Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and venereal disease (VD), are infections that are transmitted during sex. They are very common and are usually passed on during unprotected sex.
What We Do
The Sexual Health Clinic at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit provides STI testing, treatment, education and awareness – all free of charge.
STI Education
Learning about STIs and learning how to protect yourself is the best way to stop the spread.
STIs are usually spread 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
The only way to completely avoid getting an STI is to not have sex. Using condoms during sex is the best way to reduce the risk of spreading STIs. Also, it’s important that before having sex with a new partner, you both get tested for STIs.
Learn more about STIs, how to protect yourself, symptoms, and treatments. You can also learn about specific STIs here.
STI Testing and Treatment
The TBDHU’s Sexual Health Clinic provides STI testing including anonymous HIV/AIDS testing free of charge. We also provide information and support, no matter what the results.
Many STIs do not show any symptoms, so regular testing is important. You should get routinely tested after every new partner, or if you have multiple partners, every three months. Some infections can be cured using medications while others can be managed with medications. We will discuss your options with you during your follow-up appointment.
To book an appointment or for more information about STI testing and treatment, please contact the Sexual Health Clinic. You may also talk to your family doctor or other healthcare professional about STIs and their treatment. To learn about the symptoms, testing, and treatment methods for specific STIs, check out SexandU.ca.
Telling your Partner(s)
If you test positive for an STI, it is very important that you tell your sexual partner(s) about your infection so that they can be tested and treated. In some cases, you may have a legal duty to tell your sex 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 the conversation and why it is the right thing to do:
- STI Prevention (click on “more prevention”) | Sexual Health Ontario
- How do I tell my partner about STD testing? | Planned Parenthood
For More, visit:
- STIs, Sexual Health Facts and Information for the Public | Health Canada
- HPVInfo.ca
- HPV in Men
- Hep C Basics | CATIE
- SexandU - STIs | The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
For Further Information
Call the Sexual Health Clinic: (807) 625-5900
or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630