CARNAL NATION

The Brisbane Times reports that many people are too shy to discuss contraception and safer sex with their sexual partners. An online survey conducted by pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough and an internet dating site asked 1000 people about sex and contraception. The results revealed that approximately 63 per cent of men and 52 per cent of women do not discuss the use of contraception prior to having sex with a new partner for the first time. 

Though 90 percent of respondents acknowledged that condoms offer protection against sexually transmitted infections, timidity or discomfort communicating about sex may be hindering safer sex practices. Dr. Andrew Zuchsmann, of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, suggests that role playing safer sex conversations with the mirror could help improve confidence and increase the likelihood of having the important discussion prior to engaging in sexual activity. 

''Australia has one of the highest rates of chlamydia in the world, yet people are still not asking about contraception,'' said Zuchsmann. ''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.''

So will a few minutes spent in front of a mirror really translate into safer sex practices? A rich body of research on sex education indicates that the practice of behavioral skills in non-sexual settings can increase the likelihood of carrying out safer sex practices in real life. And sex education is not just for the young folks. This study also revealed that many women in their late 30s or early 40s did not believe they could still become pregnant. Zuchsmann worries that, ''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.'' For those looking to spend a few more minutes in front of the mirror before a first date, they now have a good excuse to do so and can kill two birds with one stone by admiring themselves just a tad longer while boosting their confidence to increase safer sex communication skills.