SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Feeling in the mood this Valentine’s Day? Taking care of your sexual health is an important part of taking care of yourself and your partner. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding the public that being sexually active means being informed, prepared and aware of the possible infections you may encounter.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can spread through many forms of sexual contact, and they don’t discriminate based on age, number of partners, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Anyone who is sexually active can be at risk. Many STIs, including syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, often show no symptoms in their early stages, which makes regular testing an important part of staying healthy. Early detection can prevent complications and help reduce the spread of infections to others.

Protection starts with open conversations about safer sex practices with every partner. Using condoms or oral dams, staying up to date on vaccinations such as hepatitis B and HPV, and being mindful of how using alcohol, cannabis or opioids can impair judgment is important for reducing your risk.

Free condoms can be picked up discreetly at all health unit offices Monday to Friday during regular business hours. The health unit also operates Sexual Health Clinics located in Collingwood, Cookstown, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Midland, Orillia, and 80 Bradford in Barrie. Appointments are also available on Wednesdays in Elmvale.

The health unit’s sexual health clinics are safe, judgement-free LGBTQ2+ friendly spaces and offer full sexual health services including educational counselling and STI testing. Testing is free to everyone, including those without a health card. STI testing can be done without needing to provide a name. The health unit also offers free STI treatment for those who test positive for bacterial STI’s such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Appointments can be booked online or by calling the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll free).

Another option for testing is GetaKit, an online service that delivers free and discreet at-home, self-testing for HIV and other STIs. Available to residents aged 17 and older, with HIV self-testing specifically available to those aged 18 and older, the service provides online or mail-delivered requisition forms authorized by a licensed physician. GetaKit also offers guidance on preventive care, including vaccinations and HIV prevention strategies, along with resources to help people understand their results and connect to appropriate follow‑up care.

For more information about sexual health or to book an appointment at the Sexual Health Clinic, visit smdhu.org/TheClinic. For information about GetAKit, visit smdhu.org/GetAKit.