“With World Cup fever in full swing, the euphoric atmosphere of football fans from around the world together with an often excessive use of alcohol is a mix that can increase the risk of unprotected sex,” said Jill Michelson, National Clinical Advisor for Marie Stopes International.
“We all know that just one act of unprotected sex can result in an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and this includes HIV/AIDS.
“South Africa has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, with an estimated 5.7 million people living with HIV, so it is more important than ever to be prepared with a condom if you are planning on having sex.
“Your bed-mate might look healthy and gorgeous but as we all know, appearances are often deceptive and many people can have an STI without knowing it.”
To equip soccer fans with a range of handy travel tips and information on where to go for sexual health help overseas, Marie Stopes International has produced the Your Passport to Sexual Health booklet. Travellers will also find general holiday health hints, a contraceptive overview and a trouble-shooter’s guide to STIs in the booklet.
“If you run out of contraception, have unprotected sex, fall pregnant or contract an STI, there is help available - it’s just knowing where and how to get it.
“Your Passport to Sexual Health provides all of this information and more, helping you keep your sexual health in the clear.
“It’s also important to remember that common travel ailments, such as stomach upsets and diarrhoea, can impact on the efficacy of the contraceptive pill, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy, so we encourage travellers to ‘double Dutch’ it by using a condom and another form of contraception.”
The Your Passport to Sexual Health is available for free download from www.mariestopes.com.au/resources. Additional contraception information can be found at www.contraceptioninfo.com.au
“So Aussie soccer fans, we’re counting on you to wave your flags high and make Australia proud by not bringing home any unwanted souvenirs.”
About Marie Stopes International: Marie Stopes International is a not-for-profit sexual and reproductive healthcare provider, with centres in the ACT, VIC, NSW, QLD and WA. MSI offers a range of services, including abortion, vasectomy, sexually transmitted infection check-ups, contraception and community-based health promotion and education. The organisation is part of a global international partnership that delivers vital health services to over five million people in 42 countries worldwide. Surplus funds support Marie Stopes International Australia, our charity partner, which works to save lives and improve sexual and reproductive health in Indigenous Australia and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
For media enquiries contact: Kath Markov, Public Relations - 0421 097 150