Other STIs

WHAT IS AN STI? 

STI is a sexual transmitted infection. (It's also known as a venereal disease ,VD; or sexual transmitted disease (STD). STIs are serious health problems that spread from person to person through intimate contact. If untreated, some STIs can cause permanent damage to your health such as the inability to have a baby (infertility) and even death (in case of HIV/AIDS).

HOW DO YOU GET AN STI?

You can get an STI from having unprotected sex, sharing needles and coming in contact with a person who is infected. For example, herpes or genital warts are transmitted through skin to skin contact with an infected area or a sore.

THE MOST COMMON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS STIs ARE:

CHLAMYDIA: A bacterial infection that causes infection of the cervix. It can also cause pelvic inflammatory diseases, tubal pregnancy or ectopic and infertility.

GONORRHEA: A bacterial infection that is found in the throat and genital areas. Some people who are infected don’t have symptoms.

HIV: A viral infection that causes AIDS. If tested positive for HIV you may not get sick for long time. The virus destroys the body defense system (lymphocytes) that fights infectious diseases.

GENITAL HERPES: A viral infection that caused by group of viruses called human papillomavarius (HPV).

HEPATITIS B: A sexually transmitted viral infection that attacks the liver. It can be caused by a long term alcohol or toxins user, and sharing straws or drinking cups with an infected person.

HEPATITIS C: Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread by direct blood contact with an infected person.

SYPHILIS: Syphilis is a dangerous bacterial infection. The bacteria that caused syphilis can be passed from one person to another through direct contact with a syphilis sore during sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, or anal). The infection can also be passed from mother to her baby during pregnancy.

TRICHOMONIASIS: Is a parasites that can be passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. It can also be passed by sharing wet towels, washcloths and bathing suits.

RARE STIs

Granuloma Inguinale

Chancroid

Nongonococcal Urethritis

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Molluscum Contagiosum

 

THE MOST COMMON STI SYMPTOMS ARE:

• Flu-like symptoms;
• Canadidiasis (thrush);
• Weak immune system;
• Lower abdominal pain;
• Irritation inside the penis;
• Blindness & heart disease;
• Persistent cough & fever;
• Prolonged fatigue & diarrhea;
• Abnormal bleeding after sex;
• Pain during sexual intercourse;
• Yellow-green vaginal discharge; and
• Itching & irritations in genital areas.

Note that 50% of people don’t have symptoms. Even if you show no symptoms you can still infect another person.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN STI

Some STIs are easy to cure, but some cannot be cured, such as genital herpes, hepatitis B, hepatitis C & HIV. If you think you are at risk for STIs:

• Make an appointment to see a health professional;
• Get tested for STIs;
• Tell your sexual partner;
• Ask your sexual partner to be tested for STIs;
• Ask for a Hepatitis B vaccine;
• Follow the instructions of your health professional, and take all medications as prescribed;
• Do not havesexual relations until you are completely treated; and
• Protect yourself by always practicing safer sex.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T GET TREATED FOR STIs?

• Your chances of getting HIV are greater;
• You may become infertile;
• Your chances of getting cervical cancer of the cervix and throat cancer is greater; and
• If you are pregnant, your baby may be infected too. The baby may be born with deformities,
  upper respiratory infections, bone and liver disease.

ACW offers FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and ANONYMOUS STI testing every month at our Windsor offices the first Wednesday evening of every month.