Shyness from talking about contraception hampers safe sex

Sydney, Sep 26 (ANI): A Sydney-based gynaecologist is urging people not to be shy about discussing contraception with their partners because it can hamper safe sex.

Andrew Zuchsmann, from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, believes that good sex should start with a mirror and some quiet time at home alone.

A new national survey of more than 1000 people has revealed about 63 per cent of men and 52 per cent of women still refuse to mention contraception in the heat of the moment.

And this is despite soaring rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and lots of money being spent on education campaigns.

"Australia has one of the highest rates of chlamydia in the world, yet people are still not asking about contraception," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Zuchsmann as saying.

He said that a few minutes spent practising a role-play conversation with a mirror could boost confidence, prevent unwanted pregnancies, and protect future reproductive capacity.

"Often with these encounters it's a one-night stand where alcohol is involved so getting a repertoire rehearsed and being properly informed before you are in the moment is vital," he said.

The RSVP online dating site and the pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough carried out the survey in July.

It showed that more than 90 per cent of respondents were aware condoms could protect against sexually transmitted infections.

"Awareness needs to translate into action," said Zuchsmann. (ANI)