STIs and HIV - FAQs
STD prevention
How do you prevent STDs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the same thing. STI is a more accurate term as the infection comes first and is what needs to be prevented. The disease starts after a person has been infected. STI is just another term used to describe infections that are spread from person to person during any kind of sex: vaginal (penis in vagina), anal (penis in rectum), or oral (mouth to penis or vagina). Some STIs have no symptoms, so you may not know you have one unless you get tested.
Here are some tips to help prevent STIs:
- USE CONDOMS EVERY TIME YOU HAVE SEX: vaginal, anal and oral!
- As soon as you start having sex, you need to ask your doctor to test for STIs. Get re-tested with every new sexual partner. Women should also have annual Pap tests
- Use a new lubricated latex or polyurethane condom every time you have vaginal and anal sex.
- Use a latex condom or a dental dam for oral sex
If you think you might have an STI, get it checked out as soon as possible. You can get tested and treated at a Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality Clinic. This is not a walk-in clinic - you need to make an appointment! All testing is free and confidential. You can also go to your local walk-in clinic or family doctor.
