Positive and clear - an easy to understand “yes”
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…
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.
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