Sexual Health

Many teenagers will begin to explore sexual relationships in high school and university. While this is an exciting time it also brings about many difficult decisions and potential risks to health.
If you are thinking about becoming sexually active or you are currently sexually active, you can take precautions to keep yourself safe from sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).

What does "having sex" include?

What are the risks for STI's and how do I protect myself?

How do I know if I have an STI?

What are some of the common STI's?

What does "having sex" include?

“Having sex” can mean many things. It can be between a man and woman, two men, or two women. It does not just mean when a man’s penis enters a woman’s vagina, also known as, vaginal sex.

Sex can also be oral. Oral sex means one person placing his or her mouth on another person’s genitals (penis, vagina, or anus).

Finally, sex can be anal. Anal sex is usually when a man’s penis is placed inside someone else’s anus.

What are the risks for STI’s and how do I protect myself?

There are many reasons that people don’t protect themselves:

Sometimes there is a lack of knowledge about risks

Sometimes it can feel embarrassing to ask questions

It can feel embarrassing to buy condoms

Getting caught up in the moment

Peer pressure

Influence of alcohol and drugs

The fact is, you are at risk any time you share bodily fluids with another person. This means vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Sometimes, although rare, sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and herpes can be passed through open-mouth kissing.

Talking and planning can help ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your partner. If you choose to have sex, the best protection is latex condoms. When used properly, latex condoms give good protection against the bodily fluids of your sexual partner. Other forms of birth control such as “the pill” only protect from pregnancy. Neither condoms or birth control pills are 100% effective against pregnancy or STI’s ­ only abstinence is.

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How do I know if I have an STI?

There is no easy answer to establishing the symptoms of an STI. Many of the possible symptoms may not be related to sexual activity at all. As well, many STI have no symptoms.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to an STI it is important to see your doctor or go to a local health clinic.

Some possible symptoms that women may experience are:

Sores, bumps, or blisters near your genitals or mouth

Burning or pain when you urinate

Itching or unusual discharge from your vagina or anus

Pain in your lower abdomen

Bleeding from your vagina between periods

Some possible symptoms that men may experience are:

Sores, bumps, or blisters near your genitals, anus or mouth

Burning pain when you urinate

Drip or discharge from your penis

Itching, pain, or discharge from your anus

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The above information provides a basic overview of some of the more common STIs. More specific information can be acquired through a physician, hospital, or medical clinic.

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