Standing almost two-metres tall and sporting a subtle lean, a giant blue condom was set amongst the trees of Springwood’s Manners Park on September 19, designed to nudge teens into talking about safe sex.

Youth workers from Lower Mountains Youth Service Team (MYST) and helpers aged 12-17 crafted the imposing piece, whiling away the afternoon by pasting gooey pieces of newspaper onto a phallic wire skeleton.

The arguably risqué exercise was organised by MYST and funded by Family Planning NSW as part of Sexual Health Week (September 15-21).

“(Making the condom is) just a fun, physical activity. It takes a serious topic and generates conversation in a positive context,” said MYST youth worker Nick Margerison.

“Sex education is a big, contentious issue even in the youth work world. We don’t want to be telling young people to have sex, but if they are going to be sexually active it’s our job to give young people enough information so they know about safe sex methods and how to protect themselves.”

While Nick had expected the sight of an oversized prophylactic in Springwood’s business hub to hit a few nerves, he was ultimately taken aback by its positive reception.

“It’s been a trouble-free afternoon and a great result — everyone is having fun,” he said.

Penrith-based youth sexual health organisation, The Warehouse, was on hand during the event to provide information about sexually transmitted diseases.

This year Sexual Health Week ran under the slogan ‘Check It Out’ and focused on Chlamydia – the most common sexually transmissible infection (STI) amongst youth.

Despite the STI being easily preventable, according to Family Planning NSW figures almost 7500 people aged 15-24 were diagnosed with Chlamydia in NSW since June last year.

Symptoms rarely make themselves known, but left untreated can lead to pelvic inflammatory infection and infertility. A urinary test through a GP or youth health clinic is usually all that’s required to determine whether a person has the STI.

And for those who didn’t catch a glimpse of MYST’s colossal creation, a new and improved version could resurface next year.

“It’s the first time we’ve ever built a giant condom. It will be interesting to find out if it will be our last,” said Nick.