When you choose to take part in sexual activity, have fun and think of creative ways to practice safer sex. It is important to communicate with your sexual partner and make consensual decisions together related to your needs and desires. Safer sex is making healthy choices to reduce negative outcomes such as an unintended pregnancy or contracting a STBBI.

If you are sexually active or thinking of becoming sexually active, consider:

• Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
• Birth control and contraception. There are many different types of birth control (contraception) available in Canada.
• What sexual activities you are comfortable or uncomfortable with.
• Talking with your partner about what activities you are comfortable with.
• You have a right to say no. All sexual activity requires consent.

These methods of safer sex reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy and STBBIs:

• Regular STBBI testing for both yourself and your partner(s).
• Consistent and proper use of a barrier (such as external/internal condoms and oral dams) each time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or any activity that can pass sexual fluids.
• For the best protection against both STBBIs and pregnancy, use a condom along with another method of birth control.
• Limiting your number of sexual partners.
• Avoid sharing personal care items such as needles, razors, nail clippers and toothbrushes.
• Regularly clean sex toys between use.
• Avoid oral sex after dental work, flossing or brushing teeth (small tears in the gums may provide a point of entry for bacteria and viruses).
• Only use water-based lube/lubricants – oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline can damage with latex condoms and oral damns.

How does substance use increase my risk?

Using substances such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, and other drugs can impair your judgment and lead to risky sexual behaviors, such as not using or improper use of a condom and having multiple sexual partners. These behaviors put you at risk of STBBIs and unintended pregnancy.

When you are under the influence of a substance you are unable to consent to sexual activity and are at risk of sexual assault.

Sexual assault is never your fault. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, find out about help available by contacting the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre website.

Other important points to keep in mind:

• Practicing safer sex can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies, STBBIs, sexual exploitation and violence.
• Practicing safer sex is an important part of a healthy relationship.
• If you become pregnant, there are options available to you.
• Emergency Contraception (known as ‘The Morning After Pill’ or ‘Plan B’) can be used to prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours (about three days) after unprotected sex. It is available over the counter at most local pharmacies.
• Masturbation (self-pleasuring) poses no risks for STBBIs or pregnancy.

Testing is available through the following:

• Make an appointment with your health-care provider.
• Contact Planned Parenthood — NL Sexual Health Centre at 1-877 NO MYTHS (666-9847) or 709-579-1009
• Medicuro Virtual Health Clinic
  • Virtual health care offered by health-care providers in Newfoundland & Labrador.
• Eastern-Urban:
  • Contact the Sexual Health Clinic at sexualhealthclinic@easternhealth.ca (NLHS Eastern-Urban Zone)
  • Contact the community walk-in clinic at 709-777-1706
• Find your nearest testing site: Know More, Test More, Aids Committee of NL

Other services related to this information:

• Contact your Public Health Nurse.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
• For information on doxy-PEP: CATIE doxy PEP
• Safe Works Access Program (SWAP), AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador (ACNL)