1. Sexually Transmitted Infections
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2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Which STIs are Bacterial?
Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis

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

10. 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.

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

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

18. 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

19. 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)

20. 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

21. 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

22. Male Condom Demonstration
Click here for demonstration

23. 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.

24. Female Condom Demonstration
Click here for
demonstration

25. 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

26. Dental Dam Demonstration
Click here for
demonstration

27. 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

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

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

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

31. Questions?