Sexually Transmitted Infections

Herpes⁽¹¹²⁾

• An infection caused by a virus
• Transmission of herpes can be caused by contact from blisters, genital secretions (vaginal discharge or semen) or oral secretions (saliva) though vaginal and oral sexual contact.
• Signs and symptoms may or may not be present
• Herpes can be transmitted, even when a person has no visible symptoms
• There is no cure for herpes, but taking prescribed medication can help to reduce symptoms

Viral Hepatitis⁽⁹⁸⁾

Hepatitis is when the liver is swollen (inflamed) and it cannot perform its normal functions. Even though hepatitis can be caused by a variety of things such as drinking large amounts of alcohol, specific medications or illnesses, it is frequently caused by a virus – known as Viral Hepatitis.

• Hepatitis A - Can be transmitted through objects, food and liquids that have been contaminated with feces.
• Hepatitis B - Can be transmitted by infected blood, sharing needles/syringes for drug use, unregulated tattooing, from child-bearer to child during pregnancy or childbirth and a lack of infection control in health care facilities.
• Hepatitis C - Can be transmitted by infected blood, sharing needles/syringes for drug use, unregulated tattooing, from child-bearer to child during pregnancy or childbirth and a lack of infection control in healthcare facilities.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• A common STI that can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact and can be transmitted even if an individual shows no signs or symptoms⁽¹⁰⁰⁾.
• Some types of HPV can lead to different types of cancer, such as⁽¹⁰⁰⁾:
  • Cervical
  • Vulvar
  • Vaginal
  • Penile
  • Anal cancers
• Sometimes an HPV infection will get better without treatment, but if it persists and symptoms are present it is very important to get medical treatment⁽⁹⁹⁾!
• There is no cure for HPV, but symptoms and complications of HPV can be managed and treated with proper medical care⁽⁹⁹⁾.
• Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent HPV⁽¹⁰⁰⁾

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus & AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

• HIV is a type of virus that weakens the human immune system⁽¹²⁷⁾. The immune system protects the body from disease-causing bacteria and infectious substances.
• HIV weakens the immune system, making the body weaker and susceptible to infection and illness⁽¹⁰⁶⁾.
• HIV can be managed, but does not have a cure. If it does not get treated, HIV can lead to AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome⁽¹²⁷⁾.
• All genders can get infected and the disease is spread through body fluids (such as blood, semen, fluid from the rectum or vagina, breast milk); broken skin and sexual contact.
• HIV/AIDS is also transmissible from child-bearer to child during pregnancy or childbirth⁽²⁸⁾.

Gonorrhea⁽¹¹⁴⁾

• A bacterial infection that can occur in all genders
• It is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact
• It can also be spread from child-bearer to child during pregnancy or childbirth
• If you get proper medical treatment and take prescribed medication, gonorrhea can be cured

Chlamydia⁽¹¹⁶⁾

• A common bacterial STI, that all genders can become infected with if sexual contact has taken place.
• Chlamydia can also be transmitted from child-bearer to infant during birth.
• If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to severe health problems.
• Signs and symptoms may or may not be present.
• Taking prescribed medication can help to treat chlamydia.

Bacterial Vaginosis⁽¹²⁶⁾

• A bacterial vaginal infection that commonly occurs in those aged 15-44.
• Bacterial Vaginosis is associated with uneven amounts of "good" and "bad" bacteria that are found in a vagina, but the specific cause of Bacterial Vaginosis is unclear.

Syphilis⁽¹¹⁷⁾

• A bacterial STI that is transmitted by skin to skin contact with a syphilis-causing sore which is normally found on or near the penis, vagina, anus or mouth.
• Syphilis can be transmitted from a child-bearer to their child during pregnancy.
• Depending on the symptoms a person has, the syphilis infection can be broken down into four stages.
• Taking prescribed medication will help to prevent the disease from worsening.

Trichomoniasis⁽¹¹⁸⁾

• Trichomoniasis is a very common parasitic STI and is transmitted during sex.
• If you are infected with trichomoniasis it is common for an individual to have no signs or symptoms.

If this is the case, you can still transmit the infection without realizing it to someone who is not infected by engaging in sexual intercourse.