Today is World AIDS Day, bringing the topics of safe sex and the prevalence of STIs to the top of our minds.
The Federal Government recently launched a health campaign using the tagline “STIs are spreading fast. Always use a condom,” targeting young people.
Online subscription service for feminine hygiene and health products www.impromptu.com.au supports the campaign and aims to boost awareness of the dangers of unprotected sex, including contracting HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. impromptu founder and owner Paula Rodgers said she was shocked to learn about the high rates of STIs in young Australian women.
“The Government’s STI campaign states there were around 70,000 reported cases of STIs in 2008, including HIV. About 75 per cent of STIs were reported in the 15-29 year age group, which is quite alarming. Untreated STIs can cause serious health issues, including infertility, brain damage or cancer,” Paula explained.
“Prevention is simple – use a condom. As modern-day women we can’t be complacent and expect men to have the protection. It’s our body and if we want to remain healthy we need to take responsibility.
“The risk of contracting an STI rises if condoms aren’t used, or the person has had many sexual partners, but young women can be always be prepared for safe sex by keeping their own protection in their handbags,” she said.
Many women find it awkward and embarrassing to buy condoms because the marketing and advertising of traditional condoms is predominantly masculine. Women’s health charity Marie Stopes International Australia (MSIA) saw the need for a more feminine product and approached a number of organisations and individuals to help it produce Vixens Condoms.
Vixen Condoms are pink and come in a gorgeous illustrated three-pack tin and 12-pack refill, which are sold through impromptu’s discrete delivery service. This means women can buy these modern-day essentials from the anonymous comfort of home, with $1 from the sale of every pack donated to The Marie Stopes Sex Appeal.
“The theme for World AIDS Day this year is Universal Access and Human Rights. As women we need to join together to protect human rights for our sisters around the world. We need to ensure they have access to HIV prevention tools, treatment, care and support,” Paula added.
Based in Melbourne and servicing Australia and New Zealand, impromptu offers women a reliable and convenient online service, from which women can buy condoms, tampons, pads and incontinence products from Australian-owned companies. For more information or to place an order log on to www.impromptu.com.au or www.impromptu.co.nz
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