Staying protected

There's no single "right" way to protect yourself — most people use a few of these together. Pick what fits your life.

Condoms and barriers

Condoms (external or internal) and dental dams lower the chance of most STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. They're not perfect against infections spread by skin-to-skin contact (like herpes and HPV), but they help a lot.

Vaccines

• HPV — Gardasil-9. Vaccination is the key way to prevent the HPV types that cause genital warts and most cervical and other cancers. It works best before exposure, but can still help many adults — ask if it's right for you.
• Hepatitis B vaccination protects against another infection that can be spread sexually.

PrEP and doxy-PEP

• PrEP — medicine taken before exposure to prevent HIV (daily or on-demand). A strong option if you have ongoing risk.
• Doxy-PEP — a dose of doxycycline within 72 hours after condomless sex to reduce bacterial STIs. It's a conditional recommendation for GBMSM and transgender women (not currently recommended for cisgender women). See "I was exposed" for details.

Cervical (HPV) screening

If you have a cervix, regular screening finds early changes before they become a problem. Across Canada, screening is moving to an HPV-based test as the primary method (through provincial screening programs and the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care). Ask the clinic when you're next due.

Regular testing and talking with partners

• Test regularly — even with no symptoms — especially with new or multiple partners.
• Talk with partners about testing and status. U = U means a partner with HIV who is undetectable can't pass it on.
• Treat early. If something does come up, catching it early keeps it simple and protects everyone.

How to arrange this at AHC: you can book an appointment with your Ajax Harwood Clinic provider, or come to our after-hours clinic. AHC is a family practice with after-hours care — we are not a walk-in clinic for people who are not AHC patients, and we do not take outside referrals for STI care.

Vaccines and PrEP: coverage follows your insurance — OHIP-insured / publicly funded where eligible, otherwise private pay. Ask us what's available and what it costs.