Sexual Health
Sexual Health is a type of health - just like ‘mental health’ or ‘physical health’. It is just as important as other types of health but unfortunately is often talked about less because of feelings of embarrassment, shame, and confusion. Sexual health is also often misconceived as just involving the act of having ‘sex’. In fact, sexual health encompasses so much more and includes terms such as sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health care, consent and boundaries, sexual activities, relationships and intimacy, sexual and reproductive anatomy, to name a just few.
Morven Support
It is important that youth have access to accurate, up to date and developmentally appropriate information about sexual health and a space to learn and talk it through if needed. The Morven Health Centre is one of those confidential and non-judgemental spaces!
At the Morven Health Centre there is information on STI’s, different methods of contraception, free condoms and pregnancy tests and information. Most importantly the nurses will help answer any questions students may have or direct them to appropriate health professionals who specialize in sexual health.
Community Resources
One of the most valued sexual health providers in BC is Options for Sexual Health. They offer current sexual health and reproductive health care, information, and education that is confidential, nonjudgemental, youth friendly, pro-choice and sex-positive.
Options for Sexual Health also have a free phone and email ‘ask us anything’ service. You can call 1-800-739-7367 throughout BC or 604-731-7803 in the Lower Mainland. It is open Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm Pacific Time.
Smart Sex Resource provided by the BCCDC also has a clinic finder for Sexual Health Clinic’s in your local area.
Another great local resource is the Foundry https://foundrybc.ca/ . They offer sexual health services including STI testing and treatment, birth control and pregnancy tests and counselling. Assessments are by phone (604-984-5060) and appointments will be made for in person assessments as needed.
Options for Sexual Health run sexual health clinics throughout BC for all ages, all genders and all orientations who need to talk about sexuality or sexual health or access sexual and reproductive health care. Click below to find a clinic near you.