Chlamydia alert! Many cases of Chlamydia are being missed. If you are sexually active, take note. A pap test is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test. A pap test checks for abnormal cervical cells only. You can ask for an STI swab to be done at the same time as your pap OR just pee in a bottle to … Read More
Gonorrhea, the new “superbug”
Gonorrhea has been on the rise in Canada. It is now being called a “superbug” because some cases are not responding to treatment. Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through unprotected oral, genital, and anal sex. It spreads so easily because there are often no symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, like Pelvic … Read More
Preventing Pregnancy after Sex
Missed pills? Broken condom? No protection? When accidents happen you’ve got a back-up plan! It’s called emergency contraception, also known as the “morning after pill” or Plan B. You risk an accidental pregnancy when condoms break, when birth control is taken incorrectly, or if you were unprepared for sex. Unprotected sex, even if it’s just once, can lead to an … Read More
How to Avoid Catching an STI
Plan – before you have sex. Decide – if sex is right for you with this person. Prepare – take care of birth control, STI (sexually transmitted infection) protection, and your self esteem. Think clearly and stay in control – alcohol and drugs impair your decisions and put you at risk of sexual assault, condom failure, and STIs. Consider – ECP and … Read More
Preventing pregnancy after sex
Missed pills? Broken condom? No protection? When accidents happen you’ve got a back-up plan! It’s called emergency contraception (EC), also known as the “morning after pill” or Plan B. You risk an accidental pregnancy when condoms break, when birth control is taken incorrectly, or if you were unprepared for sex. Unprotected sex, even if it’s just once, can lead to … Read More
HIV Testing
HIV TestingHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be passed from person to person through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids. You can get HIV through: Having unprotected sex Sharing any drug equipment (needles, spoons, filters, pipes, snorting devices, cookers) Getting a tattoo or body piercing with needles that have not been properly sterilized Through breast milk The only way … Read More
Consent to sex should always be clear
While alcohol may lower inhibitions or create romantic moods, it should not be used as an excuse for neglecting responsible sexual behaviour. It is your responsibility to make sure your partner is sober enough to give sexual consent. If they pass out, have trouble walking, talking or focusing and are not entirely aware of their environment, then they are too … Read More
Don’t be that guy
Just because she isn’t saying no… doesn’t mean she’s saying yes. The most common drug involved in sexual assault is alcohol. Most people use alcohol to relax and have fun but drinking too much can put you at risk of sexual assault. It is always your responsibility to make sure you and your partner are sober enough to give sexual … Read More
Pap Screening Saves Lives!
National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, October 23-29th Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with immunization and regular screening. This year Chatham-Kent Public Health has teamed up with Cancer Care Ontario and The Federation of Medical Women of Canada to bring awareness to Cervical Cancer and urge women to get their Pap test! According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, … Read More