Posted on May 31, 2024 by Mary Radermaker
Throughout the month of June, the Laurentides region will host DépistaFest 2024, an innovative festival dedicated to the screening of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI).
Image: Adobe Stock
The event aims to inform and raise awareness among young adults about the importance of STI screening and to facilitate their process of making an appointment. For the occasion, the Dispensary organization will be visiting Sainte-Agathe, Mont-Tremblant, Rivière-Rouge (Annonciation sector) and Mont-Laurier to offer free awareness activities.
Although recent studies suggest that young adults are more vulnerable to STBBIs*, they show that a majority of them do not get tested regularly*. In a sample of sexually active Quebecers aged between 17 and 29, only 31% of men and 42% of women reported having taken a screening test in the last 12 months*.
Morag Bosom, researcher and sexological designer at Club Sexu (the organization behind DépistaFest), points out that it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to screening since the process can be complex and varies from one clinic to another . Since DépistaFest aims to simplify this process, festival-goers can search for participating clinics on the depistafest.ca website and thus receive personalized suggestions based on their location and their needs. Club Sexu also recommends carrying out screening at a minimum frequency of once a year, even for people in stable, monogamous couples.
For more information on the schedule and activities of the squad which will be present throughout the Laurentians territory, consult the Dispensary Facebook page.
Good to know
• According to the Canadian government, in the country, a person can be held criminally responsible if they have sexual relations without revealing that they carry an STI;
• Screening tests in public services are free for anyone with a health insurance card (RAMQ);
• While the optimal period for obtaining a sample or serology varies, the Order of Nurses of Quebec recommends a delay of at least 48 hours before taking a sample after unprotected sexual intercourse;
• Sharing sex toys poses a risk of STBBI transmission and can lead to vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis and urinary infections. As disinfection does not completely eliminate the risk, Club Sexu advises covering the toy with a condom;
• If you have doubts about STBBI symptoms, it is crucial to turn to reliable sources such as the DépistaFest website or Info-Santé (811) since online search results can be a Source of misinformation.
*Blouin et al., 2023
* Boudewyns and Paquin, 2011
*Lambert et al., 2017
Post Views:
8
