Sexual Health Information for Health Care Providers
The information on this page is for health professionals. If you are looking for health information for community members visit Sexual Health Services.
On this page:
- Condom access
- Order free STI medications
- STI treatment guidelines
- Syphilis information for health care providers
Condom access
Region of Waterloo Public Health has a condom access program which offers free condoms through many community agencies. Call 519-883-2314 for locations.
Order free STI medications
Region of Waterloo Public Health provides free STI medications to all local health care providers and medical clinics, for the treatment of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. All patients diagnosed with a reportable STI and their partners, regardless of OHIP status, are eligible for the following free STI medications:
- Azithromycin
- Ceftriaxone
- Doxycycline
- Penicillin G Benzathine (Bicillin)
To order the above medications, use the request a form tool.
STI treatment guidelines
- Canadian Guidelines on STI – Public Health Agency of Canada
- Sexually Transmitted Infections – Public Health Ontario
Syphilis information for health care providers
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted and can cause long term effects if not treated properly. Syphilis can also be transmitted from infected mother to infant during pregnancy or birth. Syphilis testing requires a blood test and is easily treated with antibiotics.
Current Trends
- Rates of syphilis have been increasing over the last three years locally in Waterloo Region and in Ontario, see our Infectious Disease Surveillance Report for current information.
- Cases have been increasing amongst heterosexual populations, as well as populations with risk factors of illicit drug use and street involvement.
- Rates are highest amongst ages 20-49
- Rates amongst females have increased rapidly over the last two years. Local rates of syphilis amongst females is higher than the provincial rates. This epidemiological trend may increase the risk of congenital syphilis (Source: Public Health Ontario)
- In 2022, there were 15 confirmed cases of syphilis in pregnant women in our region, with six of these women not tested until delivery. In the same year, there was also one early congenital syphilis death.
Tools and resources for testing, staging and reporting of syphilis
- General
- Testing
- Staging
- Reporting
Pregnancy and syphilis
Source: Government of Canada, Syphilis Guide
High community rates of syphilis increase the risk for all pregnant women, as risk factors are often unknown or undisclosed.
- Testing during pregnancy
- Universal screening of all pregnant women during the first trimester.
- Screening test should be repeated at 28-32 weeks and again at delivery in areas of outbreaks or for women at ongoing risk
- Additional screening tests may be considered based on risk factors
- Treatment during pregnancy
- Preferred treatment for syphilis during pregnancy is one or two doses of Benzathine Penicillin G-LA 2.4 million units IM.
- Locally, infectious disease specialists are recommending one dose weekly for two (2) weeks.
- Ensure partners are treated
- The Canadian Paediatric Society has addressed the assessment and management of congenital syphilis in the following article: Congenital syphilis: No longer just of historical interest
Partner notification responsibility for health professionals
Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.7, part II, sections 5 and 7, and the 2019 Ontario Public Health Standards, all Public Health Departments in Ontario are required to ensure partners are notified.
For more information about partner notification responsibility for health professionals, visit Toronto Public Health.
