The terms STD and STI are commonly used to refer to infections that are transmitted sexually. More recently, you might have also heard of STBBI, which also refers to infections transmitted through contact with blood or blood products. On this page you will see us using the broader term STBBIs.
Condoms are the only contraception that help prevent both pregnancy and STBBIs.
Be prepared and ensure you have condoms. Then you know you're both protected.
Having safer sex means protecting yourself and your partner(s) from STBBIs and unplanned pregnancy. Prevention is an important part of being sexually active and healthy. Condoms, can help keep you safe and healthy.
Condoms: The best way to protect yourself is to use condoms every time you have sex. Whether it’s oral, vaginal, or anal sex, condoms lower your risk of getting a STBBI and prevent unplanned pregnancy.
Internal condoms: An internal condom is a soft, thin, loose-fitting polyurethane cover with two flexible rings at each end, which is inserted vaginally or anally. The inner ring at the closed end of the condom is used to insert the condom and to keep it in place. The outer ring at the open-end of the condom stays outside the vagina or anus, and partially covers and protects the outside of the vagina or the edges of anus. The internal condom is 79 to 95% effective if used correctly.
If you want to know more, visit the following webpage: Condoms for the prevention of HIV transmission | CATIE - Canada's source for HIV and hepatitis C information
More than one million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which have no symptoms at first. In New Brunswick, the spread of STIs is a health concern. but preventable, and treatable following testing. They are preventable and many can be treated. That’s why it is important to get tested and treated.
You should get tested even if you don’t have symptoms
Testing is important to avoid spreading the infection to more people, and to prevent any future complications from developing. Most people don’t have symptoms, especially in the beginning, but when gone undetected and untreated for too long, they can cause organ and fertility complications.
Getting tested means you can get treated for an STI. Most STIs are easily treated if detected early, including HIV, which can be managed with ongoing anti-retroviral medication. Even the symptoms of genital herpes are reduced by a combination of antiviral tablets and creams, which is why it’s so important to seek the care you need. to enjoy a healthy sex life.
Because of the risk of reinfection, it is recommended that you are retested three to six months after treatment for an STI. It is important to follow up with your health care provider after treatment to make sure that your symptoms are completely gone. Prioritize your sexual health and get the care you need to enjoy a healthy sex life.
Vaccines: HPV is one of the most common STIs and it’s also one of only two STBBIs with a working vaccine.
The other is hepatitis B (Hep B), which most New Brunswickers receive a dose at birth, then at 6 months old, and again at 2 years old. For more information on hepatitis B, click here: Hepatitis B.
The HPV vaccine is available to New Brunswickers in Grade 7 and protects against human papillomavirus, also called HPV, which is spread by sexual activity. Some strains of HPV cause genital warts. Other HPV strains can cause cancers.
Getting vaccinated against HPV helps prevent cancer in men and women.
For more information on the HPV vaccine, click here: HPV FAQ sheet
Prepare before you’re there! Sex can be spontaneous, but your condom use should be planned. Always use condoms when having sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).
- Talk to your partner about the basics and choose the prevention that works best for you.
- Get tested for STBBIs. Don’t know where to get tested? You can call Tele-Care 811 for more information.
- Talk to your health-care provider about safe sex, circulating STBBIs, and treatments available.
Be cautious about body piercings, tattoos and acupuncture. Make sure single-use, disposable needles are used and that all other equipment is disinfected and sterile to prevent the spread of Blood Borne infections.
For further information, click here: IYH Tattoo E (publications.gc.ca)