Women’s Health: Amplify your Glow
BRITISH COLOMBIA RESOURCES
Surrey
Surrey Youth Clinic
9634 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC V3T 0G7
Provides free confidential information and education regarding sexuality and health to youth 21 and under.
Free contraception is available up to age 19.
Individuals aged 19 - 21 may obtain up to three months of birth control free; prescription required after the initial 3 months. Emergency contraception is available to women aged 21 and under.
Vine Youth Clinic
15455 Vine Ave, White Rock, BC V4B 2T3
Vine Youth Clinic provides free and confidential health care for youth aged 12 to 21
General Health – including acne, colds, coughs, muscular and joint pains.
Sexual Health – including consultation and provision of appropriate birth control, STI testing, pap tests, pregnancy testing and counselling
Surrey Options for Sexual Health
220-10362 King George Boulevard Surrey, BC V3T 2W5
(604) 731-4252
Our clinics provide sexual and reproductive health services for all ages, all genders, and all orientations. Our clinicians are committed to providing you with confidential, nonjudgmental, youth-friendly, pro-choice, and sex-positive services.
Get Checked Online
Online Service to get tested for STIs without having to see a doctor or go into a clinic
Sex Sense Line
Call to ask any sexual health-related questions
1-800-739-7367
Burnaby
Burnaby Youth Clinic
4734 Imperial Street Burnaby B.C. V5J 1C2
604-293-1764
Provides free confidential information and education regarding sexuality and health to youth 21 and under.
Free contraception is available up to age 19.
Individuals aged 19 - 21 may obtain up to three months of birth control free; prescription required after initial 3 months. Emergency contraception is available to women aged 21 and under.
New Westminster Youth Clinic
38 Begbie Street New Westminster B.C.V3M 3L9
604-329-1875
Provides free confidential information and education regarding sexuality and health to youth 21 and under.
Free contraception is available up to age 19.
Individuals aged 19 - 21 may obtain up to three months of birth control free; prescription required after initial 3 months. Emergency contraception is available to women aged 21 and under.
Kootenay Loop Options for Sexual Health
3550 East Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V5K 2A7
(604) 731 - 4252 ext. 229
Our clinics provide sexual and reproductive health services for all ages, all genders, and all orientations. Our clinicians are committed to providing you with confidential, nonjudgmental, youth-friendly, pro-choice, and sex-positive services.
Get Checked Online
Online Service to get tested for STIs without having to see a doctor or go into a clinic
Sex Sense Line
Call to ask any sexual health-related questions
1-800-739-7367
Tri-cities
Tri-Cities Youth Clinic
205 Newport Drive, 2nd floor Port Moody, BC V3H 5C9
604-949-7200
Provides free confidential information and education regarding sexuality and health to youth 21 and under.
Free contraception is available up to age 19.
Individuals aged 19 - 21 may obtain up to three months of birth control free; prescription required after the initial 3 months. Emergency contraception is available to women aged 21 and under.
Get Checked Online
Online Service to get tested for STIs without having to see a doctor or go into a clinic
Sex Sense Line
Call to ask any sexual health-related questions
1-800-739-7367
ALBERTA RESOURCES
Edmonton
Woman’s Health Options
12409 - 109 A Avenue, Edmonton Alberta
Phone: 780-484-1124 and Email: info@whol.ca
Monday through Friday- 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Woman’s Health Options is composed of professional staff who value and respect a person’s right to reproductive choice. Our team is committed to providing quality health care services in an atmosphere of compassion, dignity and confidentiality; to ensure the health, harmony and strength of all people.
Services available:
Birth Control
Counseling
Abortion Services
STI Testing & Pap Smears
Ultrasounds
Emotional Support
Edmonton’s STI Clinic
11111 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta - located in Edmonton’s Old General Hospital
Phone: (780) 342 - 2300
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1001498&serviceAtFacilityID=1009394
Monday through Friday- 8:45 am to 4:45 pm
STI Clinic services:
diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections in a non-judgmental and inclusive environment
detailed syphilis diagnosis, treatment and follow up
hepatitis A, B and HPV vaccine program for qualified individuals
HIV, hepatitis A, B and C testing for qualified individuals
emergency contraception
counselling and client education
contact tracing and partner notification
testing and treatment provided in community to those unable to access other sites or providers
harm reduction supply distribution (e.g. needles, condoms)
referrals to other services
Edmonton’s Birth Control Center
Seventh Street Plaza: 10030 107 Street Edmonton, Alberta - 405 North Tower
Riverview Crossing: 3210 118 Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta
Phone: (780) 413 - 5115
This location is only open Fridays
Offers confidential services to women and gender diverse teens and adults experiencing barriers to accessing birth control or other sexual health related services.
The Birth Control Center offers the following services:
birth control information, prescriptions, and free supplies for those who qualify
pregnancy testing and options support for unplanned pregnancies
information on safer sex practices
STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing and treatment
pap testing
Health Link for 24/7 Health Advice: 811
Medicentres/Walk-in Clinics
General physicians at walk-in clinics are able to provide you with a requisition for STI screening which you can then take to any medical lab and get testing done. This is an alternative for people that might not have a family doctor, or want to go to a location that is more convenient for them.
Reproductive Health
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This can lead to inflammation, pain and scarring. Endometriosis can affect all women and girls of childbearing age, regardless of race or ethnicity. 1 in 10 women is affected by endometriosis.
Symptoms include:
Excessive Painful Menstrual Cramps
Pain during Intercourse
Painful Urination & Bowel Movements during Menstrual Periods
Heavy & Abnormal Menstrual Flow
Lower Back Pain
Severe Pelvic Pain
Treatments include:
Pain medication
Surgery
Hormone therapy
Endometriosis can impact an individual’s life in many aspects such as:
Chronic pain
Fatigue/lack of energy
Depression/isolation
Bowel and bladder infections
Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
An inability to conceive
Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments
It is important to note that endometriosis is not an infection, contagious, or cancer.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Women with PCOS are typically insulin resistant; which means their bodies are still able to make insulin but they cannot use it effectively. They also have a higher level of male hormones (androgens) which can stop their ovulation - specifically their eggs being released. PCOS is the number one condition that causes women's infertility. It can cause irregular periods, acne, thinning of scalp hair and excess hair growth on the body and face.
For diagnosis 2 of these 3 symptoms are usually present:
Irregular periods or no periods, caused by lack of ovulation
Higher than normal levels of male hormones may result in excess hair on the face and body, acne, or thinning scalp hair
Multiple small cysts on the ovaries
Women with PCOS can develop serious health problems, especially if they are overweight:
Diabetes: more than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by age 40
Gestational diabetes (diabetes when pregnant): which puts the pregnancy and baby at risk and can lead to type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child
Heart disease: women with PCOS are at higher risk, and risk increases with age
High blood pressure: which can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys
High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol: increasing the risk for heart disease
Sleep apnea: a disorder that causes breathing to stop during sleep and raises the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes
Stroke: plaque (cholesterol and white blood cells) clogging blood vessels can lead to blood clots that in turn can cause a stroke
Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)
An infection caused by a yeast called Candida, this type of fungus in healthy amounts normally lives within the body usually in your mouth, throat, gut and vagina and on the skin without causing any problems. If the environment of your vagina is disrupted in a way that promotes the growth of candida the fungi can multiply causing an infection. Yeast infections are very common, around 75% of women will experience it at least once in their life
Symptoms include:
Vaginal soreness and itching
Pain during intercourse
Pain or discomfort while urinating
Abnormal vaginal discharge, usually discharge that is thick, clumpy and white
Redness
Swelling
Doctors diagnose vaginal candidiasis by taking a small sample of vaginal discharge. Treatment is an antifungal medicine that is either taken orally or applied inside the vagina. Women who are more likely to get yeast infections include those who:
Have diabetes
Are pregnant
Use hormonal contraceptives & hormonal changes
Have a weakened immune system (due to HIV infection or medicines like steroids and chemotherapy)
Are taking antibiotics
Ways to reduce chances of yeast infections:
Wearing cotton underwear & lose breathable clothing
Taking probiotics
Changing out of wet clothes or workout clothes quickly
Do not douche, and/or use scented soaps in your vagina
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Vaginas are typically acidic to protect from bad bacteria from growing and rather help maintain levels of good bacteria called lactobacillus. If your pH levels become imbalanced, an overgrowth of anaerobic organisms can result in BV.
Disruption in vaginal pH levels can occur from:
Getting your period
Taking antibiotics
Overwashing & douching
Using an IUD
Semen - if you have sex without a condom
Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
One of the most common vaginal conditions in women ages 15-44, any woman can get it. If left untreated having BV can increase your chances of getting STIs and increase chances of a problematic pregnancy. Male sex partners of women with BV do not need to get treated. BV can be transferred between female sex partners.
Symptoms:
thin, white or gray vaginal discharge
Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina
A strong fish-like odour (especially after sex)
Burning when urinating
Itching around the outside of the vagina
Doctors will diagnose BV through a sample of vaginal discharge. Treatment is through antibiotics; however, sometimes BV can go away on its own.
Ways to reduce chances of BV:
Not having sex or limiting sex partners
Not douching
Using condoms
Sexual Health
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a very common STI and is transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected individual. Ejaculation does not need to occur for chlamydia to be acquired or transmitted. Chlamydia infections in women can lead to serious consequences including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. The majority of cases are seen in young people between the ages of 15-24.
Who is most at risk for chlamydia?
Sexually active young individuals (15-24)
Individuals not using condoms
Individuals moving from one monogamous relationship to another very rapidly
Cervical ectopy may increase susceptibility
It is labelled as a “silent” infection because most infected people are asymptomatic. When symptoms are present they can show up as:
Pain or burning while peeing
Pain during sex (swollen vagina)
Urge to pee more
Lower belly pain or lower back pain
Abnormal vaginal discharge (yellowish and strong scent)
Bleeding between periods
Pus or watery/milky discharge from the penis
Swollen or tender testicles
Pain or bleeding and/or discharge around the anus
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics
Individuals that are positive should abstain from sexual activity for 7 days after single-dose antibiotics or until the completion of the 7-day antibiotics
Repeat infection with chlamydia is common, so individuals should retest around 3 months after treatment of the initial infection
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae that affects both males and females & can cause infections in the genitals, throat and rectum. It is a very common STI especially among young people 15-24 years old. Gonorrhea spreads through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an individual infected. Pregnant women can transmit gonorrhea to their babies during birth. The sharing of sex toys can also cause transmission. If untreated Gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), increase chances of infertility/sterilization and ectopic pregnancies, inflammation of the epididymis and increase chances of contracting HIV.
Most women are asymptomatic & if they do they are very mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. However, some possible symptoms are:
Painful or burning sensation when urinating
Increased vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding between periods or after intercourse
Pelvic or abdominal pain
How is Gonorrhea diagnosed?
Urine Sample
A swab from the vagina or where the infection has taken place
Complications:
Untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can:
Formation of scar tissue that can block the fallopian
Ectopic pregnancy
Infertility
Long-term pelvic/abdominal pain
May also increase chances of giving or getting HIV
Increase chances of infertility/sterilize
Inflammation of the epididymis
Infection that spreads to other joints and areas of the body
Treatment - easily treatable
Gonorrhea is easily treated with antibiotics
Your doctor may recommend retesting for gonorrhea 3-7 days after treatment to ensure success
It is becoming more difficult to treat gonorrhea as drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea increase
You should wait 7 days after you have done treatment to have sex again
Ways to prevent:
Using condoms/dental dams the correct way and every time you engage in sexual activity
Use condoms on sex toys if sharing
Limit the number of sexual partners you have
Consider regular testing
Herpes (Oral & Genital)
Herpes Type 1 (Oral or HSV-1)
Transmission
Mainly transmitted between oral-to-oral contact to cause an infection in or around the mouth
HSV-1 is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin; therefore, kissing or sharing objects like toothbrushes or straws can spread the virus
Highly contagious
Can be contracted even if sores are not present
Most times HSV-1 is acquired during childhood
How Common is it?
Very common
An estimated 67% of the world's population between the ages 0-49 have HSV-1
Cold Sores are a form of HSV-1
Symptoms
Mostly asymptomatic and individuals are unaware they have it
For many, the infection may go through periods of being dormant
The main symptom is painful blisters or ulcers in or around the mouth
Other symptoms: fatigue, general illness, nausea, physical/emotional stress
Sores on the lips are commonly referred to as cold sores
Prior to the sores and blisters, the individual will typically feel itching, tingling and/or burning sensation around the mouth
HSV-1 is a lifelong infection; after, the initial infection the blisters or ulcers can happen periodically (frequency varies for each person)
Oral HSV-1 → Genital HSV-1
HSV-1 can cause genital herpes if an individual has an outbreak and performs oral sex
Most genital HSV-1 infections are estimated in the Americas, Europe, and Western Pacific
Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 can be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms
Genital herpes is characterized by one or more genital or anal blisters or uclers
The initial herpes episode can be quite severe and then can have recurring outbreaks
However, genital herpes causes by HSV-1 typically does not recur as frequently as genital herpes caused by HSV-2
Individuals who already have HSV-1 oral herpes infection are unlikely to be subsequently infected with HSV-1 in the genital area
Treatment - incurable
Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir
These medications help reduce the severity and frequency of the symptoms but do not cure the infection
Prevention
Those with consistent active symptoms of HSV-1 should avoid oral contact with others and sharing objects that share salvia
Should also abstain from oral sex to avoid transmitting herpes to the genitals
Those with active symptoms of genital HSV-1 should avoid sexual activity
Consistent and proper use of condoms; however, herpes can occur where condoms do not cover
Communication
Herpes Type 2 (HSV-2)
Transmission
Almost exclusively sexually transmitted through contact with genital surfaces, skin, sores or fluids of someone infected with the virus
Can be transmitted from the skin in the genital or anal area that looks normal
Often transmitted in the absence of symptoms
How Common?
Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 is a global issue
About 13% of the world’s population between 15-49 live with the virus
More women are infected with HSV-2 than men by almost double
This is because sexual transmission of HSV is more efficient from men to women than women to men
Symptoms
Often genital herpes infections are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed
Typically, about 10-20% of people with HSV-2 infection report a prior diagnosis of genital herpes
Genital herpes is characterized by one or more genital or anal blisters ulcers
symptoms of new genital herpes infections often also include fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes
people may experience sensations of mild tingling or shooting pain in the legs, hips, and buttocks before the appearance of genital ulcers
After an initial genital herpes infection with HSV-2, recurrent symptoms are common but often less severe than the first outbreak
frequency of outbreaks tends to decrease over time but can occur for
HSV-2 and HIV
HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring a HIV infection by approximately three-fold
people with both HIV and HSV-2 infection are more likely to spread HIV to others
HSV-2 is amongst the most common infections in people living with HIV, occurring in 60-90% of HIV-infected persons.
People living with HIV (and other immunocompromised individuals) can have a more severe presentation and more frequent recurrences of HSV-2
HSV-2 lesions create an ideal scenario for the rapid spread of HIV infection
Treatment - incurable
Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir
These medications help reduce the severity and frequency of the symptoms but does not cure the infection
Prevention
Individuals with genital HSV infection should abstain from sexual activity whilst experiencing symptoms of genital herpes
People with symptoms suggestive of genital HSV infection should also receive HIV testing
Consistent and proper use of condoms; however, herpes can occur where condoms do not cover
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
What is it?
Most common STI - almost everyone at some point will get some variation of it even with few sexual partners
Viral infection
There are over 100 variations of HPV
Over 40 are sexually transmitted and can affect your genitals, mouth and throat
Around 14 variations are cancer-causing also known as high risk
There are vaccines that protect against some of the cancer-causing variations
Some HPV infections may not cause any health concerns at all
However, some HPV infections may lead to genital warts and even certain cancers of the cervix, anus and throat
How is HPV transmitted?
Viral infection passed between people through the skin to skin contact
You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus
It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex.
HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.
Symptoms
Often does not cause any noticeable symptoms or health problems. However, if the HPV progresses some symptoms may be:
Genital Warts
Respiratory Papillomatosis (warts in the throat)
Unusual Pap Smear for Women
Others may find out once very serious problems such as cancers form
Diagnosis
There is no test to determine one’s HPV status
Women can receive pap smears to test for cervical cancer and ensure everything is alright/healthy
Women should begin to have regular pap smears every 3 years at age 21-65
Complications
HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus
Also can cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils
Cancer often takes years to develop after a person contracts HPV
HPV can also cause genital warts which are different variations than those that develop cancer
There is no way to tell if people with HPV will develop cancer or other health problems; however, those with HIV/AIDS or weakened immune systems may be able to fight it less
Those Most at Risk for HPV
Individuals with multiple sex partners
Those who have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
Individuals that have a weakened immune system
Having a partner that has HPV
Having other STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or herpes
Treatment
There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause:
Genital warts can be treated by your healthcare provider or with prescription medication.
If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.
Cervical precancer can be treated.
Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops.
Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when diagnosed and treated early.
Prevention
Proper use of condoms
Practice safe sex
Communication between sexual partners
Be in a mutually monogamous relationship
Get vaccinated - the vaccine is safe and effective. It can be protected against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV
CDC recommends HPV vaccination around age 11
Vaccination is not recommended after 27 years old
Get screened for cervical cancer.
Routine screening for women 21-65 years old can prevent cervical cancer
