Sexually Transmitted Infections DISCLAIMER: By using teachingsexualhealth.ca (the "Service") you acknowledge that you understand and agree that the information contained in or provided through this Service is intended for general understanding and education only and that this Service is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Copyright© 2010 Alberta Health Services

Ground Rules We respect: That any question is OK That it is OK to pass That we all have different points of view Each other by listening The right to privacy That we all need to be listened to

STDs vs. STIs What’s the difference? Sexually Transmitted infection (STI) has replaced the term Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Why? STI a more encompassing term that includes infections that are asymptomatic; or 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 Membranes 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 us recognize myths like “It’s easy to tell if a person has a STI/HIV because he/she 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 Gonorrhoea Hepatitis B/C (also a blood borne disease) HIV and AIDS (also a blood borne disease) Syphilis Pubic Lice (crabs) Scabies

STIs can be Viral, Bacterial, or Parasitic Bacterial/Parasitic: If bacteria or a parasite causes an infection, it can be treated with antibiotic or antimicrobial medication

Which STIs are Bacterial? Chlamydia Gonorrhoea Syphilis

Which STIs are Parasitic? Pubic Lice (crabs) Scabies

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.

HIV and AIDS Genital Warts Genital Herpes Hepatitis B and C Which STIs are Viral? HIV and AIDS Genital Warts Genital Herpes Hepatitis B and C

Which STIs are Blood-Borne? Some of the viral infections are also blood-borne: HIV and AIDS Hepatitis B and C

Blood Borne Diseases Blood-borne diseases 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 body piercing and tattooing equipment helping someone who is bleeding without using gloves sexual intercourse and close sexual contact an infected mother to her baby

Viruses and bacteria might be: Male Anatomy Viruses and bacteria might be: In the mouth, throat or eye On the penis In the urethra In the rectum or anus In semen and pre-semen In the blood On the skin in or around the genital area

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 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 Epididymitis in men Urinary tract complications Cervical cancer Psychological impact Serious illness and death

What are the best ways to prevent STIs? 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

Male condoms 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 Use a condom for oral, vaginal and anal sex or when sharing sex toys Most condoms are latex. Non-latex types include polyurethane, and polyisoprene (synthetic rubber) Check expiry date and keep in dark, cool place Do not use with oil-based products like Vaseline, baby oil or hand cream. They increase the chance of the condom breaking Use a new condom every time you have sex. Never use two condoms at once

Male Condom Demonstration Click here for demonstration

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.

Female Condom Demonstration Click here for demonstration

Dental Dam 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

Dental Dam Demonstration Click here for demonstration

Safer Sex The only safe sex is no sex (abstinence) 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 Get more information

Key Messages Always wear a condom STIs often have NO symptoms Have regular testing for STIs

Where can I go for help? School Counsellor Teacher School Nurse Walk in Clinic Family Doctor Sexual Health Clinic

For more information on STIs HIV and AIDS Call the Alberta STD Information Line at 1-800-772-2437

Questions?