A service provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control

Search results

Refine by Type

Refine by Tag

Search results for "clinics"

The INSTI test kit is the only rapid HIV test that is licenced for use in Canada. The test uses a few drops of blood, which are taken from a finger poke. People who test negative will know their result within a few minutes. If the test is...

What is anonymous HIV testing? In British Columbia, there are a number of ways that you can get an HIV test.  With anonymous HIV testing your name is not attached to your result and your contact information is never collected. You are...

The EC pill contains one hormone called progesterone and is given as one pill single dose, which should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It can be taken up to five days after sex, but sooner is better.  Plan B and...

Home pregnancy tests can be bought at a drug store. You can also go to your health care provider or a clinic to get a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant and not sure what to do, it can help to talk to someone about your options. What is...

There are many types of birth control to choose from and it is important to find the method that works best for you. Most methods of birth control do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms can lower the chances of...

In most cases, PEP stops HIV from establishing itself in the body and will prevent you from becoming HIV positive. To be effective, the treatment needs to be started as soon as possible in the first 72 hours after exposure. The treatment...

How does it work? The INSTI® HIV Self-Test is an HIV antibody test which detects antibodies produced in response to HIV. Antibodies to HIV can take time to develop after an exposure. It can take 3 to 12 weeks for this test to detect...

For some trans and gender diverse people, these surgeries are needed for their well-being. Surgeries can give relief from gender dysphoria (distress experienced when a person’s gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth),...

If you have any sexual concerns, health care providers can give you information and support.  They may not bring up the topic of sexual health, but most providers are usually open to talking about it. They can rule out...

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or ability. Sexual assault is a crime under Canadian law. People respond differently to a sexual assault. Emotions that you might experience include...

Dental dams are a good way to lower the chance of getting or passing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Medical gloves can also be used to prevent STIs when penetrating sexual partner(s). They are usually available in pharmacies,...

Molluscum can be treated and often goes away on its own.  It is a common infection in British Columbia. Causes Molluscum can be passed through vaginal, oral, and anal sexual contact. This includes both penetrative sex and sexual...

Safer Sex Being trans can sometimes mean there is already a lot to talk about with new sexual partners without adding on safer sex.  But talking about protection and STI testing is an important way to lower your chances of STIs. With...

A new condom should be used every time you have sex, with each new partner, and when switching from anal to oral or vaginal/internal genital penetration. The condom should be applied before sexual contact occurs.  Condoms can be used...

Causes HIV is passed through vaginal and anal sexual contact.  This includes both penetrative sex and sexual activities where there is an exchange of body fluids.  There is a very low chance that HIV may be passed through oral...

When there is dryness, there is more chance that tender anal or vaginal/internal genital skin will tear, or a condom will break. Not only is it painful to have small tears, it is also easier to get or pass an STI if the skin is broken....

Open marriages or open relationships: A committed relationship where one or both partners may be free to have sex with other people individually, or the couple may invite other people to have sex with them together. Swinging: When...

Sometimes mental health can affect the decisions we make about sex, for example, choosing to have sex when we feel lonely or anxious. Sexual health concerns and diagnoses can also lead us to feel worried, anxious, sad, or even hopeless. If...

In BC, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be done at most health clinics and doctors’ offices. Not all clinics or health care providers do things exactly the same way, but the slide show above will give you a general...

Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be done in BC at most health clinics and doctors’ offices.  STI testing is free in BC for people with MSP coverage. Many areas have free testing for people without...