2.12.3. STI Prevention
If You Choose To Have Sex, There Are Several Ways You Can Protect Yourself
If you choose to have penetrative sex, use a condom.
A condom should be used during
- vaginal sex,
- anal sex, and
- when using a sex toy that has not been cleaned.
Tips
- Use lubricated latex or polyurethane condoms.
- Keep condoms nearby so that they are easy to access when you need them.
- Store your condoms in a dry place away from heat or light.
- Check the expiry date on the package or condom box.
- Never use two condoms together.
- Never use a condom more than once.
How to use a male condom
Open Carefully. Rough tearing or long fingernails can damage the condom.
Place & Pinch. Put the condom at the end of the penis and pinch out the air in the tip.
Roll It On. Unroll the condom right down to the base of the penis.
Afterwards. Whoever is wearing the condom should pull out right after they ejaculate and while their penis is still hard. Remember to hold the base of the condom when pulling out so that is does not come off.
Throw the Used Condom Into the Garbage. Never use a condom twice.
How to use a female condom
Do not use a male condom with a female condom as this can cause tearing.
Open Carefully. Rough tearing or long fingernails can damage the condom.
Placement. The think ring is to be placed inside the condom. Find a comfortable position. Squeeze the walls of the ring together and insert into the vagina. Using the fingers push the inner ring as far up as it will go. Be sure the condom is not twisted. The thin outer ring should remain outside the vagina.
Afterwards. Twist the outer ring and pull out of the vagina.
Throw the Used Condom Into the Garbage. Never use a condom twice.
When having oral sex you can be protected from STIs by using
- a condom (see above) or
- a dental dam (a sheet of material that is placed between the mouth and the vagina or anus).
How to use a dental dam
Open Carefully. Rough tearing or long fingernails can damage the dental dam.
Placement. The dental dam is placed over the area where oral sex is being performed.
Afterwards. The dental dam is discarded.
A dental dam can be created out of a condom by cutting it lengthwise.
You Can Choose Not To Have Sex
You may not be ready for sex if
- you cannot talk to your partner about STI testing or using condoms,
- you do not have condoms to protect yourself,
- you feel pressured,
- you are not sure about it,
- you need to get drunk or stoned to do it,
- your partner is not ready, or
- your partner wants to get drunk or stoned to do it.
If You Choose To Have Sex, Get Tested
When To Get Tested
- before you have sex with a new partner
- if you or your partner have been sexually active and have not been tested or do not know your results
- if you know your current or past, partner has or had an STI
- if the condom breaks or you have sex without one
- if you or your partner have shared needles for drugs, tattooing or piercing
- if you or your partner have any STI symptoms
What Should You Know About Getting Tested?
You should always feel comfortable with the person who is giving you the exam and with any other health care professionals that are in the room. If you are uncomfortable or if you would feel more comfortable with someone you know in the room, tell your healthcare provider.
Everything you discuss with your healthcare provider is confidential. Anything you discuss with them cannot be shared unless they
- have your permission,
- are making a referral that you have agreed to,
- feel you are not able to understand medical advice or the results of your decisions, or
- suspect abuse and they are required to report to a child protection agency.
Tests that are positive for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV are reported to your local healthcare department. A nurse will contact you and provide help with telling current and past partners that they need to be tested. Your personal information is not shared with anyone and no one will know except you, your healthcare provider and the public health nurse.
What To Expect During an Exam
Male Exam. There will be several questions about your sex life. Some or all of the following tests will be performed:
- ask for a urine sample
- check the external parts of the genitals including the testicles and penis for lumps or pain
- use a cotton swab to take samples from the throat, anus, and/or urethra (the opening of the penis)
- take a blood sample
Female Exam. There will be several questions about your sex life. They will also ask you to undress from the waist down and will give you a drape to cover yourself. Some or all of the following tests will be performed:
- ask for a urine sample
- check the external parts of the genitals
- use a speculum to look at the inside of the vagina and at the cervix [the opening to the uterus]
- use a cotton swab to take samples from the throat, vagina, anus and/or cervix
- do a Pap test to check for changes in the cells of the cervix
- do a bimanual exam (the healthcare provider places one or two fingers inside the vagina and their other hand on the lower abdomen in order to feel the ovaries and uterus)
- take a blood sample
Telling Your Partners
If you are diagnosed with an STI it is important to tell your partner(s) to be tested as well so the infection does not spread further. There are many ways to tell your partner(s) that they need to be tested for STIs. Canada has programs and tools to help people tell their partners anonymously that they need to get tested. Contact your local health department for more information.
STI exams are not a part of a routine check-up. Therefore you need to tell your healthcare provider that you would like to be tested for STIs so they can order the appropriate blood and urine tests in addition to your routine tests.
Where To Go for Help
If you have questions about STIs or when to be tested for STIs, you can go to your local healthcare provider or local public health unit. You can also read Health Canada’s information booklet on STIs.
Additionally the following link provides a work sheet to create an individualize plan for preventing STIs.
