Sexually Transmitted Infections are a Global issue, and, subsequently, need to be a Global responsibility. The epidemic rates of STIs around the world speak to the seriousness of the issue. Strategies have been put in place since 2006 with a target date of 2030 that “sets out a vision, goals, targets, guiding principles and priority actions for ending the sexually transmitted infections epidemic as a public health problem.” According to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Global HIV, viral... Continue reading
What is Gonorrhea? Gonorrhea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection. It is prevalent among young people between the ages of 15-24 and is transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex. Gonorrhea can present asymptomatically, resulting in the increased spread of this STI and, if left untreated, can lead to infertility in women. . Gonorrhea can cause symptoms in the genitals, anus or throat and symptoms may present differently based on gender. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in 2020... Continue reading
Syphilis is one of the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by bacteria. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems; however, treatment is available with antibiotics. Yet cases of syphilis are on the rise in Canada. A CBC article states that “chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were all rising steadily in Canada in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic, federal data shows.” While rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea dipped starting in 2020, likely due to reduced testing during COVID-related restrictions,... Continue reading
As with any topic that is shrouded in secrecy or surrounded by stigma, the fallout is shame, misinformation and an inaccessibility to the necessary avenues of support. Menstruation is one such topic. The historical views surrounding it have resulted in both menstruation, and those who menstruate, often being presented as shameful, dirty, inferior and impure. Only by having open and factual conversations can we all correct this skewed and erroneous view surrounding menstruation and its impact on reproductive health. Historical... Continue reading
Period Poverty & Its Impact Period Poverty is a reality for many all around the world! Period Poverty can be defined as the lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products during monthly periods and inaccessibility to basic sanitation services or facilities as well as menstrual hygiene education. This directly impact one’s ability to navigate daily living activities. The lack of access to hygiene products can cause feelings of both seclusion and exclusion. People stay home from school or... Continue reading
STI Rates in Canada STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) have been on the rise for years but so many people are totally unaware of this epidemic. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that in the last decade, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and infectious syphilis have been rising, and between 2011 and 2019, rates have increased by 26% for chlamydia, 171% for gonorrhea, and 389% for infectious syphilis. So then, what can be done? Education The best prevention is education and... Continue reading
November 22 is National Dental Dam Day! Dams, otherwise known as Oral Barriers, are gaining awareness for their important role in helping prevent STIs during oral sex. What exactly is an oral barrier? An oral barrier or dam is a sheet of latex or polyisoprene (non-latex) that is used as a barrier when performing oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. They are used to help reduce the transmission of infections that can occur during any oral sex activities. Dental Dams vs Dams?... Continue reading
Latex Allergy Awareness Week October 1-7 is Latex Allergy Awareness Week. This week is focused on bringing an increased awareness surrounding latex allergies and sensitivities. Latex allergies can range from mild to life threatening, and continued exposure has been shown to increase the severity. This is called sensitization. The Mayo Clinic explains this process as your immune system identifying latex as a harmful substance and triggering certain antibodies to fight it off. The next time you're exposed to latex, these... Continue reading
Similar to sexual health, menstruation has been a topic that has been hidden behind a cloak of silence, mystery and misinformation for centuries. Menstruation is, and has been, so shrouded in shame and secrecy, that society has not properly conveyed the message that it is simply a natural bodily process. Instead, it has resulted in many societies around the world viewing menstruation, and those who menstruate, as carrying a stigma that results in shame, silence and exclusion. We need to... Continue reading
Why a Red Ribbon? The Red Ribbon is a well-known and recognized symbol in the fight against AIDS. The history of the Red Ribbon is quite interesting. With World AIDS Day upon us on December 1, it is important to understand what is behind this simple yet iconic symbol. By the end of the 1980s, AIDS was impacting North America and resulting in the deaths of many. Although hugely impacting lives, there was little public acknowledgment in the forms of... Continue reading
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