Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)
Sexually Transmitted Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)
Preventing, testing, and treating STBBIs
Sexual Health
Menopause
Menopause
What is it? Menopause is a unique journey for each person with ovaries/ovary. It is a natural phase of life when ovaries stop producing eggs. This results in declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is not just a physical transition; it can also affect an individual’s mental and emotional health. As your … Continued
Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships
Relationships are our connections with those around us, such as family, friends, and partners. Healthy relationships can improve our health and quality of life. Respect, communication, and trust are the basis of healthy relationships. For more information, check out the pages in this section!
Sexual health – young child (birth – 5 years)
Sexual health – young child (birth – 5 years)
Children pick up things quickly from their parents and the world around them. This includes words that family members and others use to refer to body parts, gender, and other topics related to sexual health. Even before they can speak and understand language, they notice how adults react to questions, emotions, and behaviours. These reactions help shape how … Continued
Puberty
Puberty
Puberty is a time of life when we experience a wide range of changes in our bodies and our emotions related to increasing hormones. Puberty typically begins between the ages of 8 and 14, but research tells us that signs of puberty can start earlier for youth. That is why access to puberty education is so … Continued
Teens
Teens
When it comes to a teen’s sexual health, it is not just about their physical well-being. It is also about their emotions and social life. It is important that they feel comfortable making decisions about sex and sexuality. It is also important for teens to understand how to build and maintain healthy relationships. As teens … Continued
Unplanned Pregnancy
Unplanned Pregnancy
Unintended or unplanned pregnancies are common among Canadians of all ages; in fact, about half of pregnancies are unplanned. If you have had unprotected sex and think you may be at risk for pregnancy you can access emergency contraception in the first 72 hours. Deciding whether to continue an unintended pregnancy can be stressful. A person who is … Continued
Safer sex
Safer sex
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 … Continued
Sexual Exploitation & Human Trafficking
Sexual Exploitation & Human Trafficking
What is Sexual Exploitation & Human Trafficking? Who is at risk? Anyone is at risk, regardless of their background or status. However, these types of crimes mostly affect women and girls. Groups who are at a greater risk include: Key Terms to Know Free Online Training Video Playlist: What is Youth Sexual Exploitation? Check out the … Continued
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Sexual orientation refers to our physical, emotional or romantic attraction to people. We can be attracted to someone who has a gender identity that differs from ours, to someone with a similar gender identity, to someone of any gender identity on the spectrum, or we may not be attracted to anyone. Romantic orientation refers to … Continued
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and spreads through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. There are two types of herpes viruses: Symptoms An outbreak can vary from one sore to clusters of small blisters on the penis, scrotum, vulva (lips of the vagina), anus, or … Continued
Pubic lice
Pubic lice
Pubic lice are also known as “crabs” because they look like tiny crab-like organisms when viewed under a microscope. Pubic lice spread through close physical contact with pubic hair or other hair and through contact with contaminated bedding, towels or clothing. Pubic lice primarily live in pubic hair but can be found in underarm hair, … Continued
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis also known as “trich” is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) that is spread through unprotected sexual contact, including the sharing of sex toys. Symptoms There may be no noticeable signs or symptoms with trichomoniasis. People with vaginas may experience: People with penises may experience: Having trichomoniasis can cause sex to feel unpleasant. Without treatment, the infection … Continued
Get Tested, Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)
Get Tested, Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs)
What is an STBBI test? An STBBI test is done by collecting a blood and a urine sample and by swabbing the affected areas, such as throat and anus. A health-care professional begins by asking you about your sexual history. All health information is confidential. The health-care provider may also perform an examination. When should I have … Continued
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B, also known as Hep B, is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) that affects the liver. The virus transmits by contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. The virus passes from person to person in the following ways: Symptoms 50-70% of people infected with hepatitis B may show no … Continued
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C, also known as Hep C, is an infection in the liver. Over time, the virus causes liver injury and scarring and can make you very sick. The hepatitis C virus spreads through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluid. You will only be infected if the virus … Continued
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma Genitalium or M. Genitalium or M. Gen is a bacteria that can cause a sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms Many people have no symptoms but can transmit the infection to their sexual partner(s). People with vaginas may experience: People with penises may experience: Symptoms can also occur in the rectum or anus causing itching, discharge or pain. … Continued
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, also known as “The Clap,” is the second most common sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection. It spreads through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex. Gonorrhea never goes away without treatment. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain and infertility. Gonorrhea can be passed to an infant … Continued
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that spreads through the body and damages the immune system, making it difficult to fight off illnesses. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can occur approximately 5-10 years after HIV infection. At this stage, the immune system becomes damaged, resulting in increased risk of contracting infections or cancers. HIV spreads … Continued
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is the most common viral sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI). It spreads through skin-to-skin contact and oral, anal, or genital sex. Some strains of HPV can cause genital and anal warts. Other HPV strains can lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Signs and Symptoms Testing and Treatment … Continued
Scabies (The Itch)
Scabies (The Itch)
Scabies, also called “the itch,” is a skin condition caused by tiny mites. It leads to intense itching and a pimple-like rash that can appear on different parts of the body. How Does Scabies Spread? Scabies is contagious and spreads easily in places where people are in close contact, like schools or daycare centers. It … Continued
Syphilis
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacteria that spreads through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex. It can also spread through sharing equipment used for injecting drugs. Symptoms Many people have no symptoms at all but can still transmit syphilis and are at risk for complications. Syphilis infection occurs in three stages: Testing and Treatment The only … Continued
Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI). It spreads through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex without proper use of a condom or oral dam. If not detected and treated, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can cause infertility (the inability to have a baby), tubal pregnancy, and sterility. Symptoms People … Continued
Birth control or contraception
Birth control or contraception
Birth control, also known as contraceptive methods or choices, is used to prevent unplanned pregnancy. When deciding on a method of contraception, it is important to consider the following: Learn more about the different types of birth control methods available from the menu on the right – what they are, how they work, and their advantages … Continued
Comprehensive sexual health education (CSE)
Comprehensive sexual health education (CSE)
What is Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSE)? Comprehensive Sexual Health Education (CSE) is a structured way of teaching and learning about sexuality. It provides young people with the skills and knowledge they need to stay healthy, make good choices, and respect other people’s rights. Check out these videos: Check out these Hi pages to learn … Continued
Consent
Consent
Consent permits something to occur and is an agreement to do something that requires ongoing communication and respect (such as saying yes or no to physical touch). Consent is foundational to creating and keeping healthy relationships with our family, friends, peers, and romantic relationships. Consent for sexual activity Kissing, sexual touching and sexual intercourse (oral, … Continued