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Santé Québec Outaouais
 

Healthy, positive sexuality and condom promotion

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A program that’s there for you

The program Aime-toi facilite facilitates free access to condoms and lubricants in several Outaouais school and community settings. It also provides simple, positive and inclusive information to help you make informed choices.

Aime-toi, is an important reminder to take care of yourself and others, discover what you like and protect yourself, which is all part of healthy and positive sexuality.

Pleasure is better when it’s protected.

Healthy and positive sexuality

Sexuality encompasses much more than genital sex. It takes into account several aspects of a person: how they create relationships, their emotions, their culture, their values, their way of thinking and their bodies.

Sexual health is not just about avoiding infections or using contraception. It is a state of physical, mental and relational well‑being, and is related to all aspects of one’s sexuality. Taking care of one’s sexual health is therefore a matter of respect for oneself and others, well-being, pleasure, but also autonomy and empowerment.

Where to find free condoms

Contact the school nurses or workers to obtain them here :

Condoms protect against both STBBI and unplanned pregnancies. When you use a condom, you are taking care of your body and that of your partner(s). It can even be pleasant by prolonging the pleasure!

Information about condoms

Different types available:

When to use it

  • During sexual contact with or without vaginal or anal penetration
  • During oral sex
  • When using sex toys

How to use it?

How do you turn it into a latex square for oral sex?

In relationships where pregnancy planning is necessary, a condom combined with contraception is the way to go. Together, these two protect against the transmission of STBBI AND prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Contraception helps prevent unplanned pregnancies. Pregnancy can occur with the very first menstrual period.

There are different contraceptive methods. It is important to learn about the different options to make sure you find the method that best suits your needs and lifestyle. To find out more, visit the following sites:

To make an appointment:

If there has been an oversight, a broken condom or an unplanned pregnancy, there are solutions. Talk to a healthcare professional by making an appointment at Clic Santé, or visiting a medical clinic or pharmacy. It’s best to act quickly because options are often more effective when you intervene early.

For more information: Emergency Contraception – Sex & U (sexandu.ca)

To make an appointment on Clic Santé:

Sex toys can increase pleasure and promote discovery, but it is important to use them safely. To reduce the risk of STBBI transmission, carefully clean them and use a new condom for each sexual contact. Respects your partner’s pace and limits so as not to cause discomfort, cracks or damage that may increase the risk of STBBI transmission.

For more information : CATIE Sex toy stories

Regular STBBI screening is a simple, normal and responsible thing to do. Ideally, it should be done once a year, or more often depending on your risk factors. Screening is based on a urine sample, a tissue sample (vagina, cervix, urethra, throat or anus) and/or a blood sample.

Look after your sexual health and that of your partners: get tested regularly.

For more information : Sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBI) - CISSS de l'Outaouais (French only)

Consent and communication are essential in any platonic, romantic or sexual relationship. Prior to any sexual contact, you must make sure the other person consents. A person cannot consent to sexual activity if they are intoxicated (e.g., alcohol or drugs), unconscious or unable to express themselves. When one of the partners holds a position of authority (e.g. teaching or sports staff), the consent is not considered valid.

Consent must be clear, free, informed and enthusiastic. Each partner should feel comfortable with the proposed activities. Partners also have the right to change their mind at any time and to withdraw their consent.

For more information :

Knowing how to say no, proposing the use of a condom and/or contraception, and expressing your limits means respecting yourself and others. You always have the right to ask for a condom, suggest options and say no if the situation doesn't suit you.

It’s normal and responsible, your health and pleasure count.