Sex and sexuality are important aspects of our health at all ages and stages of our lives. This includes being comfortable with individual sexuality, making decisions such as about whether or not to have sex, how to protect ourselves against sexually transmitted and blood borne infections, and planning for pregnancy at a time that is right for us.
The health unit promotes healthy sexuality and works to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections and blood borne infections (STBBI’s).
We:
- Raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections and blood borne infections (STBBI) and prevention strategies, through community engagement, social media, and presentations to social service providers, educators and health care providers.
- Offer clinic services to anyone seeking testing and/or treatment for STBBIs, birth control information and/or low cost birth control, free condoms, as well as pregnancy testing and options counselling.
- Work in partnership with community organizations to promote healthy sexuality.
- Offer services that are confidential and inclusive of all genders and orientation.
What Matters to Your Health
Preventing STIs
Chlamydia rates in Simcoe Muskoka continue to rise annually, especially for those between the ages of 15 and 24 years. To prevent STBBIs, it is important to make healthy choices. This includes wearing a condom or using other barriers when engaging in sexual activities. Getting tested for STBBIs at one of our clinics or by your health care provider is essential for anyone who is sexually active and may be at risk. More than 50 percent of infected males and 70 percent of infected females have no symptoms and are unaware they have chlamydia.
Preventing Unintended Pregnancy
We offer birth control services. This may include providing low cost birth control to be purchased at our clinic, or prescribing birth control for which the cost is covered through the OHIP+ program. For women who are facing unintended pregnancy, we may help with counselling about options so those women can make the best, informed decision for themselves.
For more information:
Call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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