Staying Sexually Healthy: A Guide for People Living with a Disability

Sexual wellness is a fundamental part of overall health and wellbeing. The World Health Organization reminds us that sexual health “is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries.”

For people living with a disability, maintaining sexual health involves understanding safe practices, preventing infections, and ensuring that sexual experiences remain enjoyable, safe, and consensual for all involved.

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Starting Safe Conversations About Sexual Health

Talking about sexual wellness doesn’t have to be awkward. Open, respectful conversations are essential for supporting safe sexual practices and empowering individuals. Some tips for initiating safe conversations include:

• Normalise the discussion: Keep it casual and friendly.
  
  • “I was wondering how things are going with you and your partner?”
  • “You know you can talk to me about anything, I’m here to support you.”
  • “I want to make sure you’re safe, so let’s have a chat about safe sex.”
  • “Let’s check out this information together, we might both learn something new!”
• Listen actively: Pay attention to concerns, questions, and needs about sexual activity and safe sex.
• Affirm sexual wellness: Emphasise that sexual health and safety are a normal and important part of being human.
• Connect to services: Provide information on resources and supports tailored to people living with disabilities and their partners.

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Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs are infections that are primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as sharing sex toys. Recognising the symptoms and seeking timely medical care is crucial. Always consult a healthcare professional if you suspect an STI.

Common STIs

Chlamydia‍

• Often asymptomatic, but possible symptoms include burning during urination, changes to vaginal discharge, pain during sex, or testicular pain.
• Untreated, it can cause infertility or chronic pain.
• Easily treated with antibiotics. More information on Chlamydia

Gonorrhoea (‘The Clap’)‍

• Can infect the throat, eyes, anus, cervix, or urethra.
• Symptoms include sore throat, eye infection, burning urination, discharge, and pain during sex.
• Untreated infection can impact fertility, the heart, and brain. Treatment information

Genital Herpes

• Caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, the same virus responsible for cold sores.
• Symptoms: genital blisters, itching, and flu-like symptoms.
• No cure, but antiviral medications manage symptoms. Learn more

Hepatitis B‍

• Viral liver infection that can be short-term or lifelong.
• Symptoms: jaundice, dark urine, nausea, fatigue, and joint pain.
• Vaccination is the most effective prevention; antiviral medication may help manage chronic cases. More information

HIV & AIDS‍

• HIV impacts the immune system and, if untreated, can lead to AIDS.
• Symptoms: flu-like illness, fatigue, rash, swollen lymph nodes; long-term complications can affect multiple organs.
• No cure; managed with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). More information

Syphilis

• Bacterial infection with four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary.
• Symptoms vary and may include sores, rashes, fever, or organ damage in advanced stages.
• Treatable with penicillin. More information

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Practicing Safe Sex

Safe sex is about reducing the risk of contracting STIs and ensuring sexual activity is consensual and protected. Common protective measures include:

• Male condoms
• Female condoms
• Gloves for manual stimulation
• Dental dams for oral sex Learn more about safe sex barriers

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Accessing Sexual Health Services

People living with a disability may benefit from specialised sexual health clinics and services, which provide confidential and expert care. Here’s a selection of services across Australia:

Queensland ‍

• True Relationships and Reproductive Health
• Queensland Council for LGBTI Health

New South Wales ‍

• NSW Sexual Health Clinics
• Community Sexual Health Services

Victoria

• ‍‍Melbourne Sexual Health Clinic
• Sexual Health Victoria

South Australia ‍

• Shine SA
• SA Health Sexual Health Services

Western Australia ‍

• Sexual Health Quarters
• Healthy WA – Sexual Health Services

Northern Territory ‍

• Clinic 34
• Northern Territory AIDS and Hepatitis Council

Australian Capital Territory ‍

• Canberra Sexual Health Centre
• Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT

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Sexual health is a vital part of overall wellbeing, and safe practices are essential for everyone, including people living with a disability. Open communication, awareness of STIs, and access to professional support services can empower individuals to enjoy sexual experiences that are safe, pleasurable, and fulfilling.

By prioritising sexual wellness, we create a culture that values consent, respect, and informed choice, foundations for healthy relationships and personal wellbeing.

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