Sexual & Reproductive Health Week: FREE Workshops!

This week - from Feb 10-16 - we are marking Sexual & Reproductive Health Week. 

You may have noticed that we are taking part in the "Heart Your Parts" social media campaign, launched by the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health.  Heart Your Parts is about recognizing the importance of your sexual health as part of your overall well being, and working together to build a stronger culture of healthier and happier sex positive individuals engaging in healthy sexual behaviours. 

Join us on Twitter at @YYCSexualHealth and follow the conversation at #HeartYourParts.

In addition to the #HeartYourParts campaign, we are thrilled to be taking part in Sex Week at the University of Calgary. All week long, many local organizations will be hosting workshops, events and activities at the University.  Check this link for the full schedule.

On Monday we had a great time at the Carnival event to kick off Sex Week. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and had some fun with us!

Starting today - which is officially Sexual & Reproductive Health Day - we will begin our roster of FREE workshops at the UofC.  

Here's the details of what we're offering this week:


Modern Masculinity
Tues, Feb 12
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Council Chambers (McEwan Student Centre 280)


Know Your O: Part 1
Wed, Feb 13 
1:00 - 2:00 pm 
Council Chambers (McEwan Student Centre 280)

Know Your O: Part 2 

Wed, Feb 13 

2:30 - 3:30 pm 

Council Chambers (McEwan Student Centre 280)

Porn: A Conversation 

Thurs, Feb 14 

3:30 - 4:30 pm 

Council Chambers (McEwan Student Centre 280)

Gender and the Media  

Thurs, Feb 14  

3:00 - 4:00 pm  

Wellness Centre Classroom (McEwan Student Centre 370)

Be sure to check out these fun and FREE workshops, and the many, many more as detailed in the full schedule at the UofC! 

Happy Sexual & Reproductive Health Week! 

Questions asked during Sex Ed Class - Part 1: STIs

If a person with herpes gives someone oral sex, can the person get herpes on their genitals?

The virus that causes oral herpes is herpes simplex 1. Herpes simplex 2 causes genital herpes.

It is possible for someone with oral herpes (Simplex1) to pass that strain on to the genitals of another person during oral sex. This means that if that person contracts the virus it is a herpes simplex 1 infection on his or her genitals. This type of transmission is rare, but is possible. Usually the outbreaks of sores are milder then with herpes simplex 2 as the virus is not in its own domain.
 


Why does it burn sometimes when you urinate?

There can be many reasons for this, some serious and some not so serious; however it is recommended to see a doctor immediately if burning persists.

One cause of burning when you pee could be urinary tract or bladder infections (UTI). UTI’s are caused when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and are usually treated with antibiotics.

Another possibility is a yeast infection, which is usually transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who has a yeast infection, although antibiotics and lubricants with potentially irritating chemicals in them, like the spermicide nonoxynol 9, can also potentially cause them.

Finally, a person may feel burning during urination if they have had unprotected sex with a person who has a sexually transmitted infection, or STI. If a guy thinks he may have an STI, he can look for a discharge from the head of the penis.

An important thing to remember is that the most common symptom of an STI is still no symptom at all, and there are many reasons a person can feel a burning sensation when they urinate. Being on the safe side and going for a doctor’s visit is usually best.



Can you get any STI’s on your hand?

Scabies, which is not solely an STI can infect the skin anywhere on the body including the hand and is spread through any skin-to-skin contact.

There are over 100 types of HPV that can affect a person’s skin. While only certain strains, the sexually transmitted ones, cause genital warts, others cause warts on the hands and feet. These warts can rarely cross over but it is unlikely as the type of wart is not suited for growth in that area.

 

Can you have more than 1 STI at the same time?

Yes it is possible to contract any STI you come into contact with even if you have one already. You may also contract many at one time. People with compromised immune systems like those with HIV can contract infections easier including sexually transmitted ones.



Are there any ways to see if you or your partner has an STI without going to the doctor?

No. Unfortunately not. A commonality amongst all STI’s is that they can be asymptomatic (no obvious symptoms).  Check our website for where you can go for STI testing.

The next Calgary Gay-Straight Alliance Roundtable is Jan 31

Calgary and Area Students and Teachers!
 

Please join us for the Calgary Gay Straight Alliance Roundtable. 

This meeting is for students and teachers/staff who have a GSA or who are interested in starting one.

 
Thursday, January 31, 2013
6:00pm – 8:00 pm
Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association Community Centre

 
(Free parking and just a few minutes walk from the Sunnyside C-Train station)
 
 
RSVP to:
Call Nick Moore at 403. 283. 5580 ext. 308 or email 
nmoore@calgarysexualhealth.ca

 
Free Pizza and Pop will be provided!
 
Purpose of the meeting:

• Building-up and developing Calgary GSA Round-Table meetings
• Network and meet other members of GSA’s in the city
• Discuss how to develop safe and inclusive environments in Calgary and area schools

 
(Please share this info with any students and friends on Facebook or Twitter!)