Credible resources
The following websites provide credible and up-to-date information on sexual health, contraception, lifestyle choices, reproductive health and sexually transmitted infections. A live chat is also available to help answer your questions.
Take care of your sexual health
- By using condoms.
- By using birth control.
- By having sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing.
- By talking with your partner and make sure they have STI testing too.
| Talking about sexual health |
- Talk about your feelings with your partner.
- Talk about condoms and birth control with your partner.
- Ask your partner if they have had STI testing.
- Ask your partner if they have ever had an STI.
- Talk to your health care provider if you have questions.
- Call one of our clinics to talk to a nurse if you have any questions about your sexual health.
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| Deciding to have sex |
- It's a choice only you can make.
- You should know all the facts before you decide.
- You should know how it will affect your health and your life.
- Get your facts from people you trust such as health care providers, not from friends, social media, or Google searches on the internet.
- Talk with a trusted adult (a parent, teacher, doctor, nurse, etc.).
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| Choosing not to have sex (abstinence) |
- Not everyone is ready to have sex.
- Not having sex is always an option, even if you have had sex before.
- It is the only 100 per cent effective form of birth control.
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Consent
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If you touch, kiss or force someone to have sex without consent, it is sexual assault and is a crime.
Consent and sex
- Must be a person's own choice.
- Cannot be given if you are drunk or high.
- Cannot be given if you are sleeping or passed out.
- Can change. You can change your mind and say no at any time.
- Saying no can be shown by words and actions.
Sexual consent law
- Under 12 years-old: cannot consent to any type of sexual activity.
- Ages 12 to 13 years-old: can consent if partner is not a person of power (e.g., teacher, coach) and is less than two years older.
- Ages 14 to 15 years-old: can consent if partner is not a person of power and is less than five years older.
- Ages 16 to 18 years-old: can consent if partner is not a person of power.
For more information on consent and the law in Canada, visit the Department of Justice - Age of Consent to Sexual Activity.
Watch the video: Consent... It's simple as tea
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