STBBIs
What is an STBBI?
The acronym STBBI stands for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections. They are most often transmitted during sexual activity without protection (i.e., condoms, latex gloves and fingers, and dental dams).
Some STBBIs can also be transmitted through blood when sharing equipment for preparing, injecting, or inhaling drugs or when using nonsterile tattooing or piercing equipment. If you use drugs during sexual activity (i.e., chemsex; PnP/Party and Play), please see our section on this subject.
How can I protect myself against STBBIs?
STBBIs can be subtle, often showing no symptoms. Therefore, even when “everything looks good,” it is recommended to take the following precautions in order to limit your risk. As you would at a buffet, combine several of the following methods according to your habits and practices to ensure you get the best protection.
1. Using barrier methods of protection
Depending on the sexual activity, we recommend the use of external and internal condoms, latex gloves or fingers, and dental dams. These barrier methods will protect against bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact between genitals. Similarly, the use of lubricant can reduce irritation to genital mucous membranes and thus decrease points of entry for STBBIs.
2. Using sterile equipment for recreational drug use, tattooing, and piercing
To prevent bloodborne transmission, it is important to ensure that equipment is sterilized and not shared during tattooing and piercing or during inhalation or intravenous drug use.
At the Pharmacie du Village, sterile injection equipment kits are offered free of charge to anyone who requests them.
3. Regular STBBI screening
Screening can detect STBBIs in the absence of symptoms. Getting tested regularly is therefore essential to detect STBBIs that may have set up camp in your body without notice.
If you are unsure of the optimal screening frequency for your practices, book a screening appointment. Your healthcare professional can give you a personalized recommendation.
If you have STBBI symptoms or believe you have been exposed to a risk of transmission, we recommend that you make an appointment for a medical consultation so that a doctor can examine your symptoms and potentially make a diagnosis.
In this section, you will find information on the main STBBIs and their treatments. Our team is also available to answer your questions. If in doubt, come and see us. You are never alone.
The information on this website is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subjects covered or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. This information does not constitute medical consultations, diagnoses, or opinions, and should therefore not be interpreted as such. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medical condition, medications, or treatment.
