The human papilloma virus, or HPV, is both common and preventable. Most people with HPV won’t show any symptoms, but that doesn’t mean the virus can’t be passed on to others. While there is no treatment or cure for HPV, there is a vaccine. This vaccine can protect us from the type of HPV that is linked to genital warts and cancer. More Info

Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are both available to protect us from these liver-attacking viruses. Rimming, or oral-anal sex, is one way hepatitis A can be passed. The most effective way to protect ourselves from Hep A and Hep B is to get vaccinated.

Getting tested regularly is the best way to know our HIV and STI status and is a crucial step in staying healthy. In BC, we have lots of options available when it comes to what kind of HIV test might be right for us, so if we’re not sure if we need a Rapid HIV Test, an Early HIV Test, or a Standard HIV test, a nurse can help us make the right choice. But it’s not all about HIV when we go for regular testing— it’s also important to be tested for other STI’s, because treating an STI early can prevent future health complications.

For those of us with a cervix, including trans men, Pap tests are important in making sure we are staying healthy. This is a reliable tool available to us for preventing cervical cancer if we are sexually active—regardless of who we are having sex with. It’s best to be screened with a Pap test at least every three years.

Condoms are a great tool for protecting us from STIs that are transmitted by fluids—STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV infection. External condoms are available to be used on the penis or sex toys, and internal condoms (often called female condoms) are available to be used in vaginas, frontal holes, or anuses. Condoms can be made of latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene—remember to pair up your condoms with condom-friendly lube!

For those of us living with HIV, taking anti-HIV medications is one of the ways we can make sure we have long and healthy lives. Suppressing our HIV viral load means the virus cannot replicate or infect new cells. If we can suppress our viral load to an undetectable level, there is the added bonus of not being able to pass HIV onto our partners. Being undetectable means the virus is untransmittable.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is an effective HIV prevention tool for those of us who have tested negative for HIV. PrEP is the combination of two HIV medications in a single pill that we must take every day to be effective—before, during, and after potential exposure. PrEP works by preventing HIV from establishing itself once the virus is in our bodies. More Info

PEP is an option to prevent HIV after a possible exposure to the virus. PEP, or Post-exposure Prophylaxis, is a month-long course of anti-HIV medication that must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. PEP is an emergency option when it comes to HIV prevention. If you have needed to take PEP, it is often recommended that you consider PrEP as a prevention tool as well.