SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
You know when your best friend gets a cold and sneezes on you, and a couple days later you get a cold too? That's what humans do -- they share infections by viruses, bacteria and other pathogens, depending on how close we get, and what the contact was like.
An STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is simply an infection, just like a cold, caused by tiny germs like bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which survive by being passed from one person to another through close contact (usually sexual).
You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them. In fact, many people have no symptoms at all, which is why testing is just a normal part of staying healthy once you're sexually active.
Most STIs are easily cured with a round of antibiotics (like strep throat). The ones that can’t be "cured" are still very treatable with medicine, allowing people to live long, healthy lives.
An STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is simply an infection, just like a cold, caused by tiny germs like bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which survive by being passed from one person to another through close contact (usually sexual).
You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them. In fact, many people have no symptoms at all, which is why testing is just a normal part of staying healthy once you're sexually active.
Most STIs are easily cured with a round of antibiotics (like strep throat). The ones that can’t be "cured" are still very treatable with medicine, allowing people to live long, healthy lives.
For more on testing and to find out where to get tested, click here!
Now that you know STIs are nothing to be ashamed of, but something you have to pay attention to, let's learn a bit more about each infection, and why it is important to get tested and treated if you got one!
Project: Pathogen Go!
YOU WILL NEED:
Instructions:
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One cover:
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One with the sample:
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Three inner pages:
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Please complete the booklet as pictured below. This is also on the instruction sheet which you can download from above! You should have 12 new pathogens to learn about, plus Chlamidia which is the sample STI!
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All About Sexually Transmitted Diseases
short and sweet
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MEMORIZE THESE STIS FOR THE TEST,
BUT YOU DO HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT PROTECTION AND TESTING.
SYPHILIS IS ON THE RISE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CANADA.
IT WILL DESTROY YOUR BODY AND EVEN WORSE, YOUR BRAIN.
SO, PROTECTING YOURSELF IS MORE IMPORTANT
THAN HAVING THESE FACTS MEMORIZED.
BUT YOU DO HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT PROTECTION AND TESTING.
SYPHILIS IS ON THE RISE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CANADA.
IT WILL DESTROY YOUR BODY AND EVEN WORSE, YOUR BRAIN.
SO, PROTECTING YOURSELF IS MORE IMPORTANT
THAN HAVING THESE FACTS MEMORIZED.
1. Bacterial
Chlamidia
Chlamydia is a common, easily treatable sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is one of the most common STI worldwide, and can infect both men and women equally.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms: Often mild or absent, particularly in the beginning. Can Include painful urination, genital (penis and vagina) discharge, and testicular pain.
Transmission: Mainly through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
Treatment: Easily treated with antibiotics
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Complications: If left untreated, it can lead to serious, permanent reproductive damage, including infertility.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms: Often mild or absent, particularly in the beginning. Can Include painful urination, genital (penis and vagina) discharge, and testicular pain.
Transmission: Mainly through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
Treatment: Easily treated with antibiotics
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Complications: If left untreated, it can lead to serious, permanent reproductive damage, including infertility.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a scary, serious STI which can go dormant (looks like it went away) so you often don't know you have it until it is too late. It is caused by the bacteria Treponema Pallidum. It is easy to treat in the beginning stages. Without early detection, it can cause very serious health problems.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms:
Primary Stage: Typically sores appear. It is usually firm, round, and painless.
Secondary Stage: Skin rashes and sometimes fever, sore throat, patchy hair
loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Latent Stage: Bacteria goes dorment; symptoms disappear for years.
Tertiary Stage: The bacteria reawakens and starts making a mess all over your body. It causes damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver,
bones, and joints.
Transmission: Mainly through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
Treatment: Easily treatable in its early stages with antibiotics. Later stages might
require more intensive or even intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms:
Primary Stage: Typically sores appear. It is usually firm, round, and painless.
Secondary Stage: Skin rashes and sometimes fever, sore throat, patchy hair
loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Latent Stage: Bacteria goes dorment; symptoms disappear for years.
Tertiary Stage: The bacteria reawakens and starts making a mess all over your body. It causes damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver,
bones, and joints.
Transmission: Mainly through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
Treatment: Easily treatable in its early stages with antibiotics. Later stages might
require more intensive or even intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
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Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhea, commonly known as "the clap", is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It affects mostly young people aged 15 to 24, and can infect both people with penises and vaginas equally. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms:
AFAB: often there are no symptoms -- but they can still transmit the disease. There can be vaginal burning while urinating, vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods.
AMAB: Burning pain during urination, yellow/white/green penile discharge, or swollen testicles.
Rectum: for all people, these cause discomfort, itching, soreness, and discharge.
Throat: symptoms include a persistent sore throat, red throat, swollen lymph nodes, or painful swallowing.
Transmission: Mainly through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
Treatment: Strong antibiotics
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Complications: If left untreated, it can cause infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, and epididymitis in men.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms:
AFAB: often there are no symptoms -- but they can still transmit the disease. There can be vaginal burning while urinating, vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods.
AMAB: Burning pain during urination, yellow/white/green penile discharge, or swollen testicles.
Rectum: for all people, these cause discomfort, itching, soreness, and discharge.
Throat: symptoms include a persistent sore throat, red throat, swollen lymph nodes, or painful swallowing.
Transmission: Mainly through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
Treatment: Strong antibiotics
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Complications: If left untreated, it can cause infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, and epididymitis in men.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis affects an estimated 156 million people globally each year. This makes it one of the most prevalent curable sexually transmitted infections.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms: Many people don’t have symptoms at all but when they do. In Women they might experience Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals. A frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor or discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse. In Men, there might be irritation inside the penis, mild discharge or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
Transmission: Sexual contact of any kind
Treatment: Antibiotics
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms: Many people don’t have symptoms at all but when they do. In Women they might experience Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals. A frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor or discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse. In Men, there might be irritation inside the penis, mild discharge or slight burning after urination or ejaculation.
Transmission: Sexual contact of any kind
Treatment: Antibiotics
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
2. VIRAL
Herpes
Herpes, caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), is a common viral infection that typically manifests as oral or genital lesions. There are different types of herpes; some cause small blisters on the corners of your mouth, and are also transmissible.
Type: Viral
swollen lymph nodes.
Type: Viral
- HSV-1 (Oral Herpes): Typically causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and face, often contracted during childhood. It can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex.
- HSV-2 (Genital Herpes): Primarily causes genital herpes, characterized by sores in the genital or anal area. It is generally spread through sexual contact.
swollen lymph nodes.
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STOP! No kiss!
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STOP! No sex!
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Transmission: The herpes virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with herpes sores during oral, vaginal or anal sex as well as kissing or skin to skin contact. This is particularly true if someone has active blisters.
Treatment: There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can help
sores heal sooner during an outbreak.
Outbreak: In times of stress or lowered immunity, you might have an outbreak. The vesicles start off filled with an extremely contagious liquid (DO NOT POP), and over a few days it will dry off and heal.
Prevention: Avoid physical contact with sores from an infected person.
Use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission, although these methods do
not fully eliminate the risk since herpes can occur in areas not covered by
condoms. If you already have herpes, going on medication can minimize the risk of transmission; avoid physical contact with others until your blisters clear up.
Treatment: There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can help
sores heal sooner during an outbreak.
Outbreak: In times of stress or lowered immunity, you might have an outbreak. The vesicles start off filled with an extremely contagious liquid (DO NOT POP), and over a few days it will dry off and heal.
Prevention: Avoid physical contact with sores from an infected person.
Use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission, although these methods do
not fully eliminate the risk since herpes can occur in areas not covered by
condoms. If you already have herpes, going on medication can minimize the risk of transmission; avoid physical contact with others until your blisters clear up.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. If you leave it untreated, HIV reduces the number of these cells in the body, making the person more likely to get other infections or infection-related cancers. If treated, it will not decrease normal life expectancy for most people.
Type: Viral
Symptoms:
First Stage: flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body
Clinical Latency: HIV may not cause any symptoms during this stage.
AIDS: This is the most severe phase of HIV infection. People with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) have badly damaged immune systems, which can lead to an increasing number of severe illnesses, and even death.
Transmission: Unprotected sex of any kind, or through sharing needles with someone who has HIV. It can also be passed on in childbirth. Kissing is a very uncommon method of transmission, unless there are open sores on both people.
Treatment: There is no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled with medical care,
known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). This medicine will also protect the fetus of a pregnant woman from getting HIV if the mother has it.
Prevention: Use of condoms, regular HIV testing, safe sex practices, clean needle
use and in the case of someone who is at high risk of contracting it, there is a medication which can be taken daily to avoid contamination. In fact, it is so efficient, that if a person KNOWS they have been exposed to HIV, they can take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) after a first, potential, or ongoing exposure to HIV, which will protect the person! But it must be started before they test positive.
Type: Viral
Symptoms:
First Stage: flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body
Clinical Latency: HIV may not cause any symptoms during this stage.
AIDS: This is the most severe phase of HIV infection. People with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) have badly damaged immune systems, which can lead to an increasing number of severe illnesses, and even death.
Transmission: Unprotected sex of any kind, or through sharing needles with someone who has HIV. It can also be passed on in childbirth. Kissing is a very uncommon method of transmission, unless there are open sores on both people.
Treatment: There is no cure for HIV, but it can be controlled with medical care,
known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). This medicine will also protect the fetus of a pregnant woman from getting HIV if the mother has it.
Prevention: Use of condoms, regular HIV testing, safe sex practices, clean needle
use and in the case of someone who is at high risk of contracting it, there is a medication which can be taken daily to avoid contamination. In fact, it is so efficient, that if a person KNOWS they have been exposed to HIV, they can take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) after a first, potential, or ongoing exposure to HIV, which will protect the person! But it must be started before they test positive.
HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), affecting nearly all sexually active individuals at some point. There are over 200 types of HPV, and they are divided into 2 groups: low risk (causing warts) and high risk (potentially causing cancer.)
Type: Viral
Symptoms: Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. When they do, they may include genital warts (small, cauliflower-like bumps).
Transmission: Spread through sexual contact as well as skin to skin
contact
Treatment: There is no cure for HPV however you can treat symptoms.
Complications: High-risk HPV can cause cancers, including cervical, anal, throat, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers.
Prevention: HPV has a vaccine that is highly effective at preventing infections that cause cancer and warts, and it is recommended for youth before becoming sexually active. Using condoms and frequent testing (including pap smears after 25) when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Type: Viral
Symptoms: Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms or health problems. When they do, they may include genital warts (small, cauliflower-like bumps).
Transmission: Spread through sexual contact as well as skin to skin
contact
Treatment: There is no cure for HPV however you can treat symptoms.
Complications: High-risk HPV can cause cancers, including cervical, anal, throat, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers.
Prevention: HPV has a vaccine that is highly effective at preventing infections that cause cancer and warts, and it is recommended for youth before becoming sexually active. Using condoms and frequent testing (including pap smears after 25) when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a major global health issue, with over 290 million people living with chronic Hepatitis B worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Type: Viral
Transmission: Through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood. This can be through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or childbirth.
Treatment: Some can pass the virus on it’s own others need antiviral medications to fight the virus and prevent it from damaging the liver. Regular monitoring for liver
function and cancer screening is crucial.
Prevention: Vaccinations are the best way to prevent HepB. Also using condoms, frequent testing when sexually active, and avoiding used needles.
Symptoms: Many people do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Type: Viral
Transmission: Through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood. This can be through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or childbirth.
Treatment: Some can pass the virus on it’s own others need antiviral medications to fight the virus and prevent it from damaging the liver. Regular monitoring for liver
function and cancer screening is crucial.
Prevention: Vaccinations are the best way to prevent HepB. Also using condoms, frequent testing when sexually active, and avoiding used needles.
Symptoms: Many people do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine (like coke)
- Pain in the abdomen, particularly near the liver
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It is similar to HepB but considered more serious because it’s likelihood of chronic infection and no vaccine for prevention.
Type: Viral
Transmission: Through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood. This can be through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or childbirth.
Treatment: Curable in many cases with direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs). Regular
monitoring for liver function and cancer screening is crucial.
Prevention: There are no vaccines for prevention unlike HepB. The only way to protect yourself is using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active. Never share needles.
Symptoms: Many people do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Type: Viral
Transmission: Through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood. This can be through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or childbirth.
Treatment: Curable in many cases with direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs). Regular
monitoring for liver function and cancer screening is crucial.
Prevention: There are no vaccines for prevention unlike HepB. The only way to protect yourself is using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active. Never share needles.
Symptoms: Many people do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Dark urine
- Pain in the abdomen, particularly near the liver
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum Contagiosum is a creepy little virus from the pox family. As you itch your skin, you end up transferring it to other parts of your body, so getting rid of it is a bit difficult. That makes it super easy to transmit particularly when you have skin-to-skin contact.
Type: Virus
Symptoms: small, firm, painless bumps or growths on the skin. Each bump has a dimple in the center. The bumps become itchy, sore, or red if they become irritated or infected.
Transmission: Through sexual contact or prolonged skin to skin contact. Children can also get this from close contact/play from other children.
Treatment: Typically resolves on its own without scarring in healthy individuals. But there are methods of physical removal or topical treatments.
Prevention: Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and not
sharing bedding or towels.
Type: Virus
Symptoms: small, firm, painless bumps or growths on the skin. Each bump has a dimple in the center. The bumps become itchy, sore, or red if they become irritated or infected.
Transmission: Through sexual contact or prolonged skin to skin contact. Children can also get this from close contact/play from other children.
Treatment: Typically resolves on its own without scarring in healthy individuals. But there are methods of physical removal or topical treatments.
Prevention: Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and not
sharing bedding or towels.
Crabs (Pubic Lice)
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Pubic Lice are tiny and very cute little pets that infest the hair in the pubic area, although they can also live in other coarse body hair.
Type: Parasitic Insects Transmission: Spreads through sexual contact or through contact with infested bedding, towels, or clothing. |
Treatment: Over-the-counter and prescription medicine, or weekly manual removal until the last eggs cycle through.
Prevention: Avoiding sexual contact with someone who has an active
infestation of pubic lice. Also avoid sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with
others.
Prevention: Avoiding sexual contact with someone who has an active
infestation of pubic lice. Also avoid sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with
others.
Scabies
Scabies is an infestation of the skin caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei mite.This tiny mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays eggs, causing severe itching.
Symptoms: Severe itching, which tends to be worse at night. Rash or bumps
from bites.
Transmission: Scabies is highly contagious. It spreads Through sexual contact or prolonged skin to skin contact, but also bedsheets and towels.
Treatment: Applying prescribed creams that kill the mites and their eggs
sometimes even oral medicines.
Type: Parasitic Insects
Prevention: Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and
not sharing bedding or towels.
Symptoms: Severe itching, which tends to be worse at night. Rash or bumps
from bites.
Transmission: Scabies is highly contagious. It spreads Through sexual contact or prolonged skin to skin contact, but also bedsheets and towels.
Treatment: Applying prescribed creams that kill the mites and their eggs
sometimes even oral medicines.
Type: Parasitic Insects
Prevention: Avoiding direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person and
not sharing bedding or towels.
Mycoplasma Genitalium – Mgen
MGen is a common, often asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria that infect the urethra, cervix, or rectum. The prevalence of this disease has been found to be as high as 15% to 20% in patients attending sexual health clinics.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms: Similar to chlamydia
For penis-owning individuals, burning sensation during urination, or discharge from the penis; for vagina lords, pain during sex, vaginal discharge, and bleeding between periods or after sex.
Transmission: Through sexual contact (genital, oral or anal)
Complications: If untreated, Mgen can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased risk of HIV transmission (any sores make it easier for HIV).
Treatment: Mgen is known for its resistance to many traditional antibiotics.
Currently, the most effective treatments involve a combination of antibiotics.
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
Type: Bacterial
Symptoms: Similar to chlamydia
For penis-owning individuals, burning sensation during urination, or discharge from the penis; for vagina lords, pain during sex, vaginal discharge, and bleeding between periods or after sex.
Transmission: Through sexual contact (genital, oral or anal)
Complications: If untreated, Mgen can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased risk of HIV transmission (any sores make it easier for HIV).
Treatment: Mgen is known for its resistance to many traditional antibiotics.
Currently, the most effective treatments involve a combination of antibiotics.
Prevention: Using condoms and frequent testing when sexually active is the first line of defense; this includes when performing oral sex.
