* You may also have heard these called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
All STIs are passed from one person to another by unprotected sexual contact.
STIs can be transmitted through vaginal and anal intercourse, oral sex, and
genital to genital (skin-to-skin) contact. The risk of getting an STI is much
higher when you don’t use a condom or a dental dam (which is a piece of latex
used for oral sex on the anus and the vagina).
What are the most common STIs?
In Canada, the four most common STIs
are:
- chlamydia - a bacterial infection
- gonorrhea - also a bacterium
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes genital warts
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which causes genital herpes.
How can I tell if I have an STI?
Many people who have been infected don’t have any symptoms. You or your partner
may not know if you're infected. This is one reason to practice safer sex every
time you have sex. Use a latex or polyurethane condom for vaginal or anal
intercourse, and a dental dam or condom for oral sex. You will reduce your risk
of getting an STI, and be less likely to give one to a partner.
If you’re worried that you’ve been exposed to an STI, it’s important to see
a doctor and get tested right away so you can be treated early if you do have
an infection. Because many people don’t show any visible signs of having a
STI, waiting for bumps or sores to appear is not a good idea.
When symptoms do appear, they can show up in different ways. Some are more
severe than others. Here are some examples:
| Chlamydia and gonorrhea |
- pain when you urinate (pee)
- a discharge from the penis or vagina.
|
| HPV (genital warts) |
- small bumps or warts in or around the genitals
- itchiness aound the genitals or anus.
|
| HSV (Herpes) |
- small, itchy bumps on or around the genitals
- the bumps may turn into blisters or sores.
|
When should I get treated?
Untreated STIs can cause serious health problems for both men and women, so
it's important to get tested and treated early.
If you’ve had unprotected sex or if you think you may be infected, talk
to your doctor, or contact the local public health department. This is a good
way to get testing, treatment, and more information.
Remember, the best ways to reduce your risk of getting or giving an STI are
to:
- abstain from risky behaviour
- practice safer sex
- get tested often
- get treated early.
Additional resources
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Ontario
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) – Sexualityandu.ca
Sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) – Canadian Federation
for Sexual Health
Montreal Health Press. (1999).
STD Handbook: Sexually Transmitted Diseases. P.O.
Box 1000, Station Place du Parc, Montreal,
Quebec. H2W 2N1. (514) 282-1171; Fax (514)
282-0262.
| 
