STI s (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Build Awareness In Canada and around the world, the trend is clear: sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise. One of the primary defenses in the fight against STIs is awareness. With the right information, individuals can make informed choices and better protect themselves and their partners.
Every Case is Different Many STIs are asymptomatic (if a patient is a carrier for a disease or infection but experiences no symptoms). Often the only was to detect an infection is through screening. Individuals who suspect they may have been infected should be encouraged to seek medic al attention immediately, rather than waiting for the onset of visible symptoms.
Most Common Symptoms Discharge from the penis Different or heavier discharge from the vagina A burning feeling when urinating Sores, particularly around the genital or anal areas Itching feeling around sex organs or anus Swollen glands in the groin It is common for people with an STI not to notice any symptoms at all
How are STIs Transmitted There are many different STIs, and they may be transmitted/contracted in various ways through unprotected contact with body fluids: Those who have one or more STIs may give the infection to others If they touch in certain parts of the body and there is an exchange of body fluid (saliva, mucus, sperm, semen, vaginal secretion, blood) If dry skin-to-skin contact bet6ween genitals, mouth, or anus occurs. Those who share drug-injection needles, drug equipment, tattooing devices (including ink), and body-piercing devices with someone who has certain STIs may get infected. A female who has certain STIs may infect the fetus during pregnancy, when the baby is being delivered, or while breast-feeding.
Prevention Preventing the spread of STIs could mean the difference between life and death. Abstinence is the only 100% method of preventing the transmission of STIs. Those who choose to become sexually active can reduce their chance by using certain safer sex practices (use of a condom). Other behaviours such as reducing the number of lifetime sex partners and getting regular STI testing are also protective.
Chlamydia What is it? Bacteria (curable) Can lead to reproductive complications. Can affect the cervix and urethra, and occasionally the rectum, throat, and eye. Transmission: Can be spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. Penetration and ejaculation are not required for transmission. It can be passed from an infected mother to her infant during birth, causing lung and/or eye infections. Helps prevention: Abstinence. safe sex practices.
Chlamydia Symptoms Many infected individuals have no symptoms. May occur from two to six weeks after initial exposure to the bacteria. Female Male Vaginal discharge, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods, pain during intercourse, or eye or rectal infection (rarely). Clear, watery or milky urethral discharge, itchy urethra, painful urination, testicular pain, eye or rectal infection (rarely).
Gonorrhea What is it? Second most common bacterial STI. 2/3 of reported cases in Canada are in men. Can affect the cervix and urethra, and occasionally the rectum, throat, and eye. Often occurs as a co-infection with chlamydia. Transmission: Can be spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. Penetration and ejaculation are not required for transmission. It can be passed from an infected mother to her infant during birth, causing lung and/or eye infections. Helps prevention: Abstinence. safe sex practices.
Gonorrhea Symptoms Female: Women are most often asymptomatic. Those that do exhibit symptoms may experience: Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods, pain during intercourse, rectal pain, discharge or itching. Male: Most men develop symptoms within two to seven days of infection Thick, yellowish-green discharge from penis, painful urination, testicular pain or swelling, rectal pain, discharge or itching.
Syphilis What is it? Bacteria (curable) Once considered rare in Canada, it is now on the rise. Progresses in stages Infectious in the first year after contraction. Transmission: Through unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. Through direct contact with bacteria contained in syphilitic sores or rashes In rare cases, rom sharing unclean needles or receiving a blood transfusion. From an infected mother to her fetus, which can result in fetal death or congenital syphilis (causing birth defects) Helps prevention: Abstinence. safe sex practices.
Syphilis Symptoms Primary syphilis (stage 1): Three days to three months after exposure, infected individuals develop a small painless sore called a chancre. The sore appears where the bacteria entered the body (external genitalia, on the cervix, in the vagina, under the foreskin in the anus, mouth or throat). The chancre is painless and can be missed easily; while it heals on its own without treatment, the infection remains. Secondary syphilis (stage 2): Develop a range of symptoms from two to 24 weeks after exposure, most commonly: Stage 3 A general feeling of being unwell, a rash anywhere on the body but classically on the palms of the hands or sole of the feet, patchy hair loss, and/or flat smooth warts in the genital area (not the same as those caused by HPV) Heart disease, blindness, paralysis.
Genital Herpes What is it? A very common viral (treatable) infection that can cause genital and anal sores. Herpes simplex virus (two types: HSV-1, traditionally associated with cold sores, and HSV-2, traditionally associated with anogenital herpes). May cause a single outbreak or recurrences over time. Transmission: Through direct unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with an infected partner. Skin-to-skin contact Helps prevention: Abstinence. safe sex practices. Condoms have limited effectiveness at preventing infection as they do not cover the entire genital area. Avoid contact during an outbreak
Genital Herpes Symptoms Not all infected people develop symptoms Symptoms may emerge two to 21 days after initial infection; usually after six Tingling/itching in genital area Tiny painful blisters/sores in genital area During an outbreak: Painful sores (external or internal) Inflammation and redness Fever Muscular pain Tender lymph nodes An outbreak resolves in 17 days for men and 23 days for women, on average.
Hepatitis B What is it? A vaccine-preventable viral infection that affects the liver. A virus found in blood and body fluids including the vaginal secretions, semen, breast milk, and saliva of infected individuals. Chronic infection can significantly damage the liver Transmission: Through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person. Sharing needles. During child birth (transmission from mother to infant). Helps prevention: Hepatitis B vaccine Abstain from intercourse. Safe sex practices. Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or razors. Avoid Tattoos
Hepatitis B Symptoms In up to 50% of people, there are no outward signs of infection. Fatigue, fever, jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes), dark urine/pale stools, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, poor appetite.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) What is it? A very common viral infection. Most HPV infections clear on their own within one to two years. Transmission: Through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person. Skin-to-skin contact\ Helps prevention: Abstain from skin-to-skin contact and intercourse Safe sex practices Regular pap tests help for early detection
HPV Symptoms Infected person may not show any symptoms. Cauliflower-like appearance of warts grouped around anus, vagina, vulva, cervix, and on shaft of penis.
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) What is it? A virus that attacks the body s immune system, leaving infected individuals unable to ward off other illnesses. Weakens the immune system over time to a point where the person develops Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDs). AIDs is the fatal stage of HIV infection. Transmission: Through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person. Sharing needles. Transmission from mother to child. HIV cannot be transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects that have made contact with infected blood, nor can it be transmitted through saliva, sweat, tears, urine or feces of infected individuals, unless blood is present.
HIV Helps prevention: Through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person. Safe sex practices Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or razors Symptoms: Illnesses, infections, cancers, diarrhea, shortness of breath, fever, and/or swollen glands.
Pubic lice What is it? Infections caused by parasitic infestations. Tiny crab-like insects that nest in pubic hair. Transmission: Through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person. Skin-to-skin contact Scratching Helps prevention: Abstain from skin-to-skin contact and intercourse. Symptoms: Itching in genital area.
The early detection and treatment of STIs is critical to prevent further spread of infections. When to get tested: Individuals who suspect they may have contracted an STI should seek guidance about when and how to get tested. If an individual is sexually active, regular testing should be done.