Condoms for your waiting room

Help Prevent the Transmission of Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs) – Order FREE Condoms for your waiting room

Ottawa Public Health is inviting medical clinics and primary care practitioners across Ottawa to become condom distributors. Participating offices can order condoms and lubricant to offer to your patients, within your space. Having condoms available to your patients for free helps reduce the barriers to access and provides a visual cue to encourage primary care practitioner and patient conversation on the prevention of and testing for STBBIs.

Who is eligible?

Medical offices and health care practitioners across Ottawa are eligible to receive condoms and lubricant.

Rationale

Condoms help prevent unplanned pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted and blood borne infections. In cities across Canada, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) are rising at an alarming rate and Ottawa is no exception. Increasing access to free condoms is an important prevention measure.

  • The rate of gonorrhea in Ottawa is the highest it has been in at least 10 years. In 2023, 962 gonorrhea infections were diagnosed in Ottawa. Three-quarters of gonorrhea infections are in men. The risk is highest in men who have sex with men (MSM) and in 25-29-year-olds.
  • The rate of infectious syphilis is also the highest it has been in at least 10 years. In 2023, 169 infectious syphilis infections were diagnosed in Ottawa. Almost 90% of infections are in men, most of whom are MSM. The highest rates are in 30-59-year-olds.
  • Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed reportable sexually transmitted infection: in 2023, over 3,400 cases were diagnosed in Ottawa. Chlamydia is not at its peak, but its incidence is increasing. Women are slightly more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia than men, and 15-24-year-olds of are at highest risk.

The latest data for reportable sexually transmitted and blood borne infections is always available at ottawapublichealth.ca. 

How do I place an order?

Place your order here

Questions? Please e-mail ophsexualhealth@ottawa.ca

 

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