Six Nations Sexual Health Services

Six Nations Sexual Health

Sexual Health Programs

It is often difficult to address the complex issue of sexuality, yet it is an integral part of our lives.

Our goal is to provide education, awareness and promote responsibility regarding lifestyle issues that affect sexual health, pregnancy outcome and the risk for HIV/AIDS.  Client confidentiality is of the utmost importance.

The Sexual Health Program consists of the following services:

  • Birth Control Information - Comparison of the various methods of Birth Control in order to help individuals and couples make an informed decision.
  • Pap Testing Information - This allows early detection and treatment of cancer of the cervix. Cancer of the cervix is a silent disease that rarely shows symptoms. Call your family physician and make an appointment for this simple test.
  • Pregnancy Testing - If you think you may be pregnant, it is important to discuss this matter with your family physician and /or nurse.
  • Options Counselling - Please call and make an appointment to discuss your concerns about pregnancy.
  • Community Events - Six Nations Pride and World AIDS Day – Red Scarf Campaign. Watch for Sexual Health Clinics, Sexual Health Awareness Days, Annual Youth Health Forum.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Management and Counseling - Sex is a normal and healthy part of our lives. However, there are many types of infections that are spread through sex. Some are easily cured, but others, if not treated, can have a serious effect on your health. STI testing is done by your family physician or nearest ER/ walk-in clinic or you can call and discuss your concerns with the Sexual Health Nurse.
  • HIV/AIDS Information - In order to better understand the complexity of HIV and AIDS, it is crucial to obtain accurate and factual information. We have information on anonymous testing sites in Ontario. Any question you may have is a valid question. For appointments or any other information, please call: 519-445-2672 EXT. 247 Sexual Health Nurse
  • ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL.
  • Location - GaneYohs Health Centre, 1769 Chiefswood Rd., PO Box 220, Ohsweken, Ont. Canada N0A 1M0

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

10 Questions to ask your new Partner before having sex
  • Are you having sex with anyone else?
  • How many sexual partners have you had?
  • Have you ever had a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
  • Have you ever had a sexual partner who had HIV or another STI?
  • How long has it been since you’ve been tested for HIV or other STIs?
  • How many sexual partners have you had since?
  • Have you ever had genital warts or sores?
  • Do you have any STI symptoms? Symptoms such as sores, warts, vaginal or penile discharge?
  • Do you know how to tell if you have an STI?
  • Do you prefer getting tested for HIV/STIs and then having a relationship only with each other, or using condoms each time we have sex?

Resource: Permission granted from Halton Region Health Dept. 2015​

What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?

A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is an infection which is passed on from one person to another during sexual activity which can involve sexual intercourse, skin to skin contact and an exchange of body fluids.

There are many different types of STIs that can be passed on during Oral sex -  Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Herpes, Hepatitis B and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  Vaginal sex exposure can involve all the STIs –  Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HPV, Herpes, Hepatitis B, HIV, Trichomoniasis, Pubic lice and Scabies.  Anal sex involves the most STIs exposures- Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HPV, Herpes, Hepatitis B, HIV, Pubic lice and Scabies.

How can I protect myself from Sexually Transmitted Infections including HIV/AIDS?
  • Abstinence – no sex of any kind.
  • Practice safer sex – always carry and use latex or latex free male or female condoms for vaginal, anal or oral sex. Use dental dams for oral sex. One time use for each condom, check expiry date and package for damages. Never use 2 condoms together.
  • Limit the number of sexual partners that you have. Multiple partners increase the risks for STIs.
  • Practice birth control options and condom use together for effective protection against STIs and pregnancy.
  • Get tested for STIs including HIV and Hepatitis C regularly.
  • Practice Harm Reduction if you use intravenous drugs. Don’t share needles or syringes. Get new needles or supplies from a needle exchange/harm reduction program from your local health unit or community health centre.
  • Avoid sex while under the influences of alcohol or drugs which can impair your judgment.
  • Avoid sharing sex toys and use a new condom before each use. Clean your sex toys as per instructions between vaginal and anal use.
  • Avoid risky activities which include unprotected sex – vaginal, anal and oral; sharing used needles and syringes for injecting drugs, snorting, tattoos and piercings with unsterilized equipment; contact with open cuts or sores of an infected person - eg. Fighting, Sexual Assault, HIV transmission from HIV infected mother to her baby while pregnant, during birth or through breast milk.

Resources:  www.sexualityandu.ca, www.phac-aspc.gc.ca, and www.catie.ca