Do it safely on Valentine's Day

FEBRUARY 14 is circled on many calendars for different reasons – it’s the international day of love, Valentine’s Day; Library Lovers Day and Chinese New Year 2010 and significantly, it’s International Condom Day.

Queensland Health is reminding everyone of the need to practice safe sex even in the heat of the romance and excitement of Valentines Day, or regardless of what you’re celebrating on 14 February.

Service Manager S.H.op 101 Ipswich Sexual Health Service Dianne Farrell said International Condom Day aims to insert the condom in conversation as well as on the occasion to help protect people from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“There are just some things you shouldn’t share with your valentine, and that includes STIs and unplanned pregnancies,” Ms Farrell said.

Using a condom is the best way to avoid STIs. Statistics show the most common notifiable infection in Queensland is chlamydia, which can have serious, lifelong consequences.

“All sexually-active people should remember that condoms are readily available from a variety of places, and when used correctly can reduce the spread of STIs while sharing the love,” Ms Farrell said.

“Chlamydia can lead to infertility if left untreated.

“All sexually-active people should remember when used correctly condoms can reduce the spread of STIs while ‘sharing the love’.”

Visit www.health.qld.gov.au or telephone (07) 3817 2428.