性健康

What is being transgender? When you’re born, you are given a gender based on what you look like. This is written on your birth certificate. Some people grow up feeling like the gender they are given doesn’t match who they truly are on the inside. This is called transgender (or...

What is pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)? Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that greatly reduces the risk of getting HIV. PrEP is recommended for people with an ongoing risk of acquiring HIV infection. For example, people who are: Having anal or vaginal sex (with no condom) with a partner who is...

What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. It’s a bacterial infection that spreads by having unprotected sex or through using unclean needles or an unscreened blood transfusion. Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test. The infection starts as a painless sore on the genitals, rectum or mouth. It...

What is contact tracing? You’ve just found out you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). There’s a lot going through your mind – and, getting treated as soon as possible is vital. Besides getting healthy, you need to make sure everyone you’ve had sex with recently knows to get tested,...

What is HIV exposure? People can become exposed to HIV in several ways. This may be from unprotected sex, sharing needles or having a needlestick injury. A needlestick injury is when an unclean needle pricks you, such as accidentally stepping on one. If you think you may have been exposed...

What is HIV? Living with HIV is the term used to describe people who are HIV-positive. Over the last three decades, there’s been a lot of progress in the way HIV is managed and treated. With proper treatment, it’s now possible to live ‘well’ with HIV and reduce the risk...

What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection. It’s caused by bacteria. You get chlamydia by having unprotected sex with someone who already has it. You can also pass chlamydia to others by having unprotected sex. Chlamydia doesn’t always cause symptoms, so you may not know you have...

What is herpes? Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. As many as one in eight people have herpes. Symptoms include recurring genital pain and sores. While there is no cure for herpes, treatment helps to manage symptoms. The infection spreads through unprotected sex....