Service Providers

Sexually transmitted infections are a highly stigmatized public health issue. STIs are common and can impact anyone, and in Saskatchewan, STI rates are higher than the national average. People must have access to affirming and judgement-free spaces and services, which will inform them and ensure they receive the sexual health testing, treatment or information they need. The high rates of STIs in our province require an interdisciplinary approach in which healthcare, community organizations, educators and more work to improve sexual health services and awareness. 

Physicians, nurse practitioners, and some nurses can provide a lot of the sexual health services essential for STI prevention and treatment. For example, ordering STI testing, treatment, referrals, pap tests and more. When it comes to sexual health services, it is important to remain sex positive, trauma-informed and harm reduction-focused. When discussing sexual health with patients, remember the 5 Ps

  1. Practices: Ask about the sexual and substance use practices of the client or patient to identify their health needs, assess risk and strategize. 
  2. Partners: Identify the number of partners they have (and if their partners have other partners). The number of partners and frequency of sexual activity can help establish how often a person should get tested. See more about this in our testing assessment or www.testforyou.ca.   
  3. Protection from STIs: Identify what protection, if any, the patient/client is using to prevent STIs and/or pregnancy. Are they consistent and using the prevention methods as prescribed or intended? 
  4. Past History of STIs: Identify which STIs, if any, the patient/client has experienced, and any possible symptoms they may have. Discuss if they have ever had STI testing or STI symptoms. 
  5. Pregnancy: Discuss pregnancy and contraceptives with those who do not wish to become pregnant and are engaging in activities that could lead to pregnancy. Discuss the importance of STI testing during pregnancy with people who are pregnant or would like to be soon.

Learn more with the Canadian Public Health Association’s guide for discussing sexual health.

Education for Healthcare Providers

Our Resources