Who should have STI testing done? Anybody who is sexually active!

STI’s can be spread in the following ways:

• Unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Skin to skin contact with an infected area
• Kissing an infected area
• Sharing sex toys
• Mother’s can share STI’s to their child during pregnancy, labor and breastfeeding

Sex is normal and it is a healthy part of life, so whether you are planning on becoming sexually active or already sexually active make sure you know the best way to keep yourself and your partners healthy and safe.

Young healthy adults are encouraged to complete a routine STI screen yearly. This typically includes a urine sample for chlamydia and gonorrhea and blood tests for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis C.  However, if you are at higher risk for an STI, we recommend you have more frequent STI screens. Risk factors include multiple partners, unprotected sex, men who have sex with men (MSM) and a previous history of STI.

When you come into the Student Wellness Center for an STI screen, you can expect us to treat you with respect, keep your information confidential and provide you with support as you need. We will ask you some personal questions, this is to assess risk factors and will help us to make appropriate suggestions for you.

STI testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is usually a simple urine sample; however Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can also be found in the rectum and throat. A throat and rectal swab can be completed to test for infection in these areas. You do not have to have symptoms in order to request STI testing.

As part of your STI screening your provider may encourage bloodwork to screen for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis C. 

All positive STI tests are required to complete a contact tracing form-this is completed in a confidential manner. Any partners you have had in the last 3 months will not be notified of your name, just that they were in contact with someone who tested positive for an STI.

Can I be tested for genital warts (HPV) and herpes (HSV 1 & HSV 2)?

Typically, genital warts and herpes are diagnosed during a physical assessment when you are symptomatic (this means when sores or lesions are present) by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner.

*If you would like an appointment for STI screening, please contact the Student Wellness Center (306) 966- 5768. 

Additional Sexual Health Resources:

Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

Saskatoon Sexual Health

The Student Wellness Centre now has Take Home HIV testing Kits available. 

Students are welcome to request a kit at anytime, please request an "I'm Ready Kit" at the reception desk. 

Pre exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV is a prescribed medication regimen to help reduce infection rates of HIV, it is free to Saskatchewan residents. PrEP is taken daily to help reduce your risk. If you are interested in PrEP or feel that you may be at risk for contracting HIV, please reach out to the SWC for an appointment. PrEP is not right for everyone, but we would be happy to discuss your options.

Some reasons to consider PrEP include:

PrEP is recommended for MSM and transgender women who report condomless anal sex and who have any of following additional risk factors:

• One or more HIV-positive sexual partner(s).
• Recent (within 6 months) sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Multiple sex partners
• History of inconsistent or no condom use for anal intercourse

PrEP is not recommended in the context of a closed, stable relationship with single partner if there is a no risk of transmissible HIV.

Heterosexual men or women:

Because HIV prevalence in the general Canadian heterosexual population is low, recommendations are focused on persons in relationships where one partner is HIV positive and the other is HIV negative. If the HIV-positive partner has a significant risk of transmissible HIV and condomless vaginal or anal sex is also reported, then PrEP is recommended for the HIV-negative partner.

For people who use injection drugs, this will usually consist of:

• Sharing injection equipment
• Injecting once or more times per day outside of safe injection sites
• Repeated courses of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP)

Additional resources for PrEP:

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis PrEP

When choosing a method of contraception, protection againtst STI's should be considered. Although hormonal contraceptives and IUDs are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against STIs, including HIV. Consistent and correct use of the male condom reduces the risk for HIV infection and other STIs, including chlamydial, gonococcal, and trichomoniasis.

Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives: 

Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)—This IUD is a small T-shaped device  placed inside the uterus by a qualified Healthcare Professional. It releases a small amount of progestin each day to keep you from getting pregnant. The hormonal IUD's we currently use include the Kyleena and the Mirena.

Copper T intrauterine device (IUD)—This is a non-hormonal IUD placed inside the uterus by a qualified Healthcare Professional.

Implant (Nexplanon) - This hormonal birth control is a small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm (usually placed in non-dominant arm). This implant releases the hormone etonogestrel and is effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 3 years.

Short Acting Reversible Contraceptives:

Injection or “shot” (Depo-Provera)—Women get an injection of the hormone progestin every three months. This injection can be administered by a qualified Health Care Professional.

Combined oral contraceptives—Also called “the pill,” combined oral contraceptives contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. If you are older than 35 years and smoke, have a history of blood clots or breast cancer, your provider may advise you not to take the pill.

Progestin only pill—Unlike the combined pill, the progestin-only pill (sometimes called the mini-pill) only has one hormone, progestin, instead of both estrogen and progestin. It is taken at the same time each day. It may be a good option for women who can not take estrogen.

Evra Patch—This skin patch is worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body (but not on the breasts). It releases hormones progestin and estrogen into the bloodstream. You put on a new patch once a week for three weeks. During the fourth week, you do not wear a patch, so you can have a menstrual period.

Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring—The ring releases the hormones progestin and estrogen. You place the ring inside your vagina. You wear the ring for three weeks, take it out for the week you have your period, and then put in a new ring.

Barrier Methods

Diaphragm or cervical cap—Each of these barrier methods are placed inside the vagina to cover the cervix to block sperm. The diaphragm is shaped like a shallow cup. The cervical cap is a thimble-shaped cup. Before sexual intercourse, you insert them with spermicide to block or kill sperm. Visit your doctor for a proper fitting because diaphragms and cervical caps come in different sizes.

Sponge—The contraceptive sponge contains spermicide and is placed in the vagina where it fits over the cervix. The sponge works for up to 24 hours and must be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after the last act of intercourse, at which time it is removed and discarded.

Male condom—Worn by the man, a male condom keeps sperm from getting into a woman’s body. Latex condoms, the most common type, help prevent pregnancy, and HIV and other STIs, as do the newer synthetic condoms. “Natural” or “lambskin” condoms also help prevent pregnancy, but may not provide protection against STIs, including HIV. Condoms can only be used once. You can buy condoms, KY jelly, or water-based lubricants at a drug store. Do not use oil-based lubricants such as massage oils, baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly with latex condoms. They will weaken the condom, causing it to tear or break.

Female condom—Worn by the woman, the female condom helps keeps sperm from getting into her body. It is packaged with a lubricant and is available at drug stores. It can be inserted up to eight hours before sexual intercourse. They may also help prevent STIs.

Spermicides—These products work by killing sperm and come in several forms—foam, gel, cream, film, suppository, or tablet. They are placed in the vagina no more than one hour before intercourse. You leave them in place at least six to eight hours after intercourse. You can use a spermicide in addition to a male condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap. They can be purchased at drug stores.

Permanent Methods of Birth Control

Female Sterilization—Tubal ligation or “tying tubes”— A woman can have her fallopian tubes tied (or closed) so that sperm and eggs cannot meet for fertilization. The procedure can be done in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical center. You can go home the same day of the surgery and resume your normal activities within a few days. This method is effective immediately.

Male Sterilization–Vasectomy—This operation is done to keep a man’s sperm from going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it that can fertilize an egg. The procedure is typically done at an outpatient surgical center. The man can go home the same day. Recovery time is less than one week. After the operation, a man visits his doctor for tests to count his sperm and to make sure the sperm count has dropped to zero; this takes about 12 weeks. Another form of birth control should be used until the man’s sperm count has dropped to zero.

Resources for contraception:

itsaplan

sexandu

How can I prepare?

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment with a full bladder. You will need to complete paperwork and provide a urine test.
• We encourage you to drink some water and eat a light meal or snack before you arrive at the clinic.
• Your doctor or nurse practitioner may suggest you take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) before your appointment for your comfort.
• You may want to plan for a ride home following the insertion, you may feel mildly lightheaded and/or experience some cramping

 How long will the procedure take?

• You will be in the doctor’s treatment room for approximately 30 minutes.
• The IUD insertion takes between 5-15 minutes
• You are welcome to remain lying down for a while following the insertion if you are feeling lightheaded or having some cramping.

 How can I take care of myself after my IUD has been inserted?

• It is common to have some cramps and spotting after your IUD has been inserted, this may last 1-7 days
• A warm heating pad or hot water bottle placed over your lower abdomen may help with cramps
• You may find ibuprofen or acetaminophen helpful - use as directed on the bottle
• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours after insertion
• Check for IUD strings once each month or as advised by your doctor.

 When can I have sex?

• You should wait at least 24 hours after your IUD has been inserted.
• Do not use tampons or douche for at least 24 hours after insertion.

 When will my IUD start to work?

• Copper IUD – immediately
• Hormonal IUD - immediately if inserted during your period, otherwise 7 days after insertion. It is recommended to use condoms for the first seven days.

 When should I call the Doctor?

• If you can’t feel the string or you feel your IUD may have moved out of place
• You think you may be pregnant
• You are having heavier than normal period
• You are having a fever or chills not associated with a cold or flu or a severe headache
• You have a sharp pain in your belly or pelvis.
• You are having foul smelling or abnormal vaginal discharge.
• You are having pain during sex.
• If the strings are bothering you or your partner-they may need to be trimmed

Your IUD does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections

Sometimes unexpected or unplanned situations occur.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about becoming pregnant, you need to know you have some options.

Emergency contraception can be used following unprotected intercourse or after protected intercourse where there was a failure of birth control method, for example a broken condom. There are two different options, these include the emergency contraceptive pill (morning after pill) and the copper IUD. The emergency contraceptive pill can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse and is accessible from most pharmacies without a prescription. The copper IUD can be inserted up to 7 days following intercourse and will need to be placed by a qualified Healthcare Provider.

For some women pregnancy can be an exiting time, for others it may just not be the right time. It is ok to have several different feelings about your pregnancy and it is ok to learn about your options, whether it is parenting, adoption or abortion.  In any circumstance the Student Wellness Center is here to provide you with support and help you manage over the course of your pregnancy.

If parenting is your choice, the health care providers at Student Wellness will be happy to assist you up to 26 weeks into your pregnancy and then will refer you on to an obstetrician. Following the birth of your child your health care provider will resume providing care for you and your child.

If you are seeking alternative options including termination or adoption you are welcome to come to Student Wellness for support and help with navigating your healthcare at this time.

In addition to Student Wellness there are supports for you within Saskatoon, these include:

The Community Clinic 

Accidents happen, so we have provided you a list of commonly used materials that may be of help to you if you or someone you know has a minor injury. Please seek out medical care if you have a more serious wound, burn, break, or life-threatening emergency.

Wound Care

• Band Aids – various sizes
• Antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds
• Antibiotic ointment (ie, Polysporin)
• Adhesive tape
• Cotton balls
• Elastic bandage – 2-3” width

Medication (These medications are common and safe to use as directed. Please avoid these medications if you have had an allergy or adverse reaction to them in the past)

• For pain, fever, or headache – Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• For seasonal allergies or minor allergic reaction – an Antihistamine (Reactine, Claritin, Benadryl)
• For stomach upset or nausea - Gravol (Dimenhydrinate)
• For sore throat – lozenges

Other supplies to help you manage your minor emergencies

• Thermometer – digital
• Disposable hot/cold pack
• Cotton tip swabs
• Safety pins
• Tissue
• Tweezers
• Table salt-small container-for throat gargle or wound soak
• Hand sanitizer

Anyone who uses opioids, whether obtained by prescription or illegally, is at risk of an opioid overdose.

Know the signs of an opioid overdose:

• Trouble walking or talking
• Pinpoint pupils
• Shallow breathing
• Slow heartbeat
• Bluish, cold/clammy skin
• Seizures

Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose temporarily and will have no effect if opioids are not present. Naloxone is a safe medication, with few side effects.

It’s important to note that Naloxone treatment itself does not replace the need to seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Take home naloxone kits can be obtained at the Student Wellness Center or Campus Pharmacy free of charge. If you are interested in having a naloxone kit, please contact the Student Wellness Center for information.

If you have or are interested in a take home naloxone kit, please look at this short video: Short video to watch

More information about Saskatchewan’s take home naloxone kits, opioid overdose and the Good Samaritan Act can be found at the following web address.

Liquid nitrogen therapy, or cryotherapy, is a procedure to remove your wart by freezing it with liquid nitrogen.  Cryotherapy may stimulate your immune system to fight viral warts. You may need to return to the Student Wellness Centre for repeat treatments every two weeks until the wart disappears.

What to Expect  

-You may have pain and burning in the treated area for 1-3 days after your procedure.  

-You may have redness and swelling to the area, or you may develop a blister.  The blister may turn black in color. Do not try to remove the blister yourself. This could lead to infection and scarring.  

-A scab may form in the treated area and will take approximately 1-2 weeks to fall off. 

Aftercare 

-Clean the area with soap and water as you normally would when showering. 

-If the site is prone to irritation, you may cover with a bandage. 

-If you are experiencing pain you may take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil). Follow the dosage recommendations on the bottle.

-If you start to experience signs of infection such as fever, redness, warmth or drainage to the site contact Student Wellness or another health care professional immediately for assessment.  

-Repeat treatment every 2 weeks, or as instructed by your provider. 

-Your provider may instruct you to exfoliate the callous covering your wart with a foot file/pumice stone prior to your next treatment. 

Resources

Diagnosis treatment

How to get rid of warts

UTI’s are a common concern in women of all ages.

Common symptoms include an urge to urinate (pee), burning with urination, urinating small amounts frequently, discomfort in pelvic area and strong smelling, cloudy or blood tinged urine. If you are having any of these symptoms, please call the SWC for an appointment.

Here are some tips to help decrease the risk of developing a UTI:

• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you'll urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
• Drink cranberry juice. Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful.
• Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
• Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
• Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
• Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, and spermicide-treated condoms can contribute to bacterial growth.

More information

The nurses at the Student Wellness Center are happy to provide injections to students free of charge. The injections include but are not limited to:

• Depo-provera
• B12
• Gardasil
• Hormone Injections
• Allergy Shots
• Miscellaneous Immunizations

You must have a valid prescription from a Physician or Nurse Practitioner in order to receive your injection.

Earwax (cerumen) is produced in the ear canal. This wax traps dust and other small particles to prevent them from damaging or infecting the eardrum. Normally ears are self cleaning and this wax dries up and falls out of the ear canal on its own. Some people may produce more wax and or may have small ear canals causing excess wax to build up in the ear canal. Earwax can unknowingly be pushed deeper into the canal with the use of Q-tips, ear buds or ear plugs. This will cause the wax to become firm and block the ear canal (Earwax impaction).

Symptoms of earwax impaction include:

• Difficulty hearing
• Plugged, pressure or a “full” feeling in ears
• Ear discomfort or pain
• Ringing or itching in ears

How is earwax impaction diagnosed?

• Your health care provider will look in both of your ears with an instrument called an otoscope-this is painless
• If you require ear syringing, the nurses will provide you with additional instructions after consultation with a physician or nurse practitioner to confirm diagnosis.

If you have a question for the nurses please reach out by email nurse.swc@usask.ca, we will monitor our email throughout the day. We will not provide medical advice but will do our best to assist with your concern and help you navigate the Student Wellness Center.

If you or someone you know is having an emergency, please call 911.

Call 811 (HealthLine) for non-emergency assistance 

Family Medicine and Urgent Care Clinic on 8th Street

Poison Control Center - 1-866-454-1212 

For emergency treatment advice for people exposed to all kinds of poisons including:

• Plants
• Drugs
• Mushrooms

• Pesticides
• Snake and spider bites
• Household cleaners and chemicals

This confidential service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.

Mobile Crisis (24/7 access) – (306) 933-6200

Saskatoon Police Service – 76-25^th Street East, Saskatoon

911 for emergency

Non-emergency call (306) 975-8300

RUH Emergency Department – 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon