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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 22, 2015 by Jill Chettiar, MPH / MD Candidate / Research Associate, Gender & Sexual Health Initiative, Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
Background Sex workers face many barriers when it comes to accessing primary health care, and sexual and reproductive health services. Being informed about the diversity of sex workers’ experiences can enable providers to connect with sex workers in respectful and meaningful ways that will result in their needs being met, and long-term, trusting relationships being…
September 9, 2015 by Jenn De Roo, MA, RCC, Counsellor, 1-800-SEX-SENSE coordinator at Options for Sexual Health
PART 3 – Creating accessible spaces Accessibility for trans people isn’t just about gender. Trans people may also have accessibility needs that are unrelated to their gender, but that still create barriers to access. For instance, trans people may have chemical sensitivities, use a wheelchair, have bigger bodies or require non-English language services. Having a…
August 20, 2015 by Jenn De Roo, MA, RCC, Counsellor, 1-800-SEX-SENSE coordinator at Options for Sexual Health
PART 2 – Systems and Procedures Traditionally, medical systems and procedures have not considered the needs of trans clients. Some simple changes to existing protocols can make services more accessible and trans-friendly. Procedures in the waiting room Many clinics require clients to show care cards or service cards. This can put trans clients in a…
August 6, 2015 by Jenn De Roo, MA, RCC, Counsellor, 1-800-SEX-SENSE coordinator at Options for Sexual Health
Sexual health clinics provide essential services, but these spaces can sometimes present accessibility challenges to trans and gender variant people. There are many things that can impact how trans and gender diverse clients experience clinic spaces. Trans and gender diverse clients may experience significant discomfort, humiliation or trauma when interfacing with a system that doesn’t…
May 27, 2015 by Darrel Cook, Research Projects Leader, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Background In 2013, the BCCDC published results of a pilot study [1] which confirmed the value of pooled nucleic acid testing (PNAT) to identify acute HIV infections in a high risk population of men who have sex with men. PNAT increased HIV diagnoses by 11.5% compared to standard 3rd generation HIV antibody screening. This increase…
May 21, 2015 by Alexandra Corbet, MPH, Co-Investigator with the Binding Health Project, Boston University School of Public Health
Background Chest binding refers to the mechanical compression of breast tissue, often through the use of sports bras, ace bandages, or specialized compression garments. Binding is most commonly practiced by female-assigned-at birth or intersex individuals who identify along the transmasculine* spectrum as a means of gender expression. It is often among the first and most…
April 29, 2015 by Cheryl Prescott, RN(C), BSN, MPH, Clinical Prevention Services Education, BCCDC
Background The BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) Clinical Prevention Services (CPS) STI Education and Clinical Leadership teams develop and maintain the competencies and evidenced-based nursing DSTs for STI certified and non-certified nursing practices. The STI DST review process was initiated by BCCDC in February 2013. A provincial working group (PWG) was established to form…
November 26, 2014 by Derek Kline, Outreach Nurse, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC, & Anna Kline, M.Psych., RCC
Anxiety and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) go hand-in-hand.[1,2] Worry can take many forms and is often related to fears about social stigma.[2,3] Waiting for the right time to get tested or waiting for results can also increase anxiety. Given these things, it’s not surprising that people present to you as worried or anxious.[1,2] There is…
September 12, 2014 by Gina Ogilvie, Medical Director, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
Gonorrhea treatment in BC In 2012, treatment guidelines for gonorrhea evolved and recommendations for GC treatment in BC now are: First line treatment Cefixime 800 mg PO for one dose AND Either Azithromycin 1 gram x for one dose or Doxycycline 100 mg po BID for 7 days OR Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM (coupled with…
August 20, 2014 by Fiona Gold, Outreach Nurse, Clinical Prevention Services, BCCDC
How can organizations incorporate a trauma informed approach? In 1992, the US Congress directed SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) to direct their focus to substance abuse and mental health services for Americans in need. SAMHSA’s mandate was to translate research effectively and rapidly into the general health care system.[1] Canada has lagged…