Emergency Contraception (morning after pill)
Sexually Transmitted Illnesses
Oral Contraception (birth control pills) - There are basically two types birth control pills- the combined oral contraceptive pill which contains both estrogen and progestin, and the mini-pill which contains progestin alone. The combined pill is the most commonly prescribed oral contraceptive. Most packages come in 21-pill and 28-pill packages. The 28-pill pack usually contains 21 tablets that contain hormones and 7 tablets, which may contain no hormones called placebos. These pills serve as a reminder to take your pill everyday.
Possible side effects: breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, and changes in weight.
Intrauterine Device (IUD) - The intrauterine method of birth control is different. Intrauterine simply means "inside the uterus". In this method, a physician carefully places a flexible plastic device with a copper wire inside the uterus. At the bottom of the IUD is a polyethylene string. Since the IUD is shaped to fit snugly into the uterus, you never feel it. The copper wire changes the chemistry within the uterus and prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg. It can stay in the uterus for up to five (5) years.
Possible side effects: periods that are heavier or more painful than usual, increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease during the 3 months after insertion
Depo Provera - This is an injectable hormone progestin and is a reversible and effective method of contraception. Either your doctor or a nurse will administer the injection in the muscle of your upper arm, buttocks or thigh. The injection lasts for 12 weeks (approximately 3 months) after which time you must have another injection to maintain the contraceptive benefits.
Possible side effects: irregular bleeding for up to 1-2 years and weight gain
Ortho Evra “Patch” - Ortho Evra, the first and 
only once-a-week birth control patch, offers the same efficacy as the Pill with even greater simplicity. To prevent pregnancy, the Patch is worn on the skin for one week and replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks, with the fourth week "patch-free." For more information log onto www.orthoevra.com/birth-control-patch
Condoms and Spermacide - Male and female condoms, in combination with spermicide can prevent the spread of STI’s and pregnancy. Spermicides can be found in a variety of forms; including vaginal creams, foams, films, and suppositories. Spermicides work by forming a chemical barrier that either kills sperm or paralyzes them. Male condoms are readily available at the Health Centre.
Emergency Contraception (Morning after pill) - An 
emergency contraceptive is a “back-up” birth control method which can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex (such as sex without contraception, or when contraception fails). It is not suitable for a regular contraception. The emergency contraception will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other STI’s. The pill is 75% effective in preventing pregnancies when taken within 24hrs of unprotected sex. It can be taken up to 72hrs after Emergency contraception is available at the Health Centre.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Human Papilloma Virus (Genital warts) - What is it? HPV is a viral infection in the genital area. Symptoms: Soft, itchy warts in and around the genitals. How it's spread: Through unprotected sex, or by touching an infected area.
Treatment: There's no cure. Warts can be removed with medication or surgery, but the virus stays in your body.
Note: Condoms may not prevent infection if the infected areas are not completely shielded by a latex condom.
Possible Consequences: Increased risk of genital cancer. Some types are associated with the most common form of cervical cancer in women.
Prevention: It's really important to get an annual Pap smear once you start having sex
Chlamydia - What is it? A bacterial infection of the genital area. Symptoms: For many people, there are no symptoms. Some people may find abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, pain with urination.
How it's spread: Through unprotected sex (including oral sex). Treatment: Antibiotics for both partners.
Possible Consequences: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, tubal pregnancy, infertility, increased risk of HIV.
Prevention: Always use a condom, you can get screened when you get a Pap smear, and see if your Doctor will screen your partner too.
Genital Herpes - What is it? A viral infection of the genital area (and sometimes around the mouth).
Symptoms: In the mouth, herpes causes painful cold sores and blisters. These blisters can also be found on the penis, vagina, cervix, or anal regions. Herpes can spread from mouth to vagina, and in the opposite direction by oral genital sex, when one partner has an active lesion. During the first attack, it may be accompanied by a fever, headache and swollen glands. Once you become infected with the herpes virus, sores tend to recur over and over every few months for years.
How it's spread: By touching an infected area, or by having unprotected sex with someone who has an active sore.
Note: Condoms may not prevent herpes if the infected area and secretions are not completely shielded by the latex condom Treatment: There's no cure. Drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of recurrent sores and help to reduce the pain and itching that the sores cause.
Possible Consequences: Recurrent sores, increased risk of HIV. Possible transmission of the virus to newborn babies. Prevention: Don't have sexual contact if your partner has visible lesions. If your partner has cold sores, stay away from oral sex.
HIV - What is it? The cause of AIDS.
Symptoms: Many people don't even know they have HIV because symptoms may not appear for years. Others experience weight-loss, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, persistent fevers, headaches, mental disorders, or severe/recurring yeast infections.
How it's spread: Through bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk). This can occur during sex, or by sharing contaminated needles.
Treatment: There is presently no cure. HIV causes AIDS, which is considered a fatal disease. Medication slows the progression from HIV to AIDS, delaying the onset of AIDS. Early treatment makes a big difference.
Possible Consequences: It's the deadliest STI and weakens the body's ability to fight off illness. People with HIV become vulnerable to cancer and pneumonia.
Prevention: Always wear a condom and talk to your partner about being tested for HIV.
Hepatitis B - What is it? A viral infection that causes inflammation of your liver.
Symptoms: Many of us don't have symptoms. Others experience extreme tiredness, nausea, soreness, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) and dark urine.
How it's spread: Through unprotected sex, or by sharing contaminated needles.
Treatment: Some cases clear up without treatment, but many people are contagious for the rest of their lives. Vaccines are now available to prevent this STD, and you can have them administered at the Health Centre.
Gonorrhea - What is it? A bacterial infection of the genital area.
Symptoms: For many people, especially women, there are no symptoms. Some people may experience burning during urination, green or yellow discharge (from your penis or vagina) abnormal vaginal bleeding.
How it's spread: Through unprotected sex.
Treatment: Antibiotics for both partners. Possible
Consequences: pelvic inflammatory disease, arthritis, tubal pregnancy, sterility, complications during pregnancy, increased risk of HIV.
Prevention: Always use a condom, you can get screened when you get a Pap smear.
Trichomoniasis - What is it? A microscopic bug (parasite) that lives in fluids of the vagina, or under the foreskin of the penis.
Symptoms: Some women notice abnormal discharge, strong odor or pain in their genital area. Some guys may notice discharge from their penis.
How it's spread: Through unprotected sex.
Treatment: Antibiotics for both partners.
Possible Consequences: Complications during pregnancy, reoccurrence of infection are common, increased risk of HIV.
Prevention: Always use a condom, you can get screened when you get a Pap smear
Syphilis - What is it? An infection that can spread throughout the body.
Symptoms: Initially, sores may (but not always) appear on the genitals or mouth. This is followed by a variety of symptoms, including a rash (on palms, soles, and genitals).
How it's spread: Through unprotected sex and through kissing (if there is a sore in your mouth).
Treatment: Antibiotics (for both partners) can cure it, if it's caught early, but AT LATER STAGES medications won't be able to repair any damage already done.
Possible Consequences: Increased risk of HIV. If the symptoms aren't treated, the germs will remain in the body and may eventually cause damage to your brain, heart, nervous system, and possibly cause death.
Prevention: Always use a condom and get screened when you have a Pap smear.
Testing at the Health Centre - The physicians and nurses at the Health Centre can provide screening, education and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Genital swabs, urine or blood testing may be obtained for analysis. During routine female pap-smears, physicians may screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea. HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C screening is obtained through a blood sample and is coded to ensure confidentiality of the client. Please do not hesitate to contact the Health Centre with any questions or concerns regarding screening.
