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Ready for some pillow talk? Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week

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February 12-18, 2017 is Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week. During this week, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is reminding everyone to be ready for some pillow talk. When we say pillow talk, we’re talking about “starting the conversation” with your healthcare provider to receive the best possible care. Open communication between healthcare providers and clients is crucial to sexual and reproductive health. We all have the right to sexual and reproductive health and care. You deserve to be treated with respect and receive quality, accessible care. When you are ready for some “pillow talk”, you can have open, non-judgemental, and stigma-free conversations with your healthcare provider about ALL your sexual and reproductive health questions.

Reproductive Health Awareness Week

Campaign Resources and Social Media

Work Together for Healthy Bodies, Healthy Communities

Advocate for Yourself

  • Receiving positive health care is less about a perfect script, and more about being able to trust your healthcare provider.
  • You deserve to discuss important topics relating to your sexual and reproductive health and feel safe and respected.
  • You are the leader in your own health.
  • Educate yourself, be proactive in your own health.

When having the pillow talk you should…

  • Feel respected regardless of who you are
  • Feel safe and included
  • Feel supported
  • Get the services you need and are looking for
  • Have a say in decisions related to your health
  • Get the information you need to make decisions
  • Have your questions answered

Your Body, Your Health

  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, chemical exposure, exercise, and nutrition can have an effect on your fertility .
  • You are in charge of your own sexual and reproductive health, talk to your healthcare provider. You deserve to be heard.
  • Positive relationships between patients and providers lead to better health outcomes and access to services.

Vulvas, vaginas, and breasts - oh, my!

  • Wash your vulva on the outside; don’t wash or rinse the inside of your vagina with anything.
  • If you have ever had any sexual skin-to-skin contact, you need to have regular Pap tests starting at the age of 21.
  • You don’t need to do a breast self-examination, but it’s good to be familiar with their shape and feel.
  • Communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure you are sexually and reproductively healthy!
  • To get a breast examination or a pap test, contact your healthcare provider.

Penises and points south.

  • After age 15, start doing testicular self-examinations.
  • If you are not circumcised, pull back your foreskin, wash with mild soap, rinse, and put it back in place.
  • Communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure you are sexually and reproductively healthy!

Protect Yourself

  • If you have had unprotected sexual activity (oral, vaginal, or anal sex – or even skin-to-skin contact) get help from a healthcare provider and get checked for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
  • Use an effective method of birth control until you are ready for pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider for options.
  • Having a plan for if and when to have children is an important part of your reproductive health. Talk to your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant.
  • If you are worried about your safety in your relationship, there are many resources and supports available in our community.
  • Many infections that can cause serious harm to your sexual and reproductive health can be prevented by vaccines. Get immunized!
  • Protect yourself, have the pillow talk, and get answers to your questions by visiting our Sexual Health Clinics.

Deal With Issues

  • If you are pregnant, you have the right to non-judgmental information and support that explores all of your options.
  • If you were sexually assaulted, go to a rape crisis centre, a sexual assault centre, or your local hospital. You will need physical attention and emotional support.
  • If you suspect you may have an STI, see a healthcare provider.
  • If you have concerns about your fertility or you are over the age of 30, talk to your healthcare provider. You may be referred to a fertility specialist.
  • If you want to know more about keeping yourself sexually healthy, take the first step in educating yourself.

References