A crash course in sexual health! Recommended for grade 9 and up. Topics include: PPR services, STIs, birth control, choosing abstinence, barrier use, prevention techniques, healthy decision making and healthy relationships.

1. Planned Parenthood Regina
THE SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION PLACE
Sexual
Health 101
Y.E.A.H.
Youth Educating About Health

2. Group Guidelines
1. This is a safe space for everyone
- Everything is confidential, no judgments
2. There’s no such thing as a stupid question
-Every question is a good one. If you’re thinking it, other people
are too
-If you’re uncomfortable asking out loud, write it down for the
Secret Question Box
3. Respect yourself and each other
-This is important stuff, ask questions and get involved so you
can protect yourself and help inform your friends, we’re all in
this together so help each other out!

3. • 4. Labels are for cans
-Labeling creates stigma, and that’s not cool. Don’t make
judgments because of someone's sexual orientation, race,
gender or background. It’s what you do that can put you at
risk, not who you are.
5. Sex isn’t bad
-No gross pictures or scare tactics here. Sex is a natural part of
life, we want you to have accurate information so you can
protect yourself and stay healthy

4. How to…

5. What is
Planned Parenthood Regina?
• PPR is a sexual health centre
• We offer nurse and doctor services and
education to promote positive sexual health for
youth in our community. All of our services
are free and confidential.
• We use peer education to inform youth about
sexual health through presentations like this
one….

6. 1431 Victoria Ave
Phone: 522 0902

7. What do we do?
Our nurses can...
Prescribe Plan B
Do pregnancy tests
Discuss unplanned pregnancy options
Birth control consults and starts
STI information, full testing and treatment
Answer questions and provide education on prevention & harm reduction
Our doctors & Nurse Practitioner can...
Do pap tests
STI testing
Swabs and physical exams and treatments
IUD consults and inserts
Birth control consults and prescriptions

8. Sex…
We all think about it, so lets talk about it.
• After puberty our bodies are capable of having
sex and reproducing…that doesn’t mean we
automatically know everything about sex.
• We want you to become a sexpert, so here are
the basics…

9. What does STI stand
for?
Pop Quiz!

10. STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection
• STIs can be bacteria, a virus or parasite that is passed
on through sexual activity, skin to skin contact or
exchange of bodily fluids like blood.
• Some types of STIs are curable, some are not, but most
can be treated or managed

11. How can I get an STI?
You can get an STI from
having unprotected sexual
contact, simple as that.
It doesn’t matter what kind
of sex you have or who
you do it with. If you’re
not being safe, you’re
putting yourself and your
partner at risk of STIs.
When we say sex, we
mean EVERY kind of sex,
including…
oral, anal, vaginal, giving,
receiving, skin to skin
contact
…with ANY person (rich,
poor, black, white, straight,
gay, purple with green
stripes…anyone)

12. The good news? There are easy ways to
prevent STI’s…
1. Wait until you and your partner are ready, informed
and prepared for sex
2. Use a barrier every time you are have any type of
sexual contact with anyone
3. Be honest, talk to your partner and both get tested
before having sex and on a routine basis
4. Don’t participate in risky behaviours like sharing
needles, homemade tattoos and piercings or using drugs
and alcohol.

13. Did you know…
In Canada, 15 to 24 year olds have
the highest rate of STI’s.

14. Pop Quiz!
What’s the most common STI in
Saskatchewan?

15. What is it? Chlamydia is a sexually
transmitted bacterial infection.
Not so fun Fact: In recent years, Regina
has been the Chlamydia capital of Canada.
Woo Hoo…
How do you get it?
•unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex with a
person who has it.
•It can be passed along to your baby when
you are giving birth.
How can you tell if you have it?
• Most people don’t have symptoms, the
only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Chlamydia

16. Gonorrhea
What is it? Gonorrhea is a sexually
transmitted bacterial infection.
How do you get it?
•unprotected oral, anal or vaginal
sex with a person who has it.
•Mothers can pass it to their babies
during birth
How can you tell if you have it?
• Like Chlamydia, most people
don’t have symptoms, the only
way to know for sure is to get
tested

17. •If you test positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea you
need to see a nurse or doctor for an antibiotic treatment,
any sexual partners need to be treated as well.
Remember, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are extremely
common, but they are also treatable.
Left untreated these infections can cause damage in your
body, so...

18. Syphilis
What is it? Syphilis is a sexually
transmitted bacterial infection. It is
included in a standard STI blood
work screening
How do you get it?
•unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex with a person who has it.
•Mothers can pass it to their babies during birth
How can you tell if you have it?
• Can cause painless sores in the mouth, vagina or rectum, but
symptoms are generic so you need a blood test to know for sure.
•Untreated syphilis can lead to damage of vital organs
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but like most STI’s you can
become infected again

19. HPV (HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS)
What is HPV?
•HPV is a very common virus
•signs and symptoms can be
treated and new research
shows your body may shed the
virus within several years
•There are over 100 strains of
HPV. Some cause genital warts
and abnormal pap smears,
some cause no symptoms
How do you get it?
•Unprotected skin contact with
an infected area
•Condoms can’t protect you
100%, but they will reduce the
chance of transmission

20. HPV: Getting
Tested
How do you know if you have it?
•may have small warts on your
genital area
•may show abnormal cells on pap
tests (not all cases of abnormal
cells are HPV)
•May have no symptoms at all
How do you get tested?
•There is no “HPV test”, pap
smears can detect changes due to
the virus, and a physical exam can
diagnose genital warts.
How do you get treated?
•Warts can be removed by a doctor
•Abnormal pap results will need
to be monitored by a doctor
Prevention:
• HPV vaccinations for men
and women can reduce
chances of contracting certain
strains

21. Herpes
What is it?
• 2 types: Herpes simplex 1
& simplex 2.
• Can cause sores around
genitals or the mouth.
• Many people show no
symptoms or never have
an outbreak
How do you get it?
• Unprotected skin contact,
even if there are no visible
symptoms
• Can be transmitted
through birth from a
mother to her baby.

22. Herpes: Getting
Tested
How can you tell if you have it?
•If you have a blister or sore
present, see a doctor as soon as
you can
•Symptoms can come and go, but
you can only be tested when a
sore is present
How do you get tested?
•A doctor will take a swab of the
sore
•A blood test may also be done at
the same time
•A blood test alone is not an
accurate indicator or Herpes
There is no “cure” for
herpes, but...
• Outbreaks can be well
managed with prescription
medication and healthy
lifestyle
Prevention
•Always use barriers. If you
can see a sore, hold off on sex
until you can see a doctor
•Remember, herpes can be
transmitted without the
presence of any visible sores.

23. HIV
What is it?
• HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s
the virus that can lead AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if left untreated
•It weakens the immune system making it hard for the
body to fight off other infections.
Getting Tested
• Any doctor can order an HIV blood test, PPR nurses
can order and draw blood for HIV testing
• You must give consent to be tested for HIV, except
for prenatal blood work
• It can take up to 3 months after an at-risk exposure
for blood work to test positive for HIV
Prevention
•Always use condoms and minimize high risk behaviours
•People that are HIV positive can live long healthy lives with proper treatment
and a healthy lifestyle, but there is still no cure or vaccination for the virus.

24. How do you get HIV?
risk of HIV transmission
The Transmission Equation

25. Hepatitis C
(HCV)
What is it?
• Hep C is a virus that attacks the liver
•It can lead to serious liver damage, including
cirrhosis and cancer
-Hep C is not contagious, it can only be passed
on through blood to blood contact.
How do you get it?
•Primarily through sharing needles (injection drugs, snorting tools, insulin,
steroids, unsterile tattoos and piercings)
•It’s possible to get Hep C through sharing a toothbrush, razors or nail
clippers with someone who is Hep C positive
Getting Tested
•Any doctor can order Hep C bloodwork. PPR nurses can order and draw
blood for Hep C testing.
•It takes at least 3 months after an at-risk exposure for blood work to test
positive for Hep C
Prevention
•Never share needles or personal hygiene tools. Always use Universal
Precautions!

26. Are some things riskier
than others?

27. Pop Quiz!
What’s the only way to protect
yourself from STIs if you choose to
have sex?

28. Using a Barrier!
• Condoms (Receptive and Insertive)
• Dental Dams

29. Pop Quiz!
There are 4 easy ways to
reduce your STI risk…can
you remember what they
are?

30. 1. Wait until you and your partner are ready,
informed and prepared for sex
2. Use a barrier every time you are have any
type of sexual contact with anyone
3. Be honest, talk to your partner and both get
tested before having sex and on a routine basis
4. Don’t participate in risky behaviours like
sharing needles, homemade tattoos and
piercings or using drugs and alcohol.

31. How can I get tested?
Here are your options...
•PPR nurses and doctors can do full STI testing in a
quick appointment
•Any doctor can order STI testing, you can take the
requisition to the lab where they will take your
samples.
•The STI clinic offers full STI testing

32. Remember…
• All STI testing is free and confidential. You do
not need permission from your parents and no
one else has the right to see your results without
your permission.
• Having an STI does not make you dirty, or a bad
person…
It is a medical condition,
just like any other infection

33. Body Basics

34. The Female Reproductive System
• When menstruation (aka your period) starts, hormones tell the
ovary to release an egg (ovulation)
• The egg travels down the
fallopian tube where one of two
things will happen…
Pregnancy
or
Menstruation

35. Menstruation
• If the egg is not fertilized,
special hormones tell the
body to shed the uterine
lining, this is called a
period. Periods are different
for everyone but last about
5-7 days
• The cycle begins again!
• Most menstrual cycles last
between 25-35 days, but
everyone is different
• Its common for young
women to have irregular
cycles for the first couple
years after getting their
period
Pregnancy
• If there has been
unprotected sex close to
ovulation, the egg can be
fertilized by the sperm
• The fertilized egg will travel
into the uterus and implant
itself into the uterine lining
where it will grow into an
embryo and then a fetus
• 9 months later different
hormones trigger labour.
The cervix will open and the
baby will be delivered
through the birth canal.

37. Women and fertility
• A pregnancy is most likely to occur during
ovulation, if the egg comes into contact with
sperm
• Women are most likely to get pregnant about 3
days every month. But…every woman's cycle
is different and it’s hard to pin point when that
fertile time is, especially for young women
with irregular cycles.

38. Male Reproductive Organs

39. Men and fertility
• Unlike women, men are fertile every day.
• Men produce billions of sperm everyday and every
act of unprotected sex can potentially lead to a
pregnancy if the conditions are right.
• It’s not just her job to prevent an unplanned
pregnancy… it takes two to tango.
Bottom Line…
• If you don't want a pregnancy, it’s important to
learn about birth control and choose a method that
is right for both you and your partner.

40. Birth Control: The basics
Birth control can help control the reproductive
cycle to prevent pregnancy.
There are 6 types of birth control:
1. Hormonal
2. Barrier
3. Chemical
4. Surgical
5. Emergency
6. Abstinence

41. Hormonal Birth Control
• This method of birth control uses hormones
(progestin and estrogen) to prevent ovulation, thin out
the uterine lining (prevents implantation) and thicken
cervical mucus (to stop sperm)
• These methods work really well, when used perfectly
some are up to 99% effective.
• Hormonal birth control does not protect against any
STIs
Let’s check out some hormonal birth
control methods….

42. The Birth Control Pill
How it works:
•You take hormone pills for 21 days then have no hormones for 7
days.
• At some time during the 7 hormone free days you will have
your period
BirthControlPills
BirthControlPills
28 day Pack
contains 21
hormone pills
and 7
placebo pills
21 day pack
contains 21
hormone
pills and no
placebo
pills
The Pill is $10-15 at PPR

43. Effectiveness:
•The pill is 99% effective with perfect use.
Possible Pros:
•More regular periods, less cramping, improve acne
Possible Cons:
•Does not protect against STI’s.
•Must be taken around the same time every day
•There may be side effects for the first 3 months of use, if they
continue, see a doctor to try another method

44. The Patch
How it works:
• You apply a new patch to your hip, arm, back
or bum every week for 3 weeks then remove
your patch for one week to have your period
• Hormones on the patch are absorbed through
your skin
The Patch is $12 a month at PPR

45. Effectiveness:
•The patch is 99% effective with perfect use.
Possible Pros:
•Only think about birth control once a week
•More regular periods, less cramping, improve acne
Possible Cons:
• Visible on most skin types (similar to a Band-Aid)
• May not stick properly to all skin types
• You have to rotate your patch site every week to avoid
irritation

46. The Ring
How it works:
• The ring is inserted into your vagina and the hormones are
absorbed into your body for 3 weeks
The Ring is $15 a month at PPR

47. Effectiveness:
•99% effective with perfect use.
Possible Pros:
• Only think about birth control once a month
• The ring can be removed for up to three hours at a time
without impacting effectiveness
•More regular periods, less cramping, improve acne
Possible Cons:
• Some people may not be comfortable inserting the ring
• For some women, it is possible for the ring to expel

48. The Shot
How it works:
• Depo-Provera is a hormone injection that prevents
ovulation, it’s given once every 3 months.
• A nurse or doctor uses a needle to inject the
hormone straight into your body
Depo is $20 at PPR

49. Effectiveness:
• 99% effective with perfect use, but less room for error
Possible Pros:
• Only think about birth control 4 times a year (Every 3
months)
• Birth control that is completely invisible
Possible Cons:
• Irregular bleeding is common within the first 2 shots (6
months).
• It can effect your bone density so it is important to have a
healthy diet with lots of Calcium.
• Not a good option if you are scared of needles

50. The IUD
How it works:
• A T-shaped device is
inserted into the uterus
by a doctor
• Some IUDs use
hormones to prevent
pregnancy, others use
copper
• IUDs work for 3-7 years
but can be removed by a
doctor at any time
Copper IUDs are $60 or $80 at PPR

51. Effectiveness:
• Over 99% effective with perfect use, but there is less room for
user error
Possible Pros:
• Super effective but not permanent
• Women who use the Mirena IUD usually have lighter periods
and may stop menstruating all together after several months of
use
Possible Cons:
• As your body gets used to the IUD there may be irregular
bleeding and cramping, this usually gets better within a few
months. Copper IUD’s may lead to heavier periods and
cramping.

52. Barrier Birth control
• A barrier is a material or object that prevents
sperm and the egg from meeting each other
Here are two common barrier methods…
External Condom
Internal Condom

53. Condoms

56. Condoms
External
Condom
used to
cover the
penis/object
that is inserted
into the body
Internal
Condom
used to cover
the area where
the penis/ object
is inserted
• Internal and External condoms should never be used at the
same time
• When used correctly they are between 95-97% effective.
• The only form of birth control (besides abstinence)
that helps protect against STIs

57. Condom Tips
• Condoms hate extreme temperatures, keep them out of
extreme heat or cold. We live in Saskatchewan...never
leave condoms in your car.
• Treat your condoms with respect, don't keep them in your
pocket or wallet. Friction, rubbing and pressure can weaken
the latex, increasing the chance of condom breakage. Hard
condom cases are best.
• If you are going to carry one condom you might as well
carry a few. Just in case your condom breaks or a friend
needs one.
PPR always has FREE condoms, plus a big selection
for $3/dozen

58. Chemical Birth Control
This type of birth control uses chemicals that destroy
the sperm
These are called Spermicides and they come in gel,
foam and film. Some condoms have spermicide pre-
applied
Spermicides are not effective when used alone, they
should always be used along with a barrier method
This is important…
They can also cause skin irritation that can
make it easier to get an STI, including HIV

59. Surgical Birth Control
• This type of birth control cuts off the transportation
route between the sperm and the egg
• It is permanent and irreversible
Tubal Ligation Vasectomy

60. Emergency Contraceptive
How it works:
• Plan B contains the same hormones as birth control pills and
can help prevent a pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after
unprotected sex
• It has no effect if you are already pregnant and should not
be used as a regular form of birth control…emergencies
only!
Plan B is $15 at PPR (with a prescription or appointment)

61. Pop Quiz!
What’s the only method of
birth control that offers 100%
protection against pregnancy
and STIs?

62. Abstinence
• It’s important to know not
everyone is having sex, and
that’s ok.
• Everyone has a different
definition of abstinence,
decide what it means to you.
• Talk about your boundaries
with your partner before
things get hot and heavy
Sex is a big responsibility, there’s lots
to consider and there can be some
major consequences. So do
yourself and your partner a
favour…make sure you’re ready.
• It’s ok to wait. Ask yourself …
Can I handle the possibility of an
unplanned pregnancy or sexually
transmitted infection?
If the answer is a definite “no”, you
may need to decide if you’re
really ready for sex.

63. How it works:
Choosing to not have certain types of sexual contact. Everyone has their
own definition of abstinence, decide what’s right for you. Pregnancy
can’t occur if there is never sperm in or near the vagina. Depending on
the level of abstinence, the chance of getting or passing on STI’s is
greatly reduced as well.
Effectiveness:
The only method of birth control that is 100% effective against
pregnancy and STI’s
Possible Advantages:
No medical or hormonal side effects. You can choose it at any time, even
if you’re already had sex.
Possible Disadvantages:
Abstinence is a choice, some may feel it’s not a realistic option for them.

64. Pop Quiz!
What’s the most important
part of sex?

65. Consent
• Everyone has the right
to say no to sex at any
time
• It’s illegal to have sex
without consent
• If you’re legally too
drunk to drive, you can’t
legally consent to sex
• No always means no,
only “yes” means yes
• Consent should be out
loud and enthusiastic!
• Never pressure anyone
into having sex

66. Pop Quiz!
If you choose to have sex, what’s
the best Protection Plan to prevent
pregnancy and STIs?

67. We all know abstinence is the best form of birth
control and protection against STIs, but if/when you
choose to have sex….
The best Protection Plan is:
Hormonal Birth Control
+
Barrier
+
One Partner
+
Routine STI testing
This is the best plan to protect yourself and your
partner from pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections

68. Unplanned Pregnancy
• It’s important to know that if you
choose to have sex, even when
using birth control, there is a
possibility of a pregnancy
• Everyone has the right to
unbiased information about
unplanned pregnancy options and
to make a choice without pressure
or judgment
• Knowing your options is
important for making an informed
decision that is right for you.
• Facing an unplanned pregnancy can
be scary, but there are services
available that offer support for
women and couples.
– PPR nurses can discuss options for
unplanned pregnancy, offer
information to make an informed
decision and refer to support
services for whichever option you
choose
– Making an appointment at The
Women’s Health Centre (General
Hospital) gives you access to a
nurse or social worker to help with
the decision making process

69. Healthy Decisions
Drugs and Alcohol
• Alcohol and drugs can make it harder to stick to your decision
not to have sex, they can also put you in a dangerous situation
• If you’re drunk or high it’s easy to make decisions or do things
that you would never do if you were sober
• Know your limits and stay within them. Not knowing what
happened last night is scary and dangerous, especially if you
don’t know if you had sex or participated in another risky
activity
• Use the buddy system to keep each other accountable and safe
• Be prepared and be responsible, preventing an unsafe situation is
your best defense

70. Tattoos, piercings & sharing needles
• Never share any kind of needle. Whether you use it for
injecting drugs, steroids, insulin or an at home belly button
piercing, sharing a needle with someone is a major risk factor
for transmitting viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C.
• Only get a tattoo or piercing from a professional who follows
sterile practices in their shop, never get a tattoo or piercing
unless you are 100% sure the equipment is sterile.
• If you use needles or similar equipment for any reason:
– Never share with friends
– Use only new or sterilized equipment
– Dispose of your equipment properly, using a sharps
container or needle exchange drop off to prevent accidental
needle pokes

71. Get and give consent!
Sex can be a great thing…when you’re ready!
Having sex comes with responsibilities and consequences
There is nothing wrong with waiting
Unplanned pregnancy is not the only risk
STI’s don’t discriminate
No one deserves to be pressured into anything they don’t want to do
Alcohol and drugs can affect your decision making and safety
It’s good to ask questions!
Don’t forget…

72. Don’t just it!
Make sure information is from reliable websites.
Sexualityandu.ca , Sex, etc. &
plannedparenthoodregina.com are great ones to
try out
Call us to talk to a nurse!

73. Let’s get social!