Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that spread from one person to another through any type of sexual contact. Anyone can get a Sexually Transmitted Infection, and many people have a Sexual Transmitted Infection and don’t know it. Without treatment, Sexually Transmitted Infections can cause serious health problems – even infertility. You can also spread the infection to your sexual partners. The only way to find out whether you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection is to get tested.
STI testing is available at Public Health’s Sexual Health Clinic. Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing is available by drop-in during clinic hours, syphilis testing is available by booking an appointment. If you are coming to the sexual health clinic for testing, do not urinate two hours prior.
For more information about STIs, visit www.sexandu.ca.
Blood Borne Sexually Transmitted Infections/HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. Currently, there is no effective cure for HIV, however, with proper medical care, HIV can be effectively controlled. Some groups of people are more likely to get HIV than others because of many factors, including their sex partners, their risk behaviours, and where they live.
Anyone can be infected with HIV, and people can have HIV without knowing it. They may not look or feel sick for years, but can still pass the virus on to other people.
Today, there are more options to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV. Consistently using condoms, taking medication to help decrease the chance of acquiring HIV and knowing your HIV status are all effective strategies to reduce risk.
Along with local health care providers, Public Health works to support HIV prevention by offering free condoms at all of our offices, and providing the opportunity for people to receive HIV testing and counselling at all of our sexual health clinics. HIV rapid tests are available at our Belleville sexual health clinics for eligible clients.
In addition to other prevention strategies, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy that is now available and being used in Canada. Health Canada has approved the use of oral PrEP to help prevent the sexual transmission of HIV, in combination with safer sex practices. To find out if PrEP is right for you, talk with your health care provider or visit a Public Health Sexual Health Clinic to discuss PrEP with a public health nurse.
Additional Resources
- Sexual Health Ontario – also provides a live e-chat service
- Sex & U
- Catie – Canada’s source for HIV and Hepatitis C
- HARS – HIV AIDS Regional Services
