What do I need to know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 06 Sep 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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You may also have heard these referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

All STIs are passed on from one person to another by unprotected sexual contact. This usually means having vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom, but some STIs can be transmitted by unprotected oral sex.

What are the most common STIs?

These four account for the great majority of STDs Canadians get each year:

-- Chlamydia - a bacterial infection

-- Gonorrhea - also a bacterium

-- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - causes genital warts

-- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) - causes genital herpes

How can I tell if I have an STI?

Many people who have been infected show no symptoms. You or your partner may not know if you're infected.

This is one reason to practise safer sex every time you have sex. This means using a latex condom for vaginal or anal intercourse or a dental dam/condom for oral sex. You will reduce your risk of getting an STD, and be less likely to give one to a partner. If you are worried about sexually transmitted infections, learning about the signs and symptoms is also helpful so that you can get medical treatment quickly if you think you have one.

When symptoms do appear, they can show up in different ways. Some are more severe than others. Here are some examples:….CONTINUES…..Canadian Health Network

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