Sexual health encompasses physical, mental and social well-being as it relates to sexuality. Have the knowledge about good sexual health is important for creating healthy relationships that are fulfilling, satisfying and based on mutual consent and pleasure. Positive sexual relationships are free from coercion, discrimination and violence.
Consent and healthy relationships
What is consent?
Consent is essential for all healthy, safe and respectful relationships. It is the free and voluntary agreement between people to engage in sexual activity.
- Consent agreement: Consent means freely choosing to say ‘yes’ to a sexual activity. Consent is needed for any sexual activity, from touching or kissing to intercourse.
- Communication is key: It’s always clearly communicated - no mystery or doubt should exist.
- Withdrawal of consent: Consent can be withdrawn after sexual activity has begun.
- Legal consideration: There are specific laws about who can and cannot give consent.
- Without consent: Any sexual activity is against the law and can be harmful.
Important points
- Silence or lack of resistance does not equal consent.
- Sexual coercion is unwanted sexual activity that happens when a person is pressured, tricked, threatened or forced in a non-physical way to do something they do not want to do. It can occur in any relationship. If there is no enthusiastic and explicit consent, then coercing an individual into any sexual activity is sexual assault.
Learn more
Explore our free online course Consent Matters designed to deepen your understanding of consent. You can also test your knowledge atconsent.gov.au or access their translated resources.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) information and testing
A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) or Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), is an infection that is spread through sexual activity between two people who engage in sexual activity together, including vaginal, anal or oral sex. These infections are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites and there is a greater risk of contracting an STI when having unprotected sex.
Common STIs Include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Genital herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- HIV/AIDS
- Trichomoniasis
Symptoms and health risks: STIs can have a range of symptoms, or in some cases, no symptoms at all (asymptomatic). If left untreated, they can lead to serious health complications.
Prevention tips: To reduce the risk of contracting STIs, consider the following measures:
- Practice safe sex: Use condoms during sexual activity.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccines are available for certain STIs, such as HPV.
- Regular testing: Routine STI testing helps maintain sexual health and catch any infections early.
| Sexually transmitted infections (STI) | Information on STIs from healthdirect |
| Clinic 34 | A free, specialised sexual health service that provides treatment and testing for STIs and blood-born viruses (BBV) in the Northern Territory. |
| NTAHC | Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council | NTAHC provides STI and BBV testing and treatment in the Northern Territory. |
| Find sexual health services | NT.GOV.AU | A sexual health service directory for the Northern Territory. |
| NSW Sexual Health Infolink | Visit this site to find the closest appropriate sexual health service located in NSW or phone 1800 451 624. The state-wide nurse-led service provides information on STIs, BBV and other emerging infections. |
Practicing safer sex and using contraception
Safer sex
Practicing safer sex means protecting yourself and your partner against STI’s (and unplanned pregnancy) by using a condom every time you have sex. Condoms act as a barrier that blocks the exchange of bodily fluids that can carry STIs.
Contraception
Having safer sex includes using contraception (birth control). Contraception will help to prevent unplanned pregnancy, but only condoms and dental dams protect against STIs. There is a wide range of contraceptives available, including:
- condoms (internal and external)
- birth control implants
- intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- the oral contraceptive pill
- contraceptive injection
- contraceptive ring
- diaphragm
- emergency contraceptive pill
- abstinence
- sterilisation
The following pages provide more information on contraception:
| Condoms | For more information on condoms and their use, see healthdirect. |
| Contraception options | This healthdirect page has information on the different types of contraception and how to find the best contraception (birth control) for you. |
| FPWNT - Family Planning Welfare Association Northern Territory | Family Planning NT can offer advice and care on contraception, pregnancy, medical abortion, cervical screening, sexually transmitted infections, menopause, general sexual health issues and more. |
| Family Planning NSW | Information and clinic locations of Family Planning in NSW. |
| Clinic 34 | Emergency contraception in the Northern Territory can be obtained from Clinic 34. |
Unplanned pregnancy
An unplanned pregnancy can raise different and confusing thoughts and feelings, but it's important to remember that there are supportive resources, compassionate professionals, and options available to navigate this journey with care and understanding.
| Making decisions about unplanned pregnancies | The health direct site for information on unplanned pregnancy. |
| Family Planning NT | Provides information on contraception, pregnancy and abortion in the Northern Territory. |
| Pregnancy Choices Helpline | The NSW-based helpline provides free, unbiased and confidential information on pregnancy options in Sydney and New South Wales. Phone 1800 008 463. |
Sexual assault and sexual harassment
Sexual assault covers a range of sexual acts that take place without a person's consent, where their consent has been obtained through deception or coercion, or where their consent is withdrawn. Sexual assault is a crime that carries serious penalties.
For information on reporting sexual assault and harassment, please see the reporting sexual assault and sexual harassment information page.
LGBTQIA+
The following are links for support and services for LGBTQIA+ identifying people nationally in the Northern Territory (NT) and New South Wales (NSW).
| QLife | Anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. |
| Minus18 | A charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ young people, the website has information and resources for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the people who work with and support them. |
| Black Rainbow | Black Rainbow is a national volunteer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBQTIA+SB social enterprise in the pursuit of positive health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboys (LGBQTIA+SB). |
| Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council | The national peak body for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer individuals and community groups of multicultural and multifaith backgrounds. |
| LGBTI Living Well by NTAHC | A Northern Territory Aids and Hepatitis Council (NTAHC) initiative that supports people in the Northern Territory who experience life as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) through a range of varied and focused activities |
| ACON | NSW-based organisation aims to create opportunities for people in LGBTIQ+ communities to live their healthiest lives. They provide information on community health, sexual health, HIV responses and counselling. |
| The Gender Centre | NSW-based centre provides a broad range of specialised services that enable the exploration of gender identity and assistance with gender dysphoria. The Gender Centre supports trans and gender-expressive people at every stage of their journey as they explore and live their authentic sense of self. |
| LGBTIQ+ health (nsw.gov.au) | NSW based LGBTQIA+ health services directory. |