STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are highly infectious diseases often spread through sexual contact and there are more than 20 kinds you can get. Some
common STDs include genital herpes, HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and HIV. Often, many people experience no symptoms for years, but when they do, some common symptoms include itching, painful urination, nausea, abnormal discharge, sores, fever, inflammation, etc.
STDs are on the rise in Toronto including gonorrhea, which increased by 42% in the city since 2012. Some commentators believe that there is an huge increase in unprotected sex as a result of the booming online dating scene. Dating online prior to meeting can result in trusting someone more than is warranted and having sex without really knowing what someone has done in the past. There is no guarantee of prevention for STDs. It is extremely important to use
latex condoms for all sexual acts particularly when you do not know the sexual and medical history of your partner. Still, latex condoms do not protect against all STDs.
STD vaccinations
For more protection, healthcare providers recommend that sexually active men and women get the
HPV vaccine prior to any sexual activity which will help guard against the different types of cancer caused by the HPV virus. The HPV virus causes genital warts, cervical, penis, anal and throat cancer, etc. The HPV virus is extremely common and often carriers will show no symptoms for many years.
There are also vaccinations against the viruses Hepatitis A and B which are transmittable through sexual contact. You should consult your healthcare provider on which vaccines you need. Regarding fees, the HPV and Hepatitis A vaccinations are not presently covered by
OHIP. OHIP covers the Hepatitis B vaccination for children (you may have received it as a child) and otherwise it is not covered by OHIP. However, these vaccines are sometimes offered free at various sexual health clinics in
Toronto. For a fee, they are available at your family doctor’s, and some walk-in clinics in Toronto.
STD vaccination locations in Toronto
is located at 36B Prince Arthur Avenue in Toronto. The clinic offers comprehensive sexual health services including STD vaccinations, and is accessible for people between the ages of 13 and 29, with and without OHIP. For more information, call (416) 961-0113 or email ppt@ppt.on.ca.
is located at 960 Lawrence Ave W., Unit 403 in Toronto. They offer a variety of sexual health and educational services by appointment only including free Hepatitis B vaccinations for at-risk people. You can call them at (416) 789-4541 or email info@birthcontrolvd.org.
has various locations. The one in Toronto is located at 690 Queen St. East and is open seven days a week. They also have
walk-in hours. As a travel vaccination clinic they offer many vaccines including Hepatitis A and B and Gardasil, which acts against the HPV virus. You need to pay a consultation fee and for the vaccinations. The clinic can be reached at (416) 461-2419. They also have an online appointment booking system.
located at 489 College St., unit 200, is a walk-in women’s sexual health clinic which offers comprehensive services including the Hepatitis B vaccination free of charge. It also offers testing for HPV and other STDs.
The services are free. You do not need to have an OHIP card. For more information call (416) 323-9986 or email info@immigranthealth.info.
Conclusion
In an age of rising promiscuity and increasing sexually transmitted disease, it is essential and vital to take as many precautions as you can to protect yourself. Not only should you use latex condoms for every kind of sexual activity, it is highly recommended that you take the time required to get to know your partner and their real sexual and medical history because latex condoms do not protect against all STDs and are not foolproof. Additionally, you should seriously consider getting the
HPV vaccine if you haven’t, and speak to a medical health professional about whether you need the vaccinations against
Hepatitis B and A.
