes. Having a period is a result of a complex hormonal cycle that ranges over 4 to 6 weeks (21-42 days). In fact no period cycle is exactly the same as the one before. It may mean that every 6 months your cycle lasts longer.
A common reason for no…[Read more]

]]> fcd0faa1e3259831c20b98b674d82daa Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Am I At Risk? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/am-i-at-risk/page/2/#post-124099 Mon, 11 May 2020 04:28:49 +1000 Good to know @Raincoat ๐Ÿ™‚ Agree, there’s lots of good info in this thread!

]]> bee6e77075d2d01b8054c68d8c588c6f Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Cock size matters ???? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/cock-size-matters/#post-124084 Mon, 11 May 2020 00:18:50 +1000 Hi @ark24, do you want to know who penis size really matters to? The answer is men, not women. I get so many questions from young guys worried about the size of their penis. I have never had a message from woman complaining about the penis size of a partner.

Part of the problem is a distorted idea of what penises look like. Guys may not actually…[Read more]

]]> 98a67171073e551212ba7260dff6bca9 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Is porn problematic? in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/is-porn-problematic/#post-124078 Thu, 07 May 2020 06:28:13 +1000 This is an important topic and I appreciate all of your thoughtful comments. Just wanted to acknowledge here that any discussion of sexual violence can be triggering for people, particularly those who have experienced assault or abuse before.

If you’re feeling distressed, make sure to reach out to a friend or have a chat with a counselor over…[Read more]

]]> 7ee8d5d48259612c751b7999331ca1ca Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Early period? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/early-period/#post-124073 Thu, 07 May 2020 03:26:26 +1000 Hi @tea, if it’s a true period, I’d agree with @champagnepapi. Even if you’re usually pretty regular, a week early or late can be normal. However, bleeding between periods can be a sign of infection. If the bleeding is much lighter or heavier than what’s usual for you or if you’re experiencing pain, especially pain with penetrative sex, then it’s…[Read more]

]]> 247f7d363cdc267d2b4a5d78d8a39450 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Great Experience- STI check in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/great-experience-sti-check/#post-123988 Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:06:35 +1100 @earthmama @aunt_flo @stephaniaaaah, a lot of sexual health services are changing due to the impact of COVID 19. Unfortunately Transtest which is a partnership with ACON and Kirkton Road Centre is closed indefinitely. The same with Check Out service. Currently the best way to find out what services for HIV & STI testing are near you, is to call…[Read more]

]]> c700068a2fcd2b82e31a741bbeadf3d3 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Is it OK to skip your period on the pill? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/is-it-ok-to-skip-your-period-on-the-pill/#post-123983 Thu, 02 Apr 2020 05:27:26 +1100 Hi @curious, thanks for your question! yes, it’s generally considered safe to only take the active pills & skip your periods, however this is based on research only looking at 12 months continuous use. If you want to skip your period more long term, you might want to consider one of the LARC methods like Mirena IUD, depo injection or the implant…[Read more]

]]> eaf6b44e74b319c09ae5cdc987245712 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Am I trans? in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/am-i-trans/#post-123982 Wed, 01 Apr 2020 23:48:50 +1100 @Tea just wanted to check in to see how you are going. You got some great info from beautiful allies on this thread, but I know it matters to hear from people who can speak from lived experience too. ACON just launched a new resource called TransHub. It addresses all of the issues you’ve mentioned here and provides guides and practical info about…[Read more]

]]> f44d83a8fa46bc348540242ec1a2af99 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Say goodbye to anal sex... in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/say-goodbye-to-anal-sex/#post-123963 Wed, 25 Mar 2020 03:40:53 +1100 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 ๐Ÿ™‚

]]> 5e0d00fd42dc0ad5c12e7c91a60f51f1 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Say goodbye to anal sex... in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/say-goodbye-to-anal-sex/#post-123882 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 23:11:46 +1100 @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]

]]> d15b3f8c23fabf17aff170f5839e7a74 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic IUD removal in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/iud-removal/page/2/#post-123806 Wed, 26 Feb 2020 23:53:12 +1100 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]

]]> 4cc284f40142254d3e6ef487d5598861 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Pap Smears! in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/pap-smears/#post-123749 Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:23:19 +1100 Hey @purple, great question ๐Ÿ™‚ 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]

]]> b6a9106086ddcd78fa9ec181c4773b32 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Mirena/IUD in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/mirena-iud/#post-123193 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 04:04:35 +1100 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]

]]> ad9acd820c1798950a9350eb736eb63a Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Mirena/IUD in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/mirena-iud/#post-123187 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:14:38 +1100 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.

]]> 9ebfcb0dc890ef7c54d5e886eace1bf3 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Say goodbye to anal sex... in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/say-goodbye-to-anal-sex/#post-123172 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:49:03 +1100 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]

]]> 7721f37814a78e9ab33350d161a3e5b9 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Am I At Risk? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/am-i-at-risk/#post-123165 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 02:57:12 +1100 @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]

]]> fdd1f4ac9e5dc3ccba8a5a4bdb060793 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Mirena/IUD in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/mirena-iud/#post-123164 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 02:46:50 +1100 @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.

]]> 605755d50528f45d92f9e63585fb78e5 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Mirena/IUD in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/mirena-iud/#post-123154 Sun, 10 Nov 2019 23:07:18 +1100 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]

]]> 69079e161fafbb68669ba1a10615b667 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Mirena/IUD in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/mirena-iud/#post-123151 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 23:36:36 +1100 Ok @butterfly01, that sounds like a good plan for your peace of mind. Let me know how it goes?

]]> baafb5a84d9e99af95849aa916be6078 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Mirena/IUD in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/mirena-iud/#post-123149 Wed, 06 Nov 2019 22:39:32 +1100 @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]

]]> c054f3b5491a789a4adec7e40540ac2d Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Mirena/IUD in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/mirena-iud/#post-123120 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:47:22 +1100 Hi @butterfly01 the Mirena is a great option for many people! Set & forget ๐Ÿ™‚

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]

]]> d4b5159a0017a1e7e47561ebdd7e3f5a Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic I can't already have HIV if I've never had sex before, right? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/i-cant-already-have-hiv-if-ive-never-had-sex-before-right/#post-123070 Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:08:19 +1100 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]

]]> b0e7c6626bd47e6bd7ce3b2da9ddad3d Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Painful sex after 15 years of marriage in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/painful-sex-after-15-years-of-marriage/#post-123069 Sun, 27 Oct 2019 23:30:37 +1100 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]

]]> 4b6cc3e563bdb2f19b62370b8a794666 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Painful sex after 15 years of marriage in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/painful-sex-after-15-years-of-marriage/#post-123051 Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:03:04 +1100 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.

]]> 49a0dd8b1fcea8e484524a121da247aa Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Painful Sex, Lowered Sex Drive related to my Combination Pill? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/painful-sex-lowered-sex-drive-related-to-my-combination-pill/#post-123044 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 05:47:20 +1100 @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]

]]> b6c25e61bef07b5dbeeefe0a0c3fed00 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Painful Sex, Lowered Sex Drive related to my Combination Pill? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/painful-sex-lowered-sex-drive-related-to-my-combination-pill/#post-123039 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 02:11:18 +1100 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.

]]> 9f7e3896c1239e721d9a9ba2adcf1114 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Painful Sex, Lowered Sex Drive related to my Combination Pill? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/painful-sex-lowered-sex-drive-related-to-my-combination-pill/#post-123013 Wed, 09 Oct 2019 23:07:06 +1100 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]

]]> 6f97fe1cf0f93091418a7e4a41b96b29 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Painful sex after 15 years of marriage in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/painful-sex-after-15-years-of-marriage/#post-122822 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 23:25:00 +1100 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]

]]> 64f43d20cad44c02815f16314f92fa0b Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic IUD removal in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/iud-removal/page/2/#post-122582 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 04:24:43 +1000 Hi @tea @stephaniaaaah, I looked far & wide in my research & spoke to medical experts in contraception & reproductive health. There is no current evidence to support the theory of ‘the Mirena Crash.’ The Mirena actually has a lower dose of hormones than many other contraceptives like the oral contraceptive pill & the implant. The good news it’s…[Read more]

]]> 007a79d823d97e919b2049dd43dde68f Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Can supplements affect hormonal birth control? in the forum Nurse Nettie https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/can-supplements-affect-hormonal-birth-control/#post-122534 Mon, 26 Aug 2019 00:18:33 +1000 Hi @aunt_flo yes, it’s safe to take vitamin D, iron or calcium supplements while using hormonal birth control. It’s great that you’re thinking about possible interactions though. Always let your doctor know if you’re taking other medications, vitamins or supplements. Pharmacists can also check any interactions when you’re picking up a new script ๐Ÿ™‚

]]> 84a5a563a56885547ab752342e8c4caa Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic What's the best fit? in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/whats-the-best-fit/#post-122307 Tue, 16 Jul 2019 04:30:07 +1000 Hi @tea and @weird_flex, trying on different cups to find the best fit for you is the right way to go. If you’re looking for ways to measure your period a menstrual pictogram may help too.

]]> 63a3c94dfbf1d906456d31edeb406e96 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic What is your first period like? in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/what-is-your-first-period-like/#post-122305 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 23:26:57 +1000 Hi @tea & @aunt_flo, the experience of periods is really different for every woman. The average length of a period is about 3 to 7 days, however it can last up to 10 days. The cycle length can range from 21 to 45 days. As @aunt_flo had her first period that lasted for 12 days is not common. However since it hasn’t happened again is a sign that…[Read more]

]]> 14931c56f76abdcb3f6489801b4f8b81 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Male Contraceptive Gel?! in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/male-contraceptive-gel/#post-122187 Tue, 02 Jul 2019 01:55:37 +1000 Hi @tea, @sextronaut & @goldenrose, the gel has been applied on the abdomen(tummy), shoulders or back. Although the absorption is good, the man has to chose an area on the body where skin rubbing is not likely to occur with another person. This is to avoid the risk of sharing the hormonal contraception.

]]> d78a986108a4bd1e50829c5c258b8f01 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Itching in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/itching/#post-122086 Fri, 14 Jun 2019 05:17:22 +1000 @butterfly01 Since you’ve tried all the standard things without much luck, it’s probably time to see someone who specialises in vulval dermatology. Check out this site for some good information about vulval conditions that can cause itch or pain. You can see a list of vulvovaginal specialist clinics in Australia & NZ here. Hope you can find some…[Read more]

]]> 9a2ff1c9f45a00606330cb02ba52e4da Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Itching in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/itching/#post-122078 Wed, 12 Jun 2019 23:54:34 +1000 Hi @tea and @butterfly01 vaginal itch is really, really common! It can be triggered by many things you described-an increase in vaginal discharge, using panty liners, shaving, wearing synthetic underwear & tight clothing as well as washing or douching with perfumed or disinfecting soaps as well as vaginal hygiene products.
Believe it or not the…[Read more]

]]> 9a4905d5e8b867c5cf294aa0b1c29319 Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Labiaplasty in the forum Sexual Health https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/labiaplasty/#post-121937 Fri, 24 May 2019 01:17:20 +1000 Hi @tea and @allliison, I’m sorry you regret the labioplasty too. Everyone woman has a different labia & no one is the same. When its comes to labia’s, there is no normal.
Labioplasty is an elective surgical procedure to cosmetically change the shape or reduce the size of the labia minora, that is, the inner lips of the vagina.
Marketing &…[Read more]

]]> 71f24e3227f62040d8829874e5bbcd8c Nurse_Nettie replied to the topic Anti Depressants and Sex! in the forum Sex & Relationships https://playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/forums/topic/anti-depressants-and-sex/#post-121873 Wed, 08 May 2019 06:31:32 +1000 Hi @arethamorce & thanks for sharing your experience. Medicinal cannabis (marijuana) is not widely available in NSW. There is only one cannabis medicine approved in Australia (for treatment in multiple sclerosis). Any other use is considered experimental & a doctor would have to apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to prescribe it…[Read more]

]]>