Starting the year in a new city? Or back at uni and catching up with friends?

It’s definitely a fun time of the year, and with the possibility for fun of another kind, it’s important to look after your sexual health.

We provide contraception, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, advice and much more.

Best of all, if you’re under 22 your appointment will be free! For some things you might need to go to a pharmacy, and that could cost you $5.

We offer confidential, non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health care and advice. Anyone can come to our clinics – it doesn’t matter what gender, age, nationality or sexual orientation you are.

People always ask us lots of questions (and we really like that!) Here are some of the most asked questions – and our answers.

1. What if I need emergency contraception?

• Visit Family Planning. If you’re under 22, you can get the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) free from any Family Planning clinic. Either make an appointment with a nurse or visit during drop-in hours.
• Visit your student health centre
• Go to the pharmacy. You can get the ECP directly from the pharmacy, but it will be more expensive (usually between $35 and $50).

Did you know you can now have your appointment on the phone? Talk to a Family Planning nurse on the phone and they will send the ECP prescription to the pharmacy for you to pick up. This is a great option if you don’t live close to our clinic. Ask about this option when you call to make an appointment.

The ECP can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex – but the sooner you do it, the better.

2. Where can I get cheap condoms?

Condoms plus another form of contraception are your best protection against both pregnancy and STIs. They’re really important to use, especially if you’re having sex with different people or with someone new.

You can get a $5.00 prescription for up to 12 boxes of condoms from Family Planning – yep, that’s up to 144 condoms! You can get different brands like Durex, Marquis, Shield or Gold Knight in different sizes and flavours. Just make an appointment, visit during drop-in hours, or book a phone consultation.

3. How do I know when I need an STI test?

The tricky thing about STIs is that many of them don’t have any symptoms, so you might need a test even if you feel fine.

If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, it’s a good idea to get tested:

• Have you had sex without a condom?
• Have you had sex with someone new?
• Do you have any signs of an STI, or feel something isn’t right?
• Did the condom break?
• Are you pregnant?
• Do you just want a sexual health check?

Testing is quick and easy, and if you don’t have any symptoms, you might even be able to take the test samples yourself.

4. I think I might be pregnant…

First, take a pregnancy test to check you really are pregnant. You can buy a pregnancy test from the supermarket or pharmacy. If you’re under 22, your appointment to have a pregnancy test is free at Family Planning.

The earlier you confirm the pregnancy, the more time you have to make a decision and the better you can take care of yourself. You can talk to us about your options, and we’ll help you with whatever you choose.

5. I missed a pill, what should I do?

If you haven’t missed any others in the past 7 days, you won’t need emergency contraception. Take the pill as soon as you remember, and take your next pill at the regular time – even if it means taking two pills at once.

If you want to make an appointment to sort out your contraception, get an STI check, or just get some advice, get in touch with us – you can find your nearest clinic here.

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