Shyness found to hamper safe sex

Good sex should start with a mirror and some quiet time at home alone, says a Sydney gynaecologist who blames shyness for new statistics showing most people were still failing to discuss contraception before they had sex with a new partner for the first time.

A new Australian survey of more than 1000 people has revealed about 63 per cent of men and 52 per cent of women still refused to mention contraception in the heat of the moment, despite soaring rates of sexually transmitted diseases and millions of dollars spent on publicly-funded education campaigns.

Figures released last week by the National HIV Research Centres showed that cases of chlamydia had increased by 10 per cent last year, infectious syphilis was epidemic in homosexual men and almost 1000 new cases of HIV were diagnosed.

''Australia has one of the highest rates of chlamydia in the world, yet people are still not asking about contraception,'' said Andrew Zuchsmann, from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

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

''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.''

The survey, carried out in July by the RSVP online dating site and the pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough, showed that more than 90 per cent of respondents were aware condoms could protect against sexually transmitted infections.

"Awareness needs to translate into action,'' Dr Zuchsmann said. Many single women in their late 30s or early 40s did not believe they could still become pregnant.

''They're searching for Mr Right and forget they could still be fertile. This may be a romantic concept for movies. The reality of being pregnant to a virtual stranger is far removed.''

The study also found 16 per cent of men and 6 per cent of women felt their religion dictated their choice of contraception.

- © Fairfax NZ News