Toronto Public Health (TPH) wants people to be safe when they “score,” not only on the soccer pitch but also in the bedroom.
With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to visit the city this summer for the FIFA World Cup, the health unit wants to ensure people enjoy themselves to the fullest and “don’t pass up protection.”
Six soccer-inspired condoms that “celebrate the energy of the games while promoting sexual health” are now available at TPH’s four sexual health clinics in Bloor West at 2340 Dundas St. W., in Scarborough at 160 Borough Dr., at Jane-St. Clair at 662 Jane St., and in North York at 5110 Yonge St, as well as at community partner clinics and agencies across the city.
The limited-edition condoms, as well as other safer sex supplies, are free of charge and will be available while supplies last.
“Whether you’re attending a soccer match, a watch party, hitting a summer festival or partying, remember that condoms protect the health of you and your partner(s),” public health said in a post on social media.
“Studies show that using a condom every time you have oral, anal or vaginal sex decreases the risk of sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (STBBIs), HIV and/or unplanned pregnancy.”
Toronto Public Health’s CondomTO campaign was first introduced in 2014 for World Pride. It continued during the 2015 Pan American and ParaPan American Games and beyond, and has become a “recognized and engaging way to promote safer sex, reduce stigma and connect people with sexual health services,” the health unit said on its website.
Sexual health clinics
Toronto Public Health says its sexual health clinics are “pro-choice, inclusive, non-judgmental, respectful, confidential, and harm reduction informed.”
They are open to everyone, regardless of age, including people who may face barriers accessing effective sexual health services like recent immigrants or refugees. Sexual health services can be accessed without a referral or a health (OHIP) card.
These clinics provide free and confidential services for all eligible individuals across Toronto, including sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing and treatment, birth control counselling and low-cost birth control, emergency contraceptive pills, intrauterine device counseling, insertion, and removal, free condoms and lube, pregnancy testing, counselling, and referral, and vaccines related to infections potentially caused by sexual transmission, including the mpox shot.
Appointments are needed to visit TPH’s four sexual health clinics for services. They can be made online or by calling 416‑338‑1234 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Nurse‑only appointments may also be available outside regular clinic hours at some locations.
