Sexual Health

Click here to learn about sexual and reproductive health including information about birth control, sexually transmitted infections, pap tests and local resources.

Did you know Seventh Street Plaza - Birth Control Centre | Alberta Health Services offers confidential services to teenagers and young adults experiencing barriers to accessing birth control or other sexual health related services? Services include: counselling, information and referrals as needed on contraception, unplanned pregnancies, pregnancy options, and safe sex practices. 

Looking to get tested? 

Edmonton's STI clinic provides assessment, diagnosis, testing and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections. Additional testing info can be found here.

HIV Edmonton (9702 111 Ave NW) offers STBBI (sexually transmitted blood borne infections) testing for:  Hep A, Hep B, Hep C, HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. You are always in control of what you would like to be tested for.

STBBI Testing can be kept anonymous. Pseudonyms/Aliases are ok to use when testing for STBBIs.

They offer on-site treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as referrals to more intensive treatments for Hep C, syphilis and HIV diagnoses. 

Monday and Wednesdays are walk-in, no appointment needed. Click here for testing hours.

Tuesdays and Thursday are appointment only and can be made by calling or texting nurse Katherine, at 780 984 2241.

You can also watch the STBBI Testing FAQs and the HIV & STBBI Basics recordings presented by HIV Edmonton.

Check out CATIE - Canada's source for HIV and Hepatitis C information. Do you know these Seven Ways to Prevent HIV?

Did you miss the live 'Ask the Sexologist' Q&A with Dr. Brian Parker?  Watch the recording here!

Proper Condom Usage

Using condoms correctly and consistently can significantly reduce your chances of passing or getting HIV and other STIs. There are two types of condoms available. The external condom (sometimes known as the male condom) is a sheath made from polyurethane, latex or polyisoprene that covers the penis during sex. The internal condom (sometimes known as the insertive or female condom) is a pouch made of polyurethane or a synthetic latex material called nitrile that can be inserted into the vagina or anus. (There are also lambskin condoms, which prevent pregnancy, but do not reduce the risk of getting or passing HIV or STIs.) Make sure that you use a new condom each time you have sex. If you are having sex with more than one person at a time, use a new condom with each partner. Use a condom on inserted sex toys (such as dildos) and an oral dam between the skin and vibrators.

Using a lubricant (lube) not only helps make sex feel good, it also reduces friction, making it less likely for a condom to break during sex. Using lube also helps to reduce cuts and tears during sex, making it harder for HIV and other STIs to enter the body. 

Be sure to use a water-based or silicone-based lube when using a condom. Oil-based lubricants, such as baby oil or coconut oil, can cause the condom to break or get damaged, even if you can’t see it.