Safer Sex and STI's
- What's safer sex?
- What are STI's?
- I'm embarrassed to talk about using protection with my partner...
- I'm confused about what kinds of protection I should use...
What's safer sex?
- Safer sex is when two partners engage in sexual activities that carry a reduced risk of transmitting infections or causing pregnancy.
- Though the safest kind of sex is no sex at all (abstinence or fantasies), there are safer sexual activities to enjoy that carry a reduced risk. That is why it is called “safer sex”.
- Safer sex can be achieved by avoiding the exchange of bodily fluids
- The best way to do this is to always use a condom, female condom, or dental dam when engaging in any sexual activity where bodily fluids could be transferred, including:
- genital to genital contact
- vaginal, anal and oral sex
- Activities such as kissing, rubbing, hugging, fantasy and masturbation are fun and sexy alternatives to explore.
- Discussing sexual activity with your partner in advance and getting tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections will help ensure you are both committed to each other’s health and safety.
What are STI's?
The information provided in this section is an overview of some common Sexually Transmitted Infections. This list is not comprehensive and specific details related to diagnosis and treatment should be obtained by your health care provider.
- "STI" stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection.
- These are infections that are commonly passed from one person to another during unprotected sexual activity, including oral, vaginal and anal sex.
- You cannot tell whether a person has an STI by looking at them
- Many people will not experience symptoms at all or their symptoms aren’t visible
- Having an STI does not make someone dirty, nor is it a reflection on sexual values as
- It is important, if you are sexually active, to practice safer sex and to get tested for STI’s during your regular yearly medical check-ups.
- If you engaged in unprotected sexually activity, it’s a good idea to get tested by a medical professional within a few week time period and refrain from engaging in unprotected sexually activity until your test results are returned.
For a list of various community service agencies that offer STI testing go to Community Resources – Sexuality and Sexual Health.
Parasitic STI’s
- Pubic lice is a parasitic STI.
- It is often called “crabs” because of the parasite’s crab like appearance.
- They are six legged creatures that infest the pubic hair.
- Most commonly, it is contracted through direct sexual contact with someone who has pubic lice.
- Symptoms usually include itchiness or inflammation.
- The pubic lice bury their heads in the pubic hair follicle and feed off human blood.
- Scratching may spread the infection and cause a secondary bacterial infection.
- Testing for pubic lice is done through a physical examination of the infected area.
- Speak to your pharmacist or health care provider to obtain a lice-killing shampoo treatment.
- To help prevent the spread of pubic lice, all clothes, towels, and bed sheets that may have come in contact must be washed with hot water.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
- This is a STI caused by a microscopic parasite; it is a type of vaginitis.
- The parasites may infect the vagina, urethra, bladder or cervix in a woman .
- In men, the infection is usually in the urethra, or under the foreskin of uncircumcised men.
- It is spread through sexual contact with an infected person.
- For women the symptoms can include discharge from the vagina, vaginal odor , pain during intercourse or urination or irritation or itchiness of the vagina
- For men, symptoms can include mild discharge, irritation or redness at the top of the penis, or burning during urination
- Many people, especially males, will not experience any symptoms.
- Symptoms may disappear and reappear later, so testing is required to ensure the infection is completely gone.
- Testing is done through a physical examination or lab test to detect the parasite.
- There are antibiotics available as treatment and the entire prescription should be taken, even if symptoms disappear.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
Bacterial STI’s
Chlamydia
- Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, which means it can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
- It can be spread through unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex.
- It can infect reproductive organs as well as eyes, mouth and throat.
- When a woman has chlamydia, her vagina may be itchy and produce discharge. Intercourse may cause bleeding and she may have abdominal pain and pain during urination.
- When a man has chlamydia, his penis may itch around the urethra (the opening at the top of the penis) and may produce discharge. He may also have pain when peeing and may have swelling and pain in the testicles.
- HOWEVER, up to 80% of women and 50% of men do not show symptoms of chlamydia!
- Left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious infections to the reproductive system.
- Chlamydia is tested by taking a swab of the infected area or, in some cases, through a urine test.
- For women, when you visit your health care provider for your annual pap smear, they will routinely test for Chlamydia.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
- Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection which means it can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
- It is spread through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex.
- It can infect the reproductive organs as well as other areas of the body such as the eyes and throat.
- When a woman has gonorrhea, she may experience vaginal itching and discharge, lower abdominal pain and a need to pee more frequently.
- Men may experience itching at the urethra (penis opening), a yellowish-white discharge from the penis, may have to pee more frequently and may find that peeing is painful.
- If gonorrhea is spread through anal sex, the anus may produce discharge as well.
- Both women and men may have a sore throat or swollen glands with the infection.
- HOWEVER up to 80% of women and 20% of men do not experience symptoms when they have gonorrhea.
- Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious infections to the reproductive system.
- Testing for gonorrhea involves taking a swab of the potentially infected area.
- For women, when you visit your health care provider for your annual pap smear, they will routinely test for Gonorrhea.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
- Syphilis is a bacterial infection which means it can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
- It is spread largely through unprotected contact with open syphilis sores, which is usually in the form of unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral activity.
- It is a complex disease that affects the body in stages.
- The first (primary) stage:
- The development of a small, hard and often painless sore called a chancre 10 to 90 days from exposure.
- Chancres occur where the bacteria has entered the body, often on the mouth, vagina, penis or anus.
- These chancres will disappear on their own, but left untreated syphilis will progress to a secondary stage.
- The second stage:
- A rash that may be found all over the body, as well patchy hair, swollen lymph nodes, fever and malaise.
- The third stage:
- Called the "latent" phase.
- Occurs after the symptoms of the secondary stage clear up without treatment.
- During this phase, the bacteria are inflicting damage on the internal systems and organs of the body.
- This stage can last months or years and can lead to blindness, dementia, brain and organ damage and death.
- The risk of contracting syphilis can be minimized through the regular use of condoms during sex.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
Viral STI’s
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
- HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
- Please click here for a full overview on HIV.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – Type 1 and Type 2
Oral Herpes
- Oral Herpes is most often caused by an HSV 1 infection.
- An oral HSV1 infection can cause blisters around the mouth commonly referred to as “cold sores” or “fever blisters”.
- Many people who carry oral herpes do not experience any noticeable symptoms.
- A person infected with oral HSV1 can transmit the virus to their partner’s genitals by performing unprotected oral sex on their partner.
- The virus is very infectious when symptoms are present, however it can also be transmitted without visible symptoms.
- Studies indicate that close to 50% of individuals aged 20-29 are infected with oral HSV, this percentage increases with age.
- Correct and consistent use of a latex barrier, such as a dental dam or condom, completely inhibiting contact between the mouth and genitals can prevent transmission of HSV1 via oral sex.
Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes is most often caused by an HSV2 infection, although it can also be caused by an HSV1 infection.
- The Herpes virus can be spread through unprotected sex, but also through skin to skin contact. This means, even with the use of a latex condom, the skin in areas not covered by a condom can come into contact and the virus can be passed from person to person.
- Once infected, a person may experience recurrent episodes or “outbreaks” of symptoms in the infected area. These symptoms vary from person to person, they may take the form of a burning or tingling sensation, or they may develop sores that take the form of blisters which can open and form a temporary scab-like sore on the area.
- The severity and healing time of the symptoms varies from person to person.
- The large majority of individuals carrying HSV are unaware that they have the virus as they do not experience any typical outbreaks, but can still pass the virus on to partners unknowingly.
- Studies indicate that between 20-25% of Canadian adults are infected with genital HSV2.
- The virus is very infectious when symptoms are present, however it can also be transmitted without visible symptoms.
- Though there is no cure for herpes, there are antiviral medications available. These medications work to reduce the number of outbreaks experienced by an infected person and their risk of transmitting the virus.
- The regular use of condoms helps reduce the risk of contracting herpes, but does not eliminate it entirely given that skin to skin contact may occur.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- There are many different types of the Human Papillomavirus, about 30 types can be sexually transmitted.
- HPV can be spread through unprotected sex, but also through skin to skin contact. This means, even with the use of a latex condom, the skin in areas not covered by a condom can come into contact and the virus can be passed from person to person.
- HPV can also be spread from “genital to hand to genital” contact, and occasionally oral sex can transfer the virus.
- The virus is usually asymptomatic, most people who have the virus don’t know they are infected.
- This virus can be transmitted whether symptoms are present or not.
- It’s estimated that 75% of Canadian adults will be infected with at least one type of HPV in their lifetime.
- Correct and consistent use of latex condoms significantly reduces the risk of HPV transmission.
Genital Warts – “low-risk” HPV
- This section will focus specifically on the types of HPV that cause genital warts. These types are sometimes referred to as “low-risk” types because they are not associated with cancer.
- Genital warts can be found on the penis, vagina, vulva, anus and skin surrounding the genitals including thighs and buttocks.
- Genital Warts appear as growths or bumps. Warts may be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large. They tend to be flesh-coloured or whitish in appearance, and do not typically cause itching, burning or pain.
- Warts can be removed by a health care provider, however the virus may stay dormant in the body.
- Some individuals will never experience another outbreak once the warts have been removed, while others may experience one or more recurrences.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
Cervical Dysplasia (abnormal cell changes) – “high-risk” HPV
- Certain types of HPV can lead to changes in a women’s cervix, these types are sometimes referred to as “high-risk” types of HPV because left untreated over a long time they may result in cervical cancer.
- When a woman visits her health care provider for yearly pap smears, a sample of cervical cells are taken. This is how cervical changes are detected and where HPV might be indicated as a cause of these changes.
- A healthcare provider may refer to these changes as: abnormal cell changes, precancerous cell changes, CIN (Cervical Interpithelial Neoplasia), SIL (Squamous Interpithelial Lesions), or “warts” on the cervix. All these names essentially mean the same thing: some abnormalities were found. Most often these abnormalities are caused by an HPV infection.
- Cervical dysplasia may resolve itself, or it may be treated to prevent the infection from becoming cancerous.
- Contact your healthcare provider for more information and/or for treatment options, and ask about the new HPV Vaccine and whether it may be right for you.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis is a viral infection.
- It affects the liver, causing scarring, liver failure and liver diseases such as cirrhosis and cancer.
- Hepatitis can either be an acute (short term) infection or a chronic (long term) infection.
- An acute infection can last up to six months, while a chronic condition lasts for life.
- Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner or through contact with infected blood or breast milk.
- Hepatitis C can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, including sharing needles or razors.
- Acute symptoms include jaundice (yellowing or the eyes and skin), joint pain, abdominal pain or flu like symptoms.
- Long term symptoms include liver scarring, liver failure, liver disease or liver cancer.
- Some people may not experience symptoms, especially for Hepatitis C, but can still transmit the infection to others.
- For Hepatitis B and C, symptoms may go away, or may not appear until many years after contracted. Hepatitis C symptoms may not appear until the advanced stages of liver disease.
- It is important to get tested regularly.
- Testing for Hepatitis is done through a blood test.
- There is a hepatitis B vaccine available in Canada.
- For treatment options or for further information, please visit your health care provider.
I'm embarrassed to talk about using protection with my partner...
- It can be hard to know how to talk to a partner about using protection.
- Some people feel uncomfortable because they don't know how their partner feels about using protection, or feel embarrassed to talk about something so private.
- It can be helpful to remember that sexual relationships are deeply personal, and if you are willing to have sex than it might be worth your time to learn how to talk about sex.
- Talking with your partner can strengthen a relationship, by letting the other person know how you feel.
- By knowing that you are both on a common ground will allow you to feel more comfortable, and thus be more intimate.
- This conversation may be intimidating at first, but you’ll both be relieved you did. Here are some great tips on initiating the discussion:
- Think about what you want to say ahead of time. You may try “I’m a little nervous about bringing this up, but I feel it is really important” or “I really care for you so I want to talk about something that affects us both”.
- You might want to pick a time and place for the conversation where it is private so there will be no interruptions, as it is sometimes hard to bring this up when you are already in an intimate situation.
- Remember to express how you feel, be honest, and respect yourself and your partner.
- Safer sex also means not having to do anything you are not comfortable doing, like having unprotected sexual activity.
But What if my Partner says…
- There are some common excuses for not wanting to use a condom. Here are some examples, and phrases you can use to respond:
- "It doesn't feel as good with a condom"
- Respond with: "I'll feel more relaxed knowing we are using a condom and if I am more relaxed, we will both enjoy the experience."
- "Don't you trust me?"
- Respond with: "I trust that you will realize the importance of this step in protecting both of us."
- "But I love you."
- Respond with: "I appreciate knowing that you care about me and respecting that this is very important to me."
- "It ruins the mood."
- Respond with: "Let me help put it on so it won't change the mood or stop what we are doing."
- "Just this once."
- Respond with: "It only takes one time to get an STI or get pregnant."
- "I don't have any condoms."
- Respond with: "I have some!"
I'm confused about what kinds of protection I should use...
Though there are many types of birth control available from surgery to hormonal injections and implants. Another method called the Barrier method offers the advantage of being convenient as most don’t require a visit to your health care provider, and only need to be used during sexual activity. Barrier methods work by blocking sperm from reaching a potential egg. The only two barrier methods that are recommended to prevent STIs including HIV are the male and female condom as they prevent the exchange of bodily fluids.
For a full list of various methods of birth control, click here.
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