New resources on women’s sexual and reproductive health for AOD clients

Posted to ENEWS for Mark Frederiksen on behalf of DHHS.

The Victorian Government has funded Women’s Health Victoria to operate a new information line, 1800 My Options, on contraception, pregnancy options and sexual health.

Substance use may have adverse effects on women’s sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including greater exposure to sexually transmissible infections, unintended pregnancy, preterm birth, and maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.

The 1800 my options and Better Health Channel are evidence-based sources of information to support women who access alcohol and other drugs services to enhance their reproductive health. This is, for example, in accordance with the Australian Guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol   http://connections.edu.au/researchfocus/supporting-pregnant-women-who-use-alcohol-and-other-drugs

A database of providers of sexual and reproductive health services can be accessed by  phone 1800 696 784 or at the following website https://www.1800myoptions.org.au/

The Better Health Channel now includes new and updated consumer information at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/womens-sexual-and-reproductive-health

For further information, please contact:

Milica Markovic, Department of Health and Human Services, milica.markovic@dhhs.vic.gov.au, phone 9096 0482

Annarella Hardiman, Department of Health and Human Services, annarella.hardiman@dhhs.vic.gov.au, phone 9096 0688

Dianne Hill, Women’s Health Victoria, 9664 9328