Local public health officials are urging people to “get the facts and get tested” when it comes to sexually transmitted infections.
This week is Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week.
It is an annual campaign designed to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health and promote resources to improve community health.
This year, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is promoting the theme, Get the Facts and Get Tested, and encouraging individuals to access reliable sexual health support, discuss their risks with their healthcare provider and get tested for STIs, sexually transmitted infections.
STIs can cause serious health problems, including infertility, if not treated properly.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey says, “Sexual health starts with knowing your risk. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had one partner or many, if you identify as straight or 2SLGBTQI+, or what type of sex you’ve had. If you or your partner(s) have sex without a condom or other barrier protection, you may have been exposed to an STI.”
Even though STIs are common, treatable, and in many cases, curable, individuals may be infected without knowing it, and unknowingly pass them on to others. Discussing your sexual health with a healthcare provider and accessing routine STI screening is an important step in maintaining sexual health.
The health unit is offering the following information:
Where to access STI testing:
Individuals can access STI testing at their primary healthcare provider, college health services, walk-in clinics and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
HPEPH offers drop-in Quick Test Clinics for routine chlamydia and gonorrhea screening at all HPEPH locations. These clinics are for individuals without symptoms. Visit hpePublicHealth.ca for more information.
Additional/alternate STI testing and sexual health services are available by appointment to individuals without a healthcare provider, or those who may experience additional barriers accessing sexual health care. Please contact the sexual health program for more information at 613-966-5500, ext. 243.
Support for teens
High school students at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board schools can also access quick STI screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea at their weekly school public health clinics throughout February. Teens can discuss their risk and testing options with their school public health nurse confidentially and free of charge. For more information, check out the latest Healthy Schools Newsletter or submit your question online to the Healthy Schools Team.
Online and telephone support:
HPEPH public health nurses are available for confidential and non-judgemental support by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. at 613-966-5500, ext. 243 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 243. If you have any questions about your risk, or testing options, don’t hesitate to call.
SexualHealthOntario offers information and support on sexually transmitted infections, birth control and more. Individuals can also live chat online with a sexual health expert seven days a week. Visit sexualhealthontario.ca
Sexandu.ca is a trusted source for sexual health information. Topics range from sexually transmitted infections, HIV, LGBTTQ+, birth control, pregnancy and consent.
