Minds On
Get the facts
STBBIs is an acronym that stands for: Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections.
A person can contract these infections through vaginal, oral, and/or anal sex. Transmission often occurs through the exchange of bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact. Even if a person doesn’t demonstrate any signs or symptoms, it is still possible to transmit a sexual illness to a partner.
Agree or disagree
Explore the following statements relating to sexual health practices. Choose whether you agree or disagree with the statements.
Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
What might be some reasons why people might make decisions that don’t align with healthy sexual practices and aren’t safe?
Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
Action
Delaying sexual activity
The most effective method a person can choose to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies is to abstain from sexual activity with a partner.
This can sometimes be referred to as being 100% safe as it completely eliminates the risk of sexually transmitted illness and unplanned pregnancy.
Anybody can be abstinent, no matter their age, gender, or sexuality. Throughout their lives, many people are abstinent off and on for reasons that may change over time, and a few are abstinent their whole lives. A person can choose to be abstinent whenever they want, even if they have had sexual experiences before.
Press ‘Abstinence’ to reveal what this word means.
Abstinence is the practice of refraining from some or all aspects of sexual activity.
Choosing to be abstinent can be difficult considering some of the pressures faced within a relationship. It is important that a person and their partner share a common understanding and maintain clear and consistent communication about their relationship goals.
Refusal skills
Refusal skills are used to ensure that someone’s decision to delay sexual activity is understood and respected by their partner.
For each skill, select the corresponding description.
Case study
Explore the following scenario.
Student A and Student B have been dating for over a year. They have never had sex, but lately they have felt pressure to “go further” sexually. Each time, one or the other has been able to suggest that maybe they had better slow things down. This weekend, Student B’s parents are away and Student A has come over to watch a movie. After the movie ends, Student A begins to make sexual advances toward Student B.
Answer the following questions about this scenario. Be sure to review the information on refusal skills.
Press ‘Refusal Skills’ to review the skills.
| Refusal Skills | |
|---|---|
| 1. Use verbal skills |
Saying ‘No’ and that they want to remain abstinent and that it’s important to them to postpone sexual activity |
| 2. Use body language |
Create distance between themselves and their partner while using facial expressions that display the seriousness of the circumstances |
| 3. Use delay tactics |
Stop physical contact with their partner and find a reason to remove themself from any situations where they may feel pressured into unwanted sexual activity |
| 4. Suggest alternatives |
Suggest other activities that they can do with their partner instead in an effort to continue building their relationship |
| 5. Build the relationship |
Express their feelings to ensure their partner knows that this is the decision they’ve made |
Complete the Scenario Questions in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use another method of your choice to record your thoughts.
| 1. Pressure lines – How could Student A display pressure, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to begin sexual activity with their partner? |
| 2. Refusal skills - How could Student B effectively refuse these advances? |
| 3. Agreement – How could the two students agree on delaying sexual activity? What reasons could each student give? |
| 4. Conclusion – How could this relationship continue in a healthy manner? |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Scenario Questions.
Understanding the risks
For individuals who choose to be sexually active, it is important to understand the risks involved.
Knowing what sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne illnesses (STBBI) are and how they can be contracted is an important first step in understanding how to maintain sexual health and safety.
Press the following tabs to learn about different STBBI.
A sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus causing pain, itching, sores in genital area.
Facts
- Genital herpes is a very common viral infection but is underreported because many don't know that they have it.
- Approximately 14% of the Canadian population aged 14 to 59, or one in seven Canadian, carries the infection.
- It is treatable by a medical professional
- It can last several days or weeks
- It is transmitted through sexual contact
- It is common for ages 18-35
- It is more common in females
Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/82-003-x/2013004/article/11777-eng.pdf?st=avYnjT4v
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It often affects the urethra, rectum, or throat.
Facts
- Gonorrhea is a common bacterial infection.
- In 2018, a total of 30,874 cases of gonorrhea were reported in Canada.
- There are less cases of gonorrhea than chlamydia in Canada, but the rate of gonorrhea infections is on the rise.
- It is transmitted through sexual contact
- It may be preventable by vaccine
- Gonorrhea is treatable by a medical professional
- It can last several days or weeks
- Treatment involves antibiotics
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/report-sexually-transmitted-infections-canada-2018.html
\A common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. There are no symptoms in the initial stages of Chlamydia but it can cause health problems at a later stage, including vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis, and pain while urinating.
Facts
- Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection.
- In 2018, a total of 117,008 cases of Chlamydia were reported in Canada.
- It is transmitted through sexual contact
- It is treatable by a medical professional
- It can last several days or weeks
- Treatment involves antibiotics.
Learning check!
Use the information you have learned to complete the following activity.
Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.
Consolidation
Reaching out
The term abstinence can mean different things to different people. People can also have different understandings of what is meant by having or not having sex. People should be clear in their own mind about what they are comfortable or uncomfortable with.
Use the information learned throughout this activity to complete the following questions.
Find information about another STBBI that was not listed in the Action section. Be sure to find your information using websites created by medical professionals or the government.
Complete the Learning About STBBIs in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use another method of your choice to record your findings.
| STBBI | Definition | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
|
Genital Herpes |
||
|
Gonorrhea |
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|
Chlamydia |
||
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Learning About STBBIs.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
Reflect on the following questions. Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.
- Why is it important for people to know the risks of STBBIs before making decisions about their sexual activity?
- How could you help someone understand their options when choosing not to participate in sexual activity?
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.