Sexual Health

Sexual health is part of your physical, mental, and social well-being. Many people think sexual health starts during the teenage years. In fact, sexual health starts at birth as we begin to explore our bodies and the world around us. Sexual health is broad. It includes things like healthy relationships and communication, consent, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual experiences, and reproduction.

Consent

Consent is an agreement to engage in an activity. It happens when you ask for or give permission to do something.

Consent is important in all relationships, but it is an especially important part of sexual relationships and sexual activity. All of the people involved need to understand what consent means and must be able to give/receive consent.

Consent is…

  • Positive and clear - an easy to understand “yes”
  • Ongoing - you can change your mind any time
  • Clear-headed - you are awake, not drunk or high
  • Not pressured - you are not threatened, harassed, or manipulated to say “yes”

Consent and The Law

Sexual activity includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, as well as kissing, sexual touching, and sexting. In Canada, the age of consent to sexual activity is 16. However, there are some exceptions to the age of consent law.

  • 14- and 15-year-olds can consent to sexual activity with people who are no more than 5 years older than them.
  • 12- and 13-year-olds can consent to sexual activity with people who are no more than 2 years older than them.
  • Those under 12 years of age cannot consent to sexual activity.

It is illegal for someone in a position of trust or authority (e.g., a teacher, coach, boss, etc.) to take part in sexual activity with someone under the age of 18.

Safer Sex

Safer sex means using methods that will help lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. Contraception is often called birth control and is used by people to decrease the likelihood of pregnancy. It can be a method (e.g., abstinence), a drug (e.g., oral contraceptives), or a device (e.g., intrauterine contraceptives). Although lots of people think of the birth control pill when they think of contraception, there are many different types of contraceptives available. It is important to remember that not all contraceptives, like the birth control pill or intrauterine device, will protect you from sexually transmitted infections. For more information, visit Contraception Options: Finding the Best Method of Birth Control for You.

For information about pregnancy, visit: Pregnancy.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be causes by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. They are usually spread through sexual contact. Some STIs are spread through blood-to-blood transfer. Some examples of STIs that you have probably heard of are HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, and human papilloma virus (HPV). Most STIs can be treated and cured. Some STIs cannot be cured and are managed with the use of medication. See the table below for a summary of how STIs are spread (transmission); whether or not they are curable; and if they impact the ability to have a baby (fertility), affect a pregnancy, or affect newborns.

STIs often have no symptoms. If you are sexually active, it is important to get tested regularly for STIs. Even if there are no symptoms, the infection can still be passed to other people. Even if a person has been treated for an STI in the past, they can still be re-infected. It is important that all partner(s) are tested and treated. To learn more about STIs, check out the resource Are You Positive You’re Negative? Sexually Transmitted Infections: What You Need to Know.

Testing can be performed by your primary care provider, such as a family physician or nurse practitioner, or at local public health clinics, sexual health clinics, or the hospital. To find a testing centre near you, use the KIS-SK app or visit Sex Life Sask.

More Information About Sexual Health

Access Line

Free, confidential phone and text line, for questions about sexual health, pregnancy options, abortion, and safer sex.
1-888-642-2725

HealthLine

Free, 24/7, confidential, health and mental health advice
Call: 811

Kids Help Phone

Free, 24/7, confidential:
1-800-668-6868
Text: CONNECT to 686868
Chat Online: www.kidshelpphone.ca

Consent: What it is and Why it’s Important

How to Talk to a Partner About Sexual Health

What is a Sexual Health Clinic?

Action Canada

www.actioncanadashr.org

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

Are You Positive You’re Negative?

Building Healthy Relationships

Building Healthy Online Relationships

Contraception Options

KIS-SK App

Pregnancy

Sex Life Sask

www.sexlifesask.ca

Other Areas

Other Areas

August 12, 2024

Let’s Yap

June 25, 2019

Substance Use Awareness

June 24, 2019

Sexual Health

June 23, 2019

Pregnancy

June 22, 2019

Abuse

June 21, 2019

Mental Health

June 20, 2019

Gender and Sexual Identity

June 19, 2019

Homelessness

June 18, 2019

Gangs

June 17, 2019

Bullying

June 16, 2019

Relationships

June 15, 2019

Internet Awareness and Safety

June 14, 2019

Human Rights

June 12, 2019

YAP Projects

June 12, 2019

Youth Service Provider Training

June 11, 2019

Youth-led Community Health Grants Program

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