Health Tips

Risks Associated with Sexual Activity
High-Risk Sex
Two kinds of sex that have a high risk of passing infected body fluids from one person to another:
vaginal intercourse; a man's penis entering your vagina
anal intercourse; a man's penis entering your anus
If you are going to have vaginal or anal sex, the best protection against disease is a male or female condom. To help you avoid infection; detailed instructions for using condoms are provided in the birth control section.
A male or female condom is good protection against:

trichomonas
pelvic inflammatory disease
gonorrhea
chlamydia
syphilis
HIV/AIDS
Condoms also offer some protection against:
genital warts
herpes
hepatitis-B virus
Lower Risk Sex
Oral sex is considered lower risk because there are fewer infections you can get in this way. Oral sex means putting your mouth on someone else genitals. Although the risk of getting some infections is lower you can still get these infections through unprotected oral sex:
herpes
hepatitis
gonorrhea
syphilis
very rarely HIV/AIDS
You can also use condoms to protect yourself against these infections during oral sex. If you are performing oral sex on a man, put the condom over the penis to prevent contact between body fluids. If you are performing oral sex on a woman, cut the condom down the side and use it as a flat sheet to prevent contact between body fluids. Microwavable plastic wrap can also be used in this way.
Low Risk Sex
Low risk sex includes touching and rubbing each other's genitals with your hands, kissing and massaging each other. These activities are considered low risk because many sexually transmitted infections including HIV cannot be transmitted in this way. However, oral herpes is easily transmitted during kissing. Genital warts and trichomonas can be passed from one person to another by moving your hands from one person's genitals to another. Crabs can move from one person to another during any close contact.
Using sex toys in combination with a condom is also considered low risk sex. The condom should be placed over the toy and changed for each new act of penetration.

Staying safe from disease is an important part of sexual health. Visit your doctor for regular vaginal exams to help ensure you stay healthy. During these exams your doctor can check for infection and can also do a Pap smear to help prevent cervical cancer. These exams are a good opportunity for you to talk to your doctor about birth control and other sexual health issues.

Birth control methods were developed to prevent pregnancy, but some birth control methods also help protect you against sexually transmitted infections. Use the link below to learn more about the infections a woman can get from unprotected sex and about genital infections not passed exclusively through sex.

Safer sex means using a condom and taking care to protect yourself and your partners from infection. Although sex is never risk-free, it can be safer. Using condoms for vaginal and anal sex is only one part of a safer sex strategy. Read the information about safer sex on this Web site and talk to your partner(s) about how you will protect each other from sexually transmitted infections.

acute - when disease occurs soon after infection with obvious and sometimes serious symptoms
adjuvant therapy - during cancer treatment, additional or adjuvant treatment is given to destroy any cancer cells that may have spread. Adjuvant treatment is usually systemic, meaning a treatment that affects the entire body. This allows the treatment to attack cancerous cells wherever they are present. The most common example of adjuvant therapy is chemotherapy given after a tumour has been surgically removed.

anaesthetic - a drug used to prevent pain during surgery or other procedure
A general anaesthetic makes the person unconscious. A local anaesthetic numbs the area where the surgery is to be performed. Local anaesthetics may be combined with sedatives to make a person relax and sleepy but not unconscious.

anonymous testing site - a location designated by the Ontario Ministry of Health where doctors are exempt from reporting the identity of people having HIV tests to Public Health; you do not have to use your real name or produce a health card

antibiotics - drugs used to kill bacterial or fungal infections

antibody - a protein molecule made by the immune system that recognizes and attacks a specific invading germ
For example, an antibody that attacks skin bacteria will not respond to an infection with syphilis.

anus - asshole

asthma - a lung condition where the passages of the lungs narrow causing wheezing and breathing difficulties

bacteria - tiny one-celled creatures that reproduce by splitting in half

basal thermometer - a very accurate thermometer that measures a person's temperature to one tenth of a degree e.g. 36.8 degrees

bisexual - a person who is attracted to both men and women

black cohosh - herbal remedy from the plant Cimicfuga racemosa
A First Nations' therapy used to treat menopausal symptoms particularly hot flashes and mood disorders. Several small German studies have shown improvements in menopausal symptoms.

body fluids - fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, saliva
Contact with the body fluids of an infected person puts a person at risk of a number of serious sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and hepatitis.

Cesarean section - the surgical removal of an infant from the uterus when vaginal delivery is not possible

cervical ectropion (also know as cervical ectropian, erosion or eversion) - occurs when the junction where the cells of the vagina turn into the cells of the uterus hangs out into the vagina. It is very common, especially in younger women and those taking birth control pills. Cervical ectropion usually resolves naturally as the cervix matures, some times cervical ectropion may warrent a change in your birth control method.

cervical laceration - a tear in the cervix

cervical mucus - a sticky fluid which assists the movement of sperm through the cervix

chancre - a genital sore causes by syphilis infection

chasteberry - an herbal therapy from the plant Vitex agnus-castus used to treat pre-menstrual syndrome
One small trial of 36 women reported an improvement in both physical and psychological symptoms when using this product. Chasteberry may interfere with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

chronic - a disease that continues over a long period of time and cannot be eliminated with treatment

chronic fatigue syndrome - a collection of symptoms including tiredness, weakness and muscle pain is called chronic fatigue syndrome; the cause of this condition is not known, although some suspect it is due to environmental sensitivities

cirrhosis - the scarring of the liver due to disease or inflammation

colposcopy - the use of an electronic device to examine the cervix for abnormal cells

common-law relationship - the legal term for the rights and responsibilities that apply between two people who have lived as spouses for a legally determined period of time (often one year) but who have not married

contraception - birth control, family planning

contraction - when muscles tense and shorten it is called a contraction; cramps are caused by muscle contractions

corpus luteum - the case around an ovum when it is still in the ovary
After the ovum has been released this case continues to produce hormones.

curette - a medical instrument with a loop-shaped end used to remove small bits of tissue from the uterus

dementia - severe memory loss and confusion

diabetes - a condition where the body does not breakdown sugar effectively

discharge - a fluid released from the vagina or other organ
Some vaginal discharge is normal and may be released when a woman is aroused. A lot of discharge or a discharge with an unusual odour may indicate an infection.

dysmenorrhea - difficult or painful periods

ectopic pregnancy - when an ovum is fertilized and begins to develop inside the Fallopian tubes; a dangerous condition that can be fatal to a woman if left untreated

ejaculation - the sudden and forceful release of fluids; this term is most often used to describe the release of semen when a man has an orgasm

embryo - the stage of pregnancy following the fertilization of the ovum but before internal organs begin to develop

endometrial cancer - cancer which begins as abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus

endometriosis - a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining is found outside of the uterus usually in the pelvic area; causes pelvic pain and may cause infertility

endometrium - the lining of the uterus that builds up during the menstrual cycle in order to nourish a fertilized ovum; it is shed during menstruation if fertilization doesn't occur

epididymitis - inflammation of the scrotum

episiotomy - a short cut made at the base of the vaginal opening to allow an infant to be born more easily

estrogen - a hormone that regulates the female menstrual cycle

evening primrose oil - oil from the plant Oethra biennis Evening primrose oil is used as an herbal treatment for a number of conditions including premenstrual syndrome. Widely used in Britain for this condition, small British studies have shown it is effective particularly in treating premenstrual irritability and depression. Naturopaths suggest four to six months of use are necessary to observe benefits.

fetus - a fertilized egg grows to form a fetus after seven or eight weeks of pregnancy

fibroid - an abnormal but non-cancerous growth of the muscle of the uterus

folic acid supplements - one of the B vitamins found in large amounts in spinach and liver
Supplements of this vitamin are recommended for all women intending to carry a pregnancy to term, but should be avoided by women undergoing a medical abortion.

foreplay - sexual touching and play in the early stages of arousal that makes a woman and her partner more excited

fungi - single-celled life forms that are larger than bacteria and have organelles (mini-organs) inside the cells

genital warts - bumpy growths in the moist areas in and around the genitals caused by the Human Papilloma Virus

G-spot - the area at the top of the vagina where the back of the clitoris meets the vaginal wall; stimulation of this area may cause female ejaculation

gynaecological - having to do with the female reproductive organs

hepatitis - inflammation of the liver due to bacterial or viral infection

heterosexual - a man or woman who is sexually attracted to someone of the opposite sex

homophobia - fear of lesbians and gay men

hormones - chemical messengers that the body uses to send instructions from one part of the body to another

hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - supplements of the hormones which regulate the female reproductive system; these supplements may be taken during and after menopause to reduce the symtoms of menopause and the risk of some diseases such as osteoporosis

hysterectomy - the removal of the uterus

immune system - the integrated working of a number of the body's cells and organs to defend against infection

implant - when an egg attaches to the lining of the uterus

impotence - being unable to become sexually aroused; most often refers to a man's inability to have an erection

infertility - the inability to have children

intercourse - the penetration of the vagina with a penis

irritable bowel syndrome - a digestive disorder that causes cramping pain and diarrhea

jaundice - a symptom of liver disease that makes the skin and the eyes turn yellowish

Kegel exercises - exercises that may be used to strengthen the muscles surrounding the vagina; check out Kegel exercises in our A-Z Health Topics section for more information

lactobacilli - bacteria that normally live in the vagina and produce lactic acid, which makes the vagina somewhat acidic; this helps control the growth of other bacteria

laminaria - an absorbent material made of seaweed, which is inserted in the cervix where it absorbs water and swells - pushing open the cervix

laparoscopy - surgery done through a very small incision with the guidance of a telescope-like instrument called a laproscope

latex - a type of rubber used to make male condoms and other methods of birth control Some people, particularly health care providers, develop allergies to this substance and must avoid birth control methods that use it.

lesbian - a woman who is sexually attracted to other women

libido - interest in and desire for sex

lochia - vaginal bleeding that lasts for several days after the birth of a child

lubricant - any substances used to make the genitals slippery and ease sexual contact see What exactly is lube?

masturbation - touching one's own body for sexual pleasure

menopause - when a woman's periods have ceased for more than 12 months in a row

menstrual magnification - when an illness repeatedly becomes worse during the two weeks before a woman's period

Mittelschmerz - German for middle pain, this refers to slight pains or twinges that some woman feel when the ovulate

needle exchange - an organization that allows injection drug users to exchange used needles for clean ones in order to control infection

nervous system - the brain, nervous tissue in the spine and nerves that carry sensation throughout the body

obstetric care - the medical care pregnant women receive throughout their pregnancy and during delivery

oral sex - sexual activity where one person uses their mouth to stimulate the other's genitals

orgasm - the peak of sexual excitement when the muscles around the vagina contract in rapid pulses

outercourse - sexual play that does not involve putting the man's penis in the woman's vagina
Outercourse includes hugging and kissing, as well as massaging and stimulating one another's bodies and genitals with your hands and mouth and has a lower risk for pregnancy and infection than intercourse.

ova/ovum - eggs produced by a woman's ovaries (ovum means one egg, ova means more than one)

ovarian cancer - cancer which begins as abnormal cells in a woman's ovaries

ovulate/ovulation - the release of an egg from the ovary

Pap smear - a test which looks for abnormal cells on the cervix; these cells may be the first signs of cervical cancer

pelvic examination - another name for a vaginal examination; includes a physical examination of the uterus, vagina and Fallopian tubes as well as a Pap smear and sometimes a test for infection

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - irritation and swelling of the ovaries and Fallopian tubes; this is usually associated with a sexually-transmitted infection

peri-menopause - the period of time before menopause when a woman may experience symptoms such as hot flashes or irritability due to hormonal changes

polyurethane - a synthetic material which is used to make male and female condoms that do not cause allergic reactions in people with latex allergies

post-coital - after sexual intercourse has occurred

post-partum depression - a depression that occurs because of the hormonal changes that women experience after giving birth

pre-cum - small amounts of semen that may be released before a man ejaculates

progesterone - one of the hormones that regulated a woman's menstrual cycle

progestin - a synthetic form of progesterone

protozoa - single celled animals that are usually motile (can move from place to place)

psoriasis - a skin condition where patches of skin appear dry or scaly

puberty - when a girl or a boy becomes sexually mature; for a girl, when her periods begin

pubic hair - hair which grows around the genitals

scrotum - the sac of skin that holds the testicles

sex toys - any item used for sexual pleasure particularly for penetration of the vagina or anus; toys made specifically for sexual play often resemble a penis and are then called a dildo

sexual assault - any unwanted sexual contact or attention including name-calling or anything that makes a person feel bad about their sexual self or physical appearance

sexually-transmitted - infections that are passes from one person to another through sexual contact

sickle cell anemia - an inherited condition where a person's red blood cells are misshapen and less capable of carrying oxygen

spatula - a flat instrument with a specially shaped end designed to remove cells from the cervix; spatulas used for Pap smears are made of wood

speculum - an instrument that is used to hold the vagina open during a vaginal exam

spermicidal film - a spermicide which comes as a tiny sheet that can be inserted into the vagina; the sheet dissolves and the spermicide spreads through the vagina

SSRIs - Serotonin Selective Re-uptake Inhibitors are a group of anti-depressant drugs; Prozac is an example

stimulation - any activity which promotes sexual arousal

suppositories - medications designed to be inserted into the vagina or anus

testicles - organs inside the scrotum where sperm is produced

testosterone - a hormone which in men triggers the development of sperm and a masculine appearance; women's bodies also produce small amounts of testosterone which may be important to a woman's libido

toxic shock syndrome - a serious illness that may be due to toxins produced by bacteria in the vagina; click here for more information

ultrasound - a scanning technique that allows a technician to view the inside of the uterus and other internal organs

unprotected sex - sexual activity that happens without protection against pregnancy or sexually-transmitted infection; this may be unintentional, for example, when a condom breaks

urethra - the tube that carries urine out of the body; in men sperm also passes through this tube

urinary tract infection - infection of the urethra and the bladder

uterine lining - the tissue which lines the uterus and would nourish a fertilized egg in the event of pregnancy; it is shed as menstrual blood when pregnancy does not occur

vaccine - a substance which is used to trigger the immune system to react against a specific infection

vaginal examination - a physical examination of the vagina that may also include a Pap smear and a test for infections

vaginal moisturizers - commercial products that may be used by women to prevent vaginal dryness and the thinning of the vaginal wall during peri-menopause and menopause; these products are not designed for use as sexual lubricants

vas deferens - the tubes which carry sperm from the testicles to the penis

virus - an infecting particle that cannot reproduce on its own; a virus must take over a living cell to make copies of themselves

vulva - a woman's genital area including the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening

window period - the time after a person has been infected with a germ but before tests can show the infection is present; this term is most often used when talking about HIV which has a window period of up to three months following infection

Abortion
Decision-making about Unplanned Pregnancy
Making unexpected decisions about health issues is often difficult; decision-making around an unplanned pregnancy is no different. For many women, an unplanned pregnancy can be one of the first times that they have had to deal with a decision about their health and the course of their life.
If you experience an unplanned pregnancy you have three options:

continuing the pregnancy and raising a child
continuing the pregnancy and placing the child for adoption
ending the pregnancy by having an abortion
You may reflect on many aspects of your life when considering these options. Unplanned pregnancy can happen at different stages of a woman's life. Often the decision is about what is best at this time; at another point in your life the decision might be different.


There are many factors to consider when making a decision about unplanned pregnancy.


You may:

think about your own personal beliefs, values and practices and those of others in your life
assess your existing relationships (partners, family, friends) and the support that these relationships need and can provide
evaluate financial and social realities
look at your living conditions and life circumstances
examine your feelings about becoming a mother and about parenting
explore spiritual, religious and cultural beliefs
consider the reactions of others to your decision
As with any decision, you need to come to grips with making a decision and living with that decision. It is very common for women to have a variety of emotional reactions to an unplanned pregnancy; dealing with your feelings is an important part of making a decision you can live with. Each woman is unique and the time and effort needed to make a decision will be different.
Who to Talk to
Weighing the pros and cons of such a personal decision can feel reassuring, stressful and/or challenging. You may wish to seek advice when making this decision. Who a woman chooses to talk to varies; each of us has our own needs for privacy and for emotional, physical, economic and spiritual support. You may look for people to help you in the decision-making process who are:
knowledgeable (be able to provide information or referrals)
non-judgmental
someone who can provide support whatever the decision
someone who you feel comfortable talking to
Some women only want to talk to health care providers; others want to include a partner or family member, a friend or a clergy person. Whoever you talk to, you should never feel coerced or forced to make a decision that is not your own.

Learning about the Options
Often a woman needs to learn more about her options before she can make a decision. Each option contains its own set of decisions. You may need more information before you can make the choices that are best for you. No matter what your decision, there will be other things you need to do and other choices you have to make.
When considering continuing a pregnancy, there will be decisions around choosing a health care provider such as a doctor or midwife, keeping healthy through pregnancy and choosing how and where the delivery will occur.

When considering adoption, you will also need to contact agencies working in this area to find out about the process and how it works. You may want a doctor or healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about your needs to support you through the adoption process.

When considering abortion, you need to know what procedures are available in your community and where (hospital, clinic, doctor's office). In some parts of Canada, you may need to consider travelling to have some or all procedures. The appropriate procedure for an abortion is based on:

gestational size (number of weeks since your last period)
your general health
the available procedures
your preferences
Most abortion providers can refer you to counselling that will help you make the best decision for you around unplanned pregnancy. Abortion in Canada is generally available up to 20 weeks. More details about abortion and the procedures available are provided in the documents below.

Pregnancy is an exciting time for a woman and her family. It can also be a difficult and challenging time. A pregnant woman and her partner have many decisions to make. They also have lots of expectations and probably at least a few fears.

Women's Health Matters has developed a Pregnancy Health Centre to give women and their families information about:

becoming pregnant
planning for a baby
staying healthy during pregnancy
labour and childbirth
life with a newborn
breast-feeding
Visit our Pregnancy Health Centre to learn more about all of these topics.
Sometimes a pregnancy is not planned. You may be unsure about how a child would fit into your life. To help you think thorugh the issues involved, read our page on Decision Making About Unplanned Pregnancy.

Healthy sexual and reproductive organs are vital to a woman's sexual health. Learning about the functions of each organ and how these organs work together allows you to be aware of your natural rhythms or of any changes that might indicate a problem. This information can also help you choose a method of birth control or determine when is the best time to try and get pregnant

Learning about a woman's sexual responses may also make you more comfortable with your body. If you understand what happens to your body when you are sexually excited, you may be able to improve your sexual experiences.

A woman's sexual responses change throughout her life cycle. In part this is due to her changing levels of experience and self-knowledge, but there are also physical changes as her body matures. Pregnancy and childbirth may have an impact on a woman's sexual responses. Dealing with the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause is also an important part of a woman's sexual health

Sexuality is a part of every woman's life. All of our bodies have the potential to feel physical excitement and pleasure.

Some women choose never to be sexually active, but most women explore their sexual desires in some way, at some point in their lives. Having the freedom to choose how to express yourself sexually (or how not to) is an important part of a woman's sexual health.

Sexual health also means understanding your body and how it works. Women who understand their bodies can make better choices about the sexual activities that they enjoy. They can also choose to become pregnant or they can choose to avoid it. Being knowledgeable about sexually transmitted infections can help women protect themselves and their partners from disease.

Understanding your body is an important part of sexual health, but sexual health also involves being comfortable with yourself and your sexual desires. It means having healthy relationships with others. Sexual health can also mean learning to identify and leave violent or abusive relationships and learning to cope with the after effects of such relationships.