To help enable individuals to make healthy choices and informed decisions regarding their personal reproductive health, the Prevention Institute has created a smart phone app, Keep it Safe Saskatchewan (KIS-SK), focused on contraceptives and STIs.
Download the App:
Set reminders for taking contraceptives or booking health appointments.
You will learn how different contraceptive methods work, how to use, the potential side effects, and how to access.
Abstinence
Abstinence refers to not having sex. In order to prevent pregnancy, abstinence means avoiding any contact between the penis and vagina and any contact between the vagina and semen or pre-cum. It is important to note that this method takes a lot of self-control and ongoing communication between partners. It is recommended to be prepared with a backup method of contraception, like condoms or emergency contraception.
When practiced perfectly (there is no genital contact and no contact between the vagina and semen/pre-cum), this method is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV). Abstinence can be a difficult method to practice perfectly and “typical use” effectiveness rates are not known.
Birth Control Pill (Oral Contraceptive, the “Pill”)
The birth control pill is a daily medication that is taken orally. There are two kinds of birth control pills: the combined oral contraceptive (estrogen and progestin) and the progestin-only contraceptive. The birth control pill does not provide any protection from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV).
Contraceptive Implant
Contraceptive implants are a long-acting and reversible method for preventing pregnancy. The implant is a small, matchstick-shaped device that is inserted by a nurse or doctor under the skin in the upper arm where it slowly releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Implants do not provide any protection from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV).
Contraceptive Patch (“the Patch”)
The contraceptive patch is a small, sticky patch that is placed on the skin. The patch does not provide any protection from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV).
Emergency Contraception
There are two types of emergency contraceptives: the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B, morning after pill) and the copper intrauterine device (copper IUD). Emergency contraception is the only form of birth control that can be taken AFTER sex to prevent pregnancy. It does not provide any protection from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV).
External (Male) Condom
Latex and non-latex condoms are available. Latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms provide protection from STIs that are transmitted through genital fluids (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, trichomoniasis). Protection may not be as effective for STIs that are transmitted mainly through skin-to-skin contact (e.g., genital herpes, HPV, syphilis). Lambskin condoms, sometimes used by people with latex allergies, do not protect against STIs.
Internal (Female) Condom
The internal (female) condom is a soft, loose fitting pouch with a ring on each end. It provides protection from STIs that are transmitted through genital fluids (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, trichomoniasis). Protection may not be as effective for STIs that are transmitted mainly through skin-to-skin contact (e.g., genital herpes, HPV, syphilis).
Injectable Contraceptive (Depo-Provera/“the Shot”)
The injectable contraceptive is a medication given with a needle by a qualified healthcare provider every 3 months to prevent pregnancy. It does not provide any protection from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV).
Intrauterine Contraceptives (IUC, IUD, IUS)
Intrauterine contraceptives (IUC) are long-acting and reversible methods for preventing pregnancy. There are two kinds of IUCs: the non-hormonal copper intrauterine device (IUD) and the hormonal intrauterine system (IUS). IUCs are small, soft, T-shaped devices with a nylon string attached that are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. IUCs do not provide any protection from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV).
Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring is a small, flexible, latex-free plastic ring that is inserted into the vagina. It slowly releases the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The vaginal ring does not provide any protection from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV).
Other Birth Control Methods
If your body does not react well to hormonal methods and you are not interested in using a copper IUD, there are other non-hormonal options available. Talk to your healthcare provider or visit www.sexandu.ca for more information.
Withdrawal, also known as the pull out method, requires removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
The fluid (pre-cum) released prior to ejaculation contains thousands of sperm. Pre-cum can fertilize the egg, resulting in pregnancy and can also transmit an STI.
The withdrawal method requires a lot of self-control and is not very effective at preventing pregnancy. It is estimated that at least 22 out of 100 couples who use the withdrawal method as contraception will become pregnant within a year.
Fertility awareness methods involve tracking the menstrual cycle to know when ovaries will release an egg every month (ovulation). The days near ovulation are the most fertile days and unprotected intercourse during this time is most likely to result in pregnancy. This method requires users to avoid sex or use another form of birth control (e.g., condoms) on fertile days. Temperature, cervical mucus, and calendar tracking can help FAM users identify which days they are ovulating.
FAMs require a lot of organization, tracking, and daily tasks to identify fertile days in the cycle, and self-control or preparedness during fertile days to avoid pregnancy. When used correctly, it is estimated that FAMs are around 76-88% effective at preventing pregnancy, and 12-24 couples out of 100 will get pregnant each year using these methods.
You will learn about symptoms, testing, treatment, and what happens if not treated.
Every person’s body is different and some people do not identify emotionally or physically with the gender they are assigned at birth. In this section we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to reproductive anatomy and biological sex, not gender. Please refer to the information that most reflects your reproductive organs, as sexually transmitted infections can impact people with male or female body parts differently.
Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis (often called “Trich”)
Other Conditions
Rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Saskatchewan are among the highest in Canada. These high rates are of concern because adolescent pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes for the mom and the baby. Likewise, if STIs are not treated, they can cause serious health issues for males, females, and unborn babies. Both adolescent pregnancy and STIs can be prevented with proper contraception use.
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Can people get pregnant the first time they have sex?
Yes. If ovulation has occurred (the body has released an egg) and the egg and sperm meet, pregnancy can happen.
Can a pregnancy happen or can an STI be transmitted if the penis is pulled out before ejaculating?
Yes. When a penis becomes aroused and erect, pre-cum is released. Pre-cum contains thousands of sperm. This means that pregnancy or an STI can occur even if ejaculation doesn’t happen in the vagina.
Can pregnancy occur if menstruating?
Yes. Ovulation (the release of an egg) can happen during menstruation. Since sperm can live in a body for up to six days, it is possible for pregnancy to occur if sexual intercourse happens before the release of the egg.
Can a pregnancy or STI transmission happen after having sex in a hot tub, having sex standing up, or after douching?
Yes. After sexual intercourse, sperm enter the cervix and are out of reach. This means that the sperm are not able to be washed away by water, and pregnancy or an STI may occur.
Is it okay to use the same condom more than once?
No. A condom provides protection for one act of intercourse and is not reusable. After intercourse, the condom should be removed and thrown into the garbage.
Are two condoms better than one?
No. Using two condoms increases the risk of the condom breaking because the condoms rub together. This can cause the condoms to rip or tear and may result in pregnancy or an STI.
Do all methods of contraception protect against STIs like chlamydia and HIV?
No. Most methods of contraception provide protection against pregnancy. Condoms are the only method of contraception that provide protection from most STIs.
Are oral sex and anal sex considered “safe” sex?
No. STIs can be transmitted through both oral and anal sex. There is also a risk of pregnancy during anal sex if semen leaks from the anus and sperm enters the vagina.
How often should I get tested for STIs?
You should get tested for STIs at least once a year if you are engaging in any kind of sexual activity (even if you are in a relationship). You should also get tested between sexual partners and three months into a new sexual relationship (it can take up to three months for some STIs to be detected).
How do I talk to my partner(s) about sexual health/my STI status?
Have conversations about sexual health and STIs before any sexual or intimate activity occurs. Calmly ask when your partner(s) were last tested for STIs. If you have a non-curable STI, share your status with your partner(s) at this time and be prepared to answer their questions and discuss ways you can have safer sex to avoid transmission. Allow time for partner(s) to do their own research, get tested, and avoid rushing or pressuring partner(s).
How do I choose the right birth control?
Every person is different and what works for some people might not work for you. Finding a birth control method that you will remember to use that does not have unpleasant side effects can take time and may involve trying multiple methods. If you are unhappy with your current method of birth control, ask your healthcare provider about other options.
What do I do if I miss a pill/dose/shot?
If you are taking a hormonal form of birth control and have missed a dose, visit the website “Stay on Schedule (SOS)” at www.sexandu.ca/contraception/stay-on-schedule/ for advice on your next steps.
What does 2SLGBTQ+ stand for?
The 2SLGBTQ+ acronym stands for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and others with diverse identities, bodies, and experiences of gender and sexuality. Other letters are sometimes included in the acronym (e.g., A for asexual, I for intersex, P for pansexual, etc.). For more information about various identities, visit: www.glaad.org/reference/lgbtq.
Where can I find information and support for 2SLGBTQ+ questions and concerns?
Saskatchewan-Based 2SLGBTQ+ Support Organizations:
For information on how to support the sexual health of gender and sexually diverse youth, visit: www.skprevention.ca/supporting-the-sexual-health-of-sexually-and-gender-diverse-youth/.
Is it safe to share sex toys?
STBBIs can be transmitted from one person to another by sharing sex toys. If using toys with a partner, sanitize the toy with soap and hot water before and after use. Use barriers like condoms over the toy, and discard and replace before using on another person. Choose high-quality silicone toys that can be cleaned more effectively, and make sure toys are completely dry after cleaning before storing them.
