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STI updates are blog posts from the BCCDC or our community partners about a variety of sexual health topics. These include program updates, clinical practice changes, new research, events, and more. We will not clutter your inbox with frequent emails, and your email address will not be used for any other purposes.
September 19, 2019 by Geoffrey Ford, HIV/STI Senior Practice Lead, Clinical Prevention Services, BC Centre for Disease Control
Please join the BCCDC education team for a Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) webinar to review this new Decision Support Tool (DST) for Registered Nurse assessment and management of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This DST includes information on: PrEP eligibility considerations Required and recommended baseline testing PrEP initiation, ongoing testing, monitoring and management Consultation and/or referral…
August 23, 2019 by BCCDC Public Health Laboratory
Given recent changes in testing methods and lab procedures, the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory (PHL) has made processing of STIBBI serological specimens more efficient. When drawing blood for any or all of the tests below, only 1 full* yellow/gold top tube (SST: serum separator tube) is required. *Note: If the tube is less than 2/3…
July 9, 2018 by Geoffrey Ford, HIV/STI Senior Practice Lead, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
A number of changes have been made to the BCCDC Communicable Disease Control Manual, Chapter 5: Sexually Transmitted Infections: Section 1: STIs. The BCCDC Non-Certified Practice Decision Support Tools have been updated with the following: Dispensing Prophylactic Medications Post Sexual Assault (June 2018) Core Nursing Practice Competencies for Dispensing Prophylactic Medications Post Sxual Assault (June…
December 12, 2017 by Malcolm Hedgcock, MD, Spectrum Health, Vancouver, BC
Background Behavioral interventions have been effective at lowering HIV transmission rates in British Columbia. Along with treatment as prevention, they remain the cornerstone of HIV prevention. However, infection rates have plateaued for the last 5 years and new interventions are needed to reach those individuals not captured by current prevention strategies. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is…
November 29, 2017 by Author: Harlan Pruden, Educator, Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Good news! For First Nations who are residents of BC and receiving benefits through the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), PrEP/Truvada is a covered benefit and is available at no cost. Inuit who are residents of BC are eligible to receive PrEP/Truvada at no cost through the Non-Insured Healthcare Benefits (NIHB) program. Filling a prescription…
September 15, 2017 by Dr. Troy Grennan, Medical Head, Provincial STI Clinic, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Syphilis testing The primary method for diagnosing syphilis is through serologic testing. However, in certain situations, it may be appropriate and clinically-indicated to perform one of the direct tests (i.e. swab of a lesion). Historically, the only direct tests available were darkfield microscopy and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA). Both of these tests are reliant on…
January 3, 2017 by Troy Grennan, Physician Lead, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. HPV is the virus that causes genital warts. Though warts can cause a lot of distress, they are typically benign and not associated with serious long-term consequences. However, certain types of HPV are high-risk and cancer-causing. These oncogenic types are…
October 20, 2016 by Jenn Matsui De Roo, MA, Registered Clinical Counsellor
Tucking is practiced by trans-feminine or other gender diverse people for a variety of reasons. Tucking may help to reduce dysphoria, make people feel more at ease in their bodies, and affirm their gender. Tucking can also be done for performance reasons by people who may or may not identify as trans, such as drag…
September 21, 2016 by Jenn De Roo, MA, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Lauren Goldman, RN(C), Clinic Educator, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
What does non-monogamy actually mean? People of all genders and sexual orientations have many different ways of being sexually active outside of monogamous relationships. Some of the ways that people are sexually active include: Being single and sexually active, either intermittently or regularly, with one or more partners. Having multiple ongoing sexual and romantic relationships,…
July 6, 2016 by Jenn De Roo, MA, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and Lauren Goldman, RN(C), Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Introduction Many people practice kink as part of their sex life, yet health care practitioners are rarely given specific training or information about this often misunderstood aspect of sexuality. This article focuses on creating an inclusive environment for patients to discuss all aspects of their sexuality, and offers specific suggestions on how to talk about…