Sexually transmitted infections

Overview

Although sex is a normal and healthy part of our lives, sexually active people need to be aware that there are many types of infections that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections—or STIs—are passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact—having vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom (or when a condom breaks) or through unprotected oral sex.

Because the bacteria and viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections can travel in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva, it's easy to see how these infections are spread through sexual contact, the sharing of sex toys, and the sharing of needles and syringes.

You can catch a sexually transmitted infection if:

• you have unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who may have an infection
• your partner has, or has had, a sexually transmitted infection
• you have a new sex partner
• you or your partner had or is having sex with others
• you have sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• you share needles or equipment for drugs, body piercing, tattoos, or sex toys or your partner does

It's possible to catch a sexually transmitted infection more than once. Not only that: it's also possible to have more that one sexually transmitted infection at any one time. In fact, if you are HIV negative and you have another sexually transmitted infection, you're more likely to get HIV from an HIV-positive partner!

The four most common sexually transmitted infections are:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• human papilloma virus (or HPV) which causes genital warts and which has also been linked to cervical cancer
• herpes simplex virus (or HSV) which causes genital herpes

Many people infected by an STI show no symptoms. You or your partner(s) may not be aware you're infected and as a result, may inadvertently pass the infection on to someone else. What better reason to practice safer sex each and every time you have sex? Safer sex means using a latex condom for every act of vaginal or anal intercourse (See Use of a male condom and Use of a female condom for more information on the proper use of condoms) and a dental dam/condom for every act of oral sex. By practicing safer sex, you will be less likely to contract a sexually transmitted infection or of passing one along to a partner.

Other tips for safer sex include:

• Abstain from sex altogether.
• Instead of having intercourse, consider doing other things with your partner, like kissing, caressing and touching.
• Use a condom every time you have sex.
• Consider your sexual behavior: how many partners have you had this year? Are you taking chances? Do you know your partner's/partners' sexual history?
• Avoid anal intercourse: for both males and females, this is the riskiest way of having sex in terms of catching a sexually transmitted infection.
• Never share needles or equipment for drugs, tattoos or body piercing.

As mentioned, many people infected by an STI show no symptoms. Yet, knowing to recognize signs and symptoms when they appear is important because it will help you seek medical treatment quickly if you suspect you may be infected. Seeking prompt medical treatment is very important—for both sexes—because untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems, including (but not limited to) cervical cancer, AIDS, and sterility/infertility.

Symptoms appear in different ways. Some are mild while others are severe. The chart below identifies the signs and symptoms of some common STIs.

Type of Infection	Symptoms
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea	pain when you urinate (pee) a discharge from the penis or vagina
Human papilloma virus (HPV)	small bumps or warts in or around the genitals itchiness around the genitals or anus
Herpes simples virus (HSV)	small, itchy bumps on or around the genitals the bumps may turn into blisters or sores

Other signs to watch for include:

• itchiness around the sex organs and/or anus
• appearance of a rash
• swollen glands in the groin

If you have had unprotected sex or believe you may be infected, talk to a doctor or other trained health professional. Doing so is a good way to get tested, treatment, guidance and support.

You should know that some infections can be easily cured. Others, unfortunately, have no cure. Curable or not, all sexually transmitted infections can be dangerous if left untreated.