Questions and Answers -  Sexual Health Program

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's) and HIV/AIDS 

What are the symptoms of STIs?

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) - Brochures
• Public Health Agency of Canada - What you need to know about STI's
  Information about types of STIs, how they are spread and symptoms.

What are the symptoms of HIV and AIDS?

• Public Health Agency of Canada
  Information about HIV/AIDS, symptoms of HIV/AIDS and other questions.

What activities put me at risk for STIs?

• Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
  Rate your risk for STIs

Should I have an HIV test during my pregnancy?

• Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
  Commonly asked questions around why HIV testing during pregnancy is important for you and your baby.

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

How do I decide if I want to be abstinent?

• Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
  Information that will help you make decisions about whether you are ready to have sex and talking to your partner.

Where can I get free condoms?

• Information on where you can get free condoms in Hamilton

Is there any way to prevent cancer of the cervix?

• Information on Gardasil from Merck
  Gardasil is a vaccine that helps protect against cervical cancer caused by some types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Recipients require three injections given over 6 months, each one costing $135.00.

Viral STD's-STI's - including herpes, HIV, Hep B, and HPV or genital warts

• Sexuality and U - Viral STI's
  Information from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada about HPV (genital warts).

Birth Control and Sexual Health

I need to know more about birth control.

• Sexuality and U - Contraception
  Information from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada about birth control (contraception) and 'Cool Tips' for talking to your parents or doctor.

Should I have a Pap test?

• http://www.cancercare.on.ca/pcs/screening/cervscreening/

  Information about why you should have a Pap test and what to expect.

Where can I go for more information on birth control?

• You can talk to your family doctor, gynecologist, walk in clinic or public health clinic.

I've had unprotected sex. How does the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) work?

• Sexuality and U - Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP)
  Information from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, what ECP is and how soon you need to take it if you have had unprotected sex and are worried about pregnancy.

Where can I get ECP?

• You can get ECP at your family doctor, behind the counter at a pharmacy, walk in clinic or a public health clinic.

Looking for a doctor in Hamilton?

•  Hamilton Academy of Medicine 905 528-1611  or www.hamiltondoctors.ca  
• If you don't have a provider you can register for the Health Care Connect program at 1 800 445-1822 or www.health.gov.on.ca/ms/healthcareconnect/public. This program refers people without a family health care provider to physicians and nurse practioners who are acceptign new patients in their community

Contact Information

For general questions about sexual health, STI's and HIV/AIDS:

Sexual Health Information Line:
905-528-5894 (confidential, no call display)

To request a presentation for your organization or community group call 905 528-5894 to speak with one of our Public Health Nurses.

Email: publichealth@hamilton.ca

Last updated: November 20,  2012