STIs

STIs

What is it?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood borne infections are caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses found in blood and body fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, and sometimes breast milk and saliva).

STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are contracted through unprotected sexual contact. Some STIs can be passed on with only skin to skin contact.

Other infections, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B, can be spread through both blood and sexual transmission. Some STIs can be transmitted from mother to infant through vaginal delivery.

Blood borne infections such as hepatitis C can be spread by unsterile equipment such as needles, tattooing and piercing equipment.

Why do I need to know?

You are not invincible. If you have unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex you are putting yourself at risk for any STIs including HIV. The rate of STIs is on the rise, and some of the highest increases are in young people ages 15 to 24.

Your health is important, and exposure to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a real threat to anyone’s health. But your chances of getting an STI can be reduced or prevented by knowing what they are and how to prevent them. Since many STIs show no obvious signs or symptoms, it is your responsibility, to yourself and to your partner, to avoid infection, to be tested if there is any doubt, and to inform a prospective partner if you have an infection.

You need to know how to avoid sexually transmitted infections if you are thinking of having sex or are already having sex.

You can reduce or prevent your risk of sexual transmission of STIs including HIV by:

• choosing not to have sex (abstinence)
• delaying the start of oral, vaginal or anal sex
• monogamous relations between uninfected partners
• limiting your number of sexual partners
• using a latex condom 100% for all oral, vaginal or anal sex.
 

Birth control protects against pregnancy, not STIs. Always use a condom even if you are using birth control.

Mutual Monogamy with an uninfected partner means that you and your partner agree that you will have sex only with each other and no one else.

Never assume you are in a mutually monogamous relationship, talk about it! Unfortunately, people sometimes think that they're in a monogamous relationship when they're not.

Got Questions—Need Info:

Sexual Health Services

Algoma District	(800) 726-0398
Blind River	(888) 356-2551
Elliot Lake	(888) 211-6749
Sault Ste. Marie	(705) 541-7100
Wawa	(888) 211-8074

Public Health Agency of Canada
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