In celebration of Montreal Pride Festival, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know to have a joyful, healthy, and deliciously hot end of summer.
Regular screening
No matter your sexual practices or the type of protection you use, one thing remains true: only regular testing can truly confirm whether or not you have an STI. Like going to the dentist or hitting the gym, it’s a simple health habit to build into your routine. And when you take care of yourself, you’re also looking out for your partners. That’s a win-win in our books!
Testing is a good idea for everyone, but it’s especially recommended if:
- you want a routine STI screening;
- you’re thinking about stopping condom use in a steady relationship;
- you practice chemsex or use substances in a sexual context;
- you have questions or concerns about past or current partners, regardless of their gender;
- you’re on PrEP but don’t always use condoms;
- you may have had blood contact, like sharing drug equipment, or through tattoos or piercings;
- or simply because you want to take care of your sexual health…and that’s already a great reason!
Testing at Prelib
Prelib provides screening tests in accordance with scientifically based recommendations for the following STBBIs:
- The Chlamydia;
- The gonorrhea;
- The syphilis;
- Hepatitis B;
- Hepatitis C; and,
- HIV.
Depending on your needs, testing is typically recommended one to four times per year. At Prelib, the process is straightforward: fill out a short, judgment-free medical questionnaire, choose a time that works for you, come in for your tests, and get your results quickly and confidentially.
For other STIs like herpes, HPV, or trichomoniasis, routine screening isn’t generally recommended. Instead, book a medical appointment if you have symptoms. A health provider may do a visual exam or take samples to confirm a diagnosis. You can visit:
- CLSCs (local community health centers);
- Family medicine groups;
- Private clinics;
- For men who have sexual relations with men, there is SIDEP throughout the province and RÉZO Santé in Montreal.
Barrier protection methods
Barrier methods like condoms or dental dams create a physical shield during sex that helps reduce the spread of STIs. While they significantly lower the risk, they don’t eliminate it. Real-life use can affect how well they work. Think expired condoms, the wrong type of lube, or STIs that transmit through skin-to-skin contact (like syphilis, HPV, or herpes).
Optimal protection comes from combining barrier methods, consistent STI screening, and open communication with your partner or partners. That way, you’re keeping things fun and safe!
Condoms (internal and external)
External condoms cover the penis; internal ones go inside the anus or vagina. For best protection:
- Always check the expiry date;
- Do not tear packaging with teeth or scissors;
- Put on the condom before any sexual contact, including oral sex for the external condom;
- Use only water- or silicone-based lubricants to prevent damage;
- Change the condom for each partner and each new orifice entered;
- Never double up, as friction can cause tears.
Dental dams
Also called latex squares, dental dams are used during oral contact with the vulva or anus. Like condoms, they need proper use to be effective, but they’re just as protective.
Gloves & finger cots
Gloves or finger cots protect your hands during anal or vaginal play. Make sure to take off rings and watch those nails to avoid tears!
PrEP, PEP, and Doxy-PEP
PrEP
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is kind of like birth control, but for HIV prevention. It’s primarily recommended for people at higher risk of contracting HIV, including:
- Men who have sex with men;
- Trans women;
- People of the plurality of genders;
- HIV-negative people who have sexual relations with one or more HIV-positive people.
There are two types of PrEP:
- Oral
- taken daily, as a continuous regimen
- taken on-demand: two pills 2–24 hours before sex, then one pill 24 and 48 hours after
- Injectable (NEW) A long-acting intramuscular injection given every two months, offering continuous protection without the need for a daily pill.
It is important to note that PrEP does not protect against other STIs. For complete protection, it must be used in combination with a barrier method such as condoms and regular testing.
To find out where to get PrEP in Montreal, Sherbrooke, and Quebec City, click here.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Think of PEP as a morning-after pill for HIV. It’s used after a possible exposure. You must take it within 72 hours, ideally as soon as possible. It’s a 28-day treatment that helps prevent the virus from taking hold.
Need PEP? Act quickly: visit a sexual health clinic or emergency room. Some pharmacies can provide PEP in the meantime. Call Info-Santé (811) to find the best option near you
Doxy-PEP
La doxycycline PPE (prophylaxie post-exposition), souvent appelée doxy-PPE, est un médicament préventif contre certaines ITSS, précisément la chlamydia, la syphilis et en partie la gonorrhée.
Elle consiste à prendre 200 mg de doxycycline dans les 72 heures suivant une relation sexuelle à risque, idéalement le plus tôt possible après l’exposition.
Vaccination
Infections with hepatitis A and B viruses, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be prevented by vaccination. These vaccines are available in Canada, and may be free for certain people eligible for the Québec vaccination program.
To find out about your eligibility and the cost of vaccines, consult your healthcare professional.
Harm reduction during drug use
If you use drugs by injection or inhalation, here are ways to reduce your STI risk:
- Always use sterile gear (needles, pipes, straws, filters, etc.) and don’t share it (sharing is not caring);
- Get tested regularly;
- Learn about the substances you’re using to avoid overdoses or bad trips;
- You can get free sterile supplies through several resources accross Quebec.
If You Practice Chemsex or Party and Play (PnP), certain drugs can affect judgment, lower boundaries, and cause injury to delicate tissues (like the anal mucosa), increasing the risk of HIV and other STIs. To stay safer:
- Bring the right protection: condoms, gloves, finger cots, etc.;
- Use water- or silicone-based lube
- Take your PrEP correctly if you’re on it;
- If you’re not on PrEP or not using barriers, consider options like PEP or doxy-PEP;
- If you feel safe, talk to your doctor about your PnP practices.
Finally, make space for honest conversations with your partners: last test, known STIs, treatments. Setting your boundaries and strategies together = safer, more empowered sex.
In short...
Take the precautions that apply to you, and you’ll be all set for a summer (and beyond) full of pleasure!
