Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

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What are sexually transmitted infections (STI)?

There are many different sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some are spread by skin-to-skin contact and others through semen, vaginal fluid, blood or other body fluids during sexual activity.

Cause 

There are over 30 different bacteria, viruses, parasites, and protozoa which can be transmitted from person-to-person during sexual activity.

Risk to travellers     

Sexually transmited infections are present worldwide.

Risk is higher among travellers who engage in:

  • unprotected sexual activities.
  • casual and/or anonymous partnering.
  • sexual activity with sex trade workers.

Severity            

Sexually transmitted infections range in severity. Some STIs can be fatal.

Some have little to no symptoms, so you may not know that you are infected.

Complications can occur which can have serious effects on one’s health. Possible consequences include: pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, pregnancy complications, cancer (of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis), chronic degenerative disease of the liver, and/or birth defects in children.

Prevention     

You can reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection through safer sex practices.

Consider getting vaccinated (if you are among the approved groups for vaccination) for:

Treatment      

Management and treatment vary, depending on the sexually transmitted infection. Some STIs can be cured while others can be life-long infections.

Early detection and treatment are important to help prevent long-term health effects and reduce the spread of infection.

Symptoms

  • Some people with sexually transmitted infections have few or no symptoms at all; others have obvious symptoms. If you have been sexually active with a new partner when travelling, be aware of any changes in your health during travel and after return, such as:
    • different or heavier discharge from the vagina.
    • discharge from the penis.
    • burning feeling when urinating.
    • sores, particularly in the genital or anal areas.
    • itching feeling around the genitals or anus.
    • appearance of a rash.
    • swollen glands in the groin.
    • sudden onset of flu-like symptoms.
  • These symptoms might appear alone, or in combination. Refer to information on specific sexually transmitted infections for more details.

Transmission

  • Sexually transmitted infections are spread from person to person through:
    • semen, vaginal fluid, blood or other body fluids during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
    • skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
  • Some STIs can also be passed from person-to-person through blood transfusions and tissue transplantations. Regulations and practices vary from country to country regarding the types of screening tests done on donated blood.
  • Some STIs, in addition to blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C, can also be passed from person-to-person through the sharing of needles and other equipment during intravenous drug use.
  • Some STIs such as HIV, syphilis, and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can be transmitted from mother to child through pregnancy and childbirth.
  • An individual can have more than one STI at a time. In fact, if you have an untreated STI, such as chlamydia or syphilis, it increases the risk of getting or transmitting HIV.
  • You can catch some STIs, such as chlamydia or syphilis, more than once if you are exposed again.

Where are sexually transmitted infections (STI) a concern?

Sexually transmitted infections occur worldwide. Some STIs such as haemophilus ducreyi (chanroid) are not common in Canada, but are common in other parts of the world.

For more information, refer to the World Health Organization.

Recommendations

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.

  1. Practise safe sex (anal, vaginal or oral):
    • Always use latex or polyurethane male or female condoms correctly for every sexual contact, but do not use both at the same time.
    • Use dental dams (rectangular pieces of thin latex) over the vagina or anus for a protective barrier during oral sex.
    • Before travelling, pack your own supply of high quality condoms and dental dams.
    • Other birth control methods do NOT protect you against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
  2. Talk to your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic to discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated against:
  3. Avoid behaviour which may increase your risk for sexually transmitted infections such as:
    • sexual activity with commercial sex workers and/or strangers.
    • heavy partying, drinking, or taking illegal drugs, which can change your sexual attitudes or inhibitions.
    • sharing needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes or shavers.
    • exposure to unsterilized needles for tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
  4. Avoid injections, blood transfusions and organ transplantations unless it is an emergency:
    • If you must receive blood or an organ while travelling, try to ensure that the donated blood/organ has been tested for HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.
    • If you cannot ensure the blood/organ has been screened, and you do not require emergency care, return home for treatment.
  5. If you need to use needles or syringes:
    • Needles and syringes may be difficult to purchase abroad. Bring enough to last your entire trip.
    • Carry an explanation from your health care provider or a medical certificate with you.
    • Before departure, check your airline’s regulations regarding needles and syringes in carry-on luggage.
    • In some countries, a traveller found with needles and syringes without an adequate explanation could be in serious trouble. Since security screening regulations change frequently without warning, and differ from country to country, check regulations before you travel to allow enough time to get the proper documentation.
  6. Get tested:
    • See a health care provider if:
      • You think you may have a sexually transmitted infection because you have symptoms.
      • You have engaged in activities that may have placed you at risk for a STI, even if you have no symptoms.
    • It is important to ensure that all sex partners receive treatment if an individual is infected.
  7. Be aware of sexual violence:
    • Occurrence of sexual violence varies around the world.
    • If you are raped or assaulted, find medical attention immediately so HIV and STI counselling (and possible treatment) can be provided.

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