The Saskatchewan government says patients should feel comfortable asking their doctor any questions they need to make safe and informed choices about their sexual health.
It’s part of an awareness campaign which also aims to normalize screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among sexually active individuals.
“We are concerned about the high rates of STIs in our province,” Dr. Denise Werker, deputy chief medical health officer for Saskatchewan, said in a press release.
“We want to make sure that if people are sexually active, they know they may be at risk of contracting a STI, and that getting tested and conversations about your overall sexual health should be expected as part of your regular checkup.”
Officials said people who are infected with STIs – such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or early stages of herpes – may not know it because they don’t have symptoms. They added the consequences of not getting tested or treated vary depending on the infection, but it can be significant.
The province provides free STI medications to patients at the time of their appointment with a doctor or sexual health clinic.
For more information about STIs, visit the government online.
Sexual and reproductive health week is also running from Feb. 11 to 15.
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