Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and venereal disease (VD), are infections that are transmitted during sex. Some examples of STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis.
STIs are very common and are usually passed on during unprotected sex. This includes:
- Sexual intercourse (penetration; vaginal or anal sex)
- Oral sex (mouth to penis, mouth to vagina, mouth to anus)
- Sexual touching
- Skin to skin contact in genital area
Help stop the spread of STIs by learning more about them and how to protect yourself.
Learning about STIs
For more information about STIs, including specific STIs, symptoms, testing, and treatments visit Sexual Health Ontario or SexandU.ca.
You can also talk to your health care provider about STIs, testing and treatment.
Protecting Yourself from STIs
Practice Safer Sex
The only way to completely avoid getting an STI is to not have any kind of sex. However, if you do have sex, using barriers (such as condoms or dental dams) is the best way to reduce your risk of STIs.
Get Tested
Many STIs do not show any symptoms, so regular testing is important. You should be tested:
- before every new partner, or
- every three months, if you have multiple partners.
Talk to your health care provider about STI testing or reach out to our Sexual Health Clinic.
Get Treatment if Needed
Some infections can be cured, while others can be managed with medications. If you test positive for an STI, your health care provider will discuss treatment options with you.
Telling Your Partner about STIs
If you test positive for an STI, it is very important that you tell your sexual partner(s) so they can be tested and treated.
In some cases, you may have a legal duty to tell your partner(s) that you have HIV (see this fact sheet for more). This can be a difficult conversation. Here is some information about how to start this conversation and why it is important:
- STI Prevention (click on “more prevention”) | Sexual Health Ontario
- How do I tell my partner about STD testing? | Planned Parenthood
What We Do
The TBDHU Sexual Health Clinic provides:
- Free condoms, dental dams, and lube
- Available at Main Reception, no appointment required
- Free STI education, testing and treatment
- Call the Clinic at (807) 625-5976 or 1 (888) 294-6630 (toll-free) to make an appointment.
Free condoms and dental dams are also available at District offices. No questions asked, no appointment required, just come in and get what you need during regular office hours.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections | Health Canada
- HPVInfo.ca | The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
- HPV in Men | Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
- Hep C Basics | CATIE
For Further Information
Call the Sexual Health Clinic at (807) 625-5976
or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630