Sexy Sexual Health With samantha bitty
samantha bitty is a sexual health and consent educator, speaker and social change entrepreneur. Having laughter, empathy and liberation as central pillars of her work, she aims to facilitate creative educational spaces, that can fill the gaps often left by traditional models of learning.
"My goal as a sexual health educator is to replace ideas about sex that originate in patriarchy, misogyny, capitalism, and shame, with ideas stemming from abundance, sex positivity, love, and choice." - Samantha Bitty
The videos include information about Body Confidence, Safer Sexting, Consent, STIs, Flirting in Consent Culture and more. We hope you have fun exploring, sharing, and further developing healthier sexual relationships.
The Sexy Sexual Health Videos are a project brought to the University of Waterloo by Campus Wellness, The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office, and WUSA.
What is Sex?
Body Confidence
Flirting Part 1
Flirting Part 2
Safer Sex Part 1
Safer Sex Part 2
Breaking Up
Safer Sexting
STIs Part 1
STIs Part 2
Self Pleasure
Sexual Health Services
As a young adult, you probably have already made choices regarding your sexuality, or will likely in the nearer future. You may have already been sexually active for a while, or you're ready to experience sexual intimacy for the first time, or may have made the personal choice to be abstinent. An educated decision is the best decision. Don't do anything you are uncomfortable with; it's your body, it's your choice.
Regardless of your sexual experience, professional staff at Health Services are available to help you make a safe, healthy decision that is right for you.
We are Here to Help!
Health Services offers:
- Confidential consultation with a nurse or physician.
- Confidential STI testing, counselling and health monitoring.
- Family planning.
- Birth control dispensary.
- Emergency contraception (morning after pill).
- Pregnancy tests.
- Birth control counselling and options.
- Gender Affirmative Care.
- 2SLGBTQIA+ patients and pregnancy.
- Programs on campus and in residence.
- Information packages.
Consent and Sexual Violence
Before you assume, make sure you have consent. Do you know what consent entails? Have you asked for consent yet? Have both you and your partner said yes?
You may be asking yourself what exactly is sexual consent? Consent means to actively and voluntarily agree to engage in sexual activity, including kissing, sexual touching, fondling, oral sex or intercourse. Consent is:
- Freely given: A person must not be pressured, threatened, coerced.
- Ongoing: Consent can be withdrawn at any point in time. If a person says “stop”, becomes unconscious or is no longer enthusiastic, then stop and check in to make sure they are okay.
- Informed: All participants in sexual activity must be aware of what they doing and say no to anything they are uncomfortable with.
- Enthusiastic: Did the person say “YES!” or is excited to participate in sexual activity? If they did, then enjoy! But if they didn’t, then stop and talk about what you feel comfortable doing.
It is NOT consent when
- The person is unconscious
- The person is impaired, i.e. drunk or high
- The person is incapable of giving their consent
- The person is threatened or coerced to engage in sexual activity
- It threatens their personal safety
Remember to ask for consent every time you want to engage in a sexual activity and it should never be assumed! Your body is your own and no one else should have control over it. Still want more info about consent check out this video:
Unfortunately, some people may experience sexual violence. Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual activity that is forced on a person. In Canada there are about 20,000 reported sexual assaults reported to the police each year. However, only 10% of sexual assaults are reported to the police, so at least 200,000 happen each year in Canada. Anyone can experience sexual violence despite their age, gender or ethnicity. If you have experienced sexual violence, you may experience a variety of feelings, have trouble eating, sleeping or concentrating or experience flashbacks and nightmares. If you feel comfortable, reach out to a friend, family member, health care provider (i.e. counsellor or physician) or anyone else you feel safe speaking with.
How can you be an ally or help someone who has experienced sexual violence?
- Be supportive and validate their feelings.
- Never blame the survivor. It is not their fault that someone made them experience this trauma.
- Make sure the person is physically safe space. If they aren’t, escort them to a place where they do feel safe.
- If the person is physically injured, encourage them to seek medical attention. You can also offer to accompany them to the hospital or clinic.
- Let them know that they can report it to the police and that you can offer to stay with them during the reporting process.
- Educate others on the importance of consent and healthy relationships.
If you or a friend has experienced sexual violence there are some resources that can be utilized:
- On Campus Supports
- Health Services at the University of Waterloo: Call (519) 888-4096 or visit the Health Services Building
- Counselling Services at the University of Waterloo: Call (519) 888-4096 or go to Needles Hall or the Health Services Building
- Sexual Violence Response Coordinator (Meghan Ross) for the University of Waterloo: Call 519-888-4567 ext. 40025 or email at m23ross@uwaterloo.ca
- Sexual Violence Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office: svpro@uwaterloo.ca
- University of Waterloo’s Campus Police: Call (519) 888-4911 or use ext. 22222 from any UW phone
- Off Campus Supports
- Waterloo Region Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre: Call (519)749-6994 or go the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s General Hospital
- Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region: Call the 24 hour support line at (519)741-8633
- Emergency Medical Services: call 911
- Additional Suggestions
- SHORE Centre: (519)743-9360 or go to 130-235 King Street East in Kitchener or email info@shorecentre.ca
- Contact a trusted friend, family member, UW faculty or staff member, or your Residence Life Don or Community Leader
- https://www.sexandu.ca/consent/
Online resources
- Sex & U - From the Society Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
- Gay Men's Sexual Health Alliance
FAQs About STIs
What is an STI?
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infectious diseases that are spread through any type of sexual contact.
Why is it important to get tested?
- Early detection and treatment can reduce or prevent health complications caused by STIs.
- Many STIs don’t show obvious signs and symptoms so it is important to take precautions to protect both you and your partner. Testing is the only way to know for certain if you have an STI.
- Participating in sexual risk behaviours may increase your risk of getting an STI.
When should I get tested?
- If you have a new partner or multiple partners.
- If you think you may have been exposed to an STI.
- If you have symptoms of an STI. For information about specific STI symptoms, visit the Sex & U page on STIs.
How can I protect myself from STIs?
- Consistent and proper use of condoms, gloves, or dams.
- Check that you are up-to-date with Hepatitis and HPV vaccinations.
- Talk about safe sex and STIs with every partner.
When and where can I get tested on campus?
You can make an appointment at Health Services to get STI testing anytime throughout the year. To book a confidential STI testing appointment, call 519-888-4096.
After I’m tested, how will I know if I have an STI?
If your tests show you are positive for an STI, a staff member from Health Services will be in touch with you to talk about your treatment options. Testing can take up to two weeks for results to become available. If you don’t hear from Health Services, you can book a non-urgent follow up after the two-week period to review the results with a physician.
For more information
Public Health Agency of Canada
Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Gender Affirmative Care
To serve our trans and non-binary identified student’s health needs, Health Services is revising our current care model to offer gender affirmative care. The aim is to establish gender identity supports, coordinate transition related care, and to work toward dedicating our clinic as a gender affirming safe space. Currently, transition related primary care at Health Services is supported by select physicians, nurses, and a dietitian.
If you are interested in gender affirmative care and/or for further information or self-referral, students can schedule a confidential Intake Appointment with one of our trained nurses. We suggest first booking an intake appointment, which will allow us to get to know you, review your medical history, and collaborate together to establish a pathway toward optimal health.
Call 519-888-4069 to book an appointment, or visit Health Services on campus.
Health Services is committed to continuously working together to improve 2SLGBTQIA+ patient care and access to services.
Additional Information
Names and pronouns
Your name in our Campus Wellness system reflects your name in the University system. However, during registration, inform staff of your pronoun and preferred name. These changes will be noted in your medical records and respected by Health Services staff. To change your name through the Registrar’s Office, please refer to instructions through WUSA Trans Resources.
Gender inclusive restrooms
All of our Health Services washrooms are gender-inclusive. Staff can direct you to the closest restroom/changing area.
Health insurance
Both UHIP and OHIP cover healthcare provider appointments at Health Services for transitioning and questioning students. If you have been prescribed hormones, and wish to have the cost covered by your student benefit plan, log onto Student Care to access the Restricted Drug Use Form. Alternatively, you can request a copy of this form through Health Services, in which you can then fill out and submit for medical director approval.
If you have questions regarding coverage, consult your insurance carrier, Student Care online, by phone: 1-866-369-8794 or visit the on-campus Health & Dental Plan office located within Health Services (Room 1006).
Additional Resources
On-campus resources
Off-campus resources
FAQs About Birth Control
There are many options available to prevent pregnancy and regulate your period.
Some options include: 
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Contraceptive patch
- Vaginal ring
- Depo provera injection
- Intrauterine Contraception (IUD/IUS)
Condoms are also effective in preventing most sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
For more information about birth control options, visit sexandu.ca
Which birth control is best for me? How do I get birth control?
The Student Medical Clinic is here to help. If you want to learn more about birth control, book an appointment for birth control counselling with a nurse at Health Services. If you know you want to start birth control or would like to continue with your current birth control method, book an appointment with a doctor. Visits to Health services are covered by OHIP or UHIP. Some prescriptions require multiple appointments, such as the IUD/IUS.
Non-prescription forms of STI prevention/contraception like condoms or dental dams can be purchased at local retailers and pharmacies.
What if I need emergency contraception?
Prescriptions are available by appointment with a physician. It is also available without a prescription at local pharmacies.
Looking for more information?
- https://www.sexandu.ca/contraception/its-a-plan/
- https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/sexual-health.aspx
- https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/facts/birth-control/
Condom Use
According to a Statistics Canada study, 3/10 young adults did not use a condom the last time they had sex. Having sex without a condom increases your risk of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. After years of decline, STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are on the rise. Not all STIs will have symptoms, so getting tested and protecting yourself is key to keeping you safe. Learning about sexual health will help you make informed choices and protect yourself.
Talk with your partners before engaging in sexual activity, and consider the importance of informed consent to prevent sexual assault.
Keep in mind ways to protect yourself, such as the following:
- Condoms are the only form of barrier birth control that help protect you from STIs by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids between sexual partners.
- Even if you are using another birth control method, no method is 100% effective, so using condoms as well will help increase your protection against STIs and pregnancy.
- Non-latex condoms are available if you have a latex allergy.
- Condoms are relatively disposable, inexpensive, effective, hormone free and available without a prescription.
- There are condoms available in many sizes, textures and even colour, as well as for men and women.
- Condoms can be easily acquired from pharmacies, grocery stores, Health Services, and even many washrooms. Learn about how to put on a condom at the Government of Canada Public Health website.
You can get tested for STIs and access birth control at Health Services. Call us at 519-888-4096 to make an appointment. Because STIs often have no symptoms, routine testing is an important part of taking care of ourselves. If you find out you have an STI, it is important to inform any current or previous partners to prevent further spread of STIs or complications.
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