1. STDs vs. STIs What’s the difference? Why?
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)

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Which STIs are Bacterial?
Chlamydia
Gonorrhorea
Syphilis

6. Which STIs are Parasitic?
Pubic Lice (crabs)
Scabies

7. Which STIs are Viral?
HIV and AIDS
Genital Warts (HPV)
Genital Herpes
Hepatitis B and C

8. Which STIs are Blood-Borne?
HIV and AIDS
Hepatitis B and C

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. It is common to have NO SYMPTOMS at all!

14. 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

15. 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)

16. 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

17. 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 a 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

18. 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
Get more information

19. Key Messages Consistently and correctly use condoms
STIs often have NO symptoms
Communicate with your partner about protecting yourselves from STIs
If you are sexually active have regular testing for STIs

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