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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.
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…
June 27, 2016 by Dr. Troy Grennan, STI Physician Lead, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Please circulate these key STI updates to your networks. Benzathine penicillin (Bicillin L-A) is once again available in Canada Several months ago, Pfizer Canada – the sole Canadian manufacturer of Bicillin L-A – announced that it would be temporarily ceasing production of this drug. As a result, interim guidelines for the treatment of syphilis were…
June 24, 2016 by Cheryl Prescott, Senior Practice Leader, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
The BC Cancer Agency has released new recommendations for cervical cancer screening. Some highlights of the new recommendations are: First age for Pap testing is 25 years old (regardless of sexual debut) Subsequent screenings for normal Pap results are every 3 years Follow-up for minor abnormal Pap results is in 1 year For more details,…
April 29, 2016 by Cheryl Prescott, Senior Practice Leader, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued interim syphilis treatment guidelines to be used during the current Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin L-A) shortage. These guidelines are available in PDF format for download under the Additional Resources section below. These interim guidelines have also been posted in Chapter 5 of the BCCDC Communicable Disease Manual….
December 3, 2015 by Cheryl Prescott, Senior Practice Leader, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
The Public Health Microbiology Reference Laboratory at the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC PHMRL) has implemented nucleic acid testing (NAT) for Trichomonas vaginalis using the FDA-approved Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis assay. The new DNA test offers both increased sensitivity and specificity as compared to microscopy. This means the test is better able to correctly identify…