STIs do not go away. If you suspect or know you have an infection, make an
appointment with your doctor or health clinic. Even though you may feel uncomfortable
or embarrassed, it is important to get tested and get treatment. This is the only way you
will get better, protect yourself and protect your partner(s). Your partner(s) should get
tested and treated as well. Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics but some are more
complicated and may require further treatment. Your doctor may do an internal
examination as well as blood tests and/or ultrasound. The doctor will discuss all your
treatment options with you.

STI information line: 604-872-6652 or www.optionsforsexualhealth.org

Bacterial vaginosis
Chlamydia
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Epididymitis
Gonorrhea (‘the drip’)
Hepatitis B and C
Herpes
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV; genital warts)
Non-gonococcal urethritis (LGV)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Phthirus pubix (crabs; pubic lice)
Scabies
Shigella
Syphilis
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Vaginitis (vaginal yeast infections)

Practicing safer sex can reduce your chances of STI infection. Finding creative ways to make sex play as safe and satisfying as possible is also important.

Key ways to reduce risk include:

• Talking to your partner (s) about their sexual history and/or needle use
• Careful and consistent condom use when having sex
• Using new (unused/unshared) or clean (sterilized) needles at all times
• Keeping your partner (s) body fluids (blood, cum, pre-cum vaginal fluid and discharge from STIs) out of your body (vagina, anus, or mouth)
• Not touching sores or growths caused by sexually transmitted infections
• Go for an STI check up with your doctor or health clinic
• Check yourself and your partner(s) for infection before having sex
• Get treatment if you have an STI and do not have sex until your treatment is finished

Symptoms may vary from one person to another and in some cases people may have no symptoms at all which is why testing for STIs is often recommended. Some common signs of infection are:

• Itching in the genital area
• Abnormal fluid or discharge
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Sores or lesions around the vaginal, anal or penile area
• Pain during or after sex
• Pain in or around the genital area and/or pelvis
• Sores or blisters in the genital area or in and around the mouth
• Red or swollen throat
• Flu or fever symptoms

If you have signs of infection:

• Discontinue sex until you have been properly diagnosed and treated
• Go see a doctor or go to a health clinic for a check up. You may have to request for tests specifically

STIs are transmitted through sexual activities such as oral, vaginal or anal sex. Some STIs can also be spread through contact with infected blood. STIs are contagious which means you can contract them from your partner(s) if they are infected. STIs will stay with you if you do not receive treatment for them. STIs are most commonly found in the rectum (bum), in or around the vagina, in and around the penis and/or in the mouth.

The acronym “STI” stands for sexually transmitted infections while “STD” stands for sexually transmitted disease. STIs are infections that usually start in your sexual and reproductive organs. Some infections may also infect other parts of your body. STIs are very common: up to 75% of the sexually active population will get an STI of some kind in their lifetime. While some STIs may be painful, it is not unusual to have an STI without experiencing any symptoms for some time. Once symptoms do occur, an STI is considered an STD.