Sexually Transmitted Infections
STDs vs. STIs
What’s the difference?
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) has replaced the term Sexually
Transmitted Disease (STD)
Why?
STI is a more encompassing term that includes infections that are
asymptomatic (show no symptoms)
• What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections generally
spread by close sexual contact and sexual intercourse.
They can spread by contact with an infected partners:
Skin
Genitals
Body fluids
Mucous embranes eg. eyes, mouth
• Why is it important to learn about STIs?
It helps one be able to take care of one's own body
Untreated STIs can cause problems for a person's health and future ability
to have children
It helps a person to discuss STIs with a partner
It helps to identify myths like “It’s easy to tell if a person has a STI/HIV
because they will look sick” that could prevent a person from using
effective prevention methods or seeking needed treatments
• What are some common STIs?
Chlamydia
Genital herpes
Genital warts (HPV) Human Papillomavirus Virus
Gonorrhoea
Hepatitis B/C (also a blood borne infection)
HIV and AIDS (also a blood borne infection)
Syphilis
Pubic Lice (crabs)
Scabies
• Bacterial, Parasitic, or Viral STIs
Bacterial/Parasitic: If bacteria or a parasite causes an infection, it can be
treated with antibiotic or antimicrobial medication
Viral: If a virus causes an infection, it is possible for it to remain
“asymptomatic” for periods of time (meaning there are no symptoms). It is
possible to have the virus and not know it, and it is possible to pass it to
another person without either person knowing it. Viral STIs can be treated with
medications; but not cured.
• Which STIs are Bacterial?
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis
What STI’s are common in women that affects fertility?
• Which STIs are Viral?
HIV and AIDS
Genital Warts (HPV)
Genital Herpes
Hepatitis B and C
• Which STIs are Blood-Borne?
HIV and AIDS
Hepatitis B and C
• Blood Borne Infections
Blood-borne infections are spread by contaminated blood. Some are also spread
through body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions) and breast milk (HIV only).
They can be transmitted by:
sharing needles
contaminated body piercing and tattooing equipment
helping an infected person who is bleeding without using gloves
sexual intercourse and close sexual contact with someone who is infected
an infected mother to her baby
• Female Anatomy
Viruses and bacteria might be:
In the mouth, throat or eye
On the cervix
In the vagina
In the rectum or anus
In vaginal fluid
In the blood
On the skin in or around the genital area
• What are common symptoms?
burning while urinating
itching
discharge (for females, different colour, amount or foul smell. For males,
anything other than semen or urine)
sores, bumps or a rash on or around the genitals.
• It is common to have
NO SYMPTOMS
at all!
• Complications of STIs
Infertility (male and female)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in woman
Urinary tract complications
Cervical cancer
Psychological impact
Serious illness and death
• How can STIs be prevented?
Abstinence – No skin to genital, genital to genital, body fluid to genital
contact
Limiting number of sexual partners
Use condoms correctly and consistently
Communication with partner – sexual history
Not having sex if you see a sore, etc.
Regular STI testing (at least annually, more often if you’ve had
multiple partners)
• When should I get tested?
Before you have sex with a new partner
If you or your partner have been sexually active and have never been tested
If you know your current or past partner has a STI
If you have been forced to have sex
If you have any STI symptoms
At least once a year if you are sexually active
• Female Condom
• Provides a barrier for skin to skin contact and body fluids which can help
protect against pregnancy and STI
• Available at pharmacies, grocery stores and health clinics
• Inserted prior to any vaginal contact- can be inserted up to 8 hours prior
to intercourse
• Soft thin plastic quickly warms to body temperature, which allows for
natural feeling and sensitivity
• Safe to use for people with latex allergies
• Can use water and/or oil based lubricants
• Do not use with the male condom, this increases the chance that both will
break
• Use a new condom every time you have sex.
• Latex Barrier
Small piece of latex similar to the material used for male latex condoms
Barrier method which helps to protect against STIs
Stretched across the anus or woman’s vagina to help prevent the exchange of
bodily fluids and limit skin to skin contact
• Safer Sex
Abstinence is the only 100% way to prevent the transmission of STIs
If you choose to be sexually active:
Talk to your partner about your sexual health histories
Choose to protect yourself from both pregnancy and sexually
transmitted infections (STIs)
Limit your number of partners
Get tested regularly for STIs
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