The Basics of STIs: Part 1By Sarah Stefanson [Health & Your Life]
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How well do you remember high school Sex Ed? Sarah Stefanson gives you a refresher on STIs.  STIs are divided into four categories: bacterial, parasitic, viral and fungal infections. Bacterial Infections Chlamydia Chlamydia is a very common STI, especially among the age group of 15 to 24 in Canada. Women are twice as likely to carry Chlamydia, and the complications resulting from the infection may be much more serious for females. Unfortunately, symptoms are also less obvious in women than in men. For women, signs of an infection may include a burning sensation during urination, unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding unconnected to menstruation or during/after intercourse, pain during menstruation or intercourse, pain in the abdomen or lower back and, occasionally, fever and chills. Almost half of men will not experience symptoms, but when they are present, they include itching, pain during urination, discharge and possibly swelling of the testicles. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum, the throat or be passed by touching the eyes after touching an infected area. Unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex can pass chlamydia to your partner, so using condoms regularly will greatly reduce your chances of contracting it. The infection can be cured with antibiotics. Gonorrhea Also known as ‘The Clap’, gonorrhea is on the rise in Canada and is becoming resistant to some antibiotic treatments. It is passed through vaginal, anal and oral sex and can be passed from mother to baby during birth. Consistent condom use can prevent infection. Symptoms are often mild or non-existent. Gonorrhea can infect the throat, rectum, penis or cervix and may result in pain during urination, vaginal or penile discharge, vaginal bleeding, swollen testicles, painful bowel movements or sore throat. A dose of oral antibiotics can get rid of the virus. Syphilis Syphilis is a very rare STI spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It is often very difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can imitate other diseases. The condition has four stages: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. The first two are the most contagious, while the latter two cause the most damage. The first indication of a syphilis infection is an open sore at the point of infection, which heals on its own and is painless. In the secondary stage, the infection produces flu-like symptoms including hair loss, rashes, muscle and joint pain, and swollen glands. If allowed to proceed to the latent stage, no symptoms will appear for a period of one to 30 years, but the infection is still present. Tertiary syphilis will occur in 40 per cent of untreated cases and this is when the real damage is done. Major health complications can occur including serious sores, cardiovascular issues, mental health problems, damage to organs and even death. Syphilis can be diagnosed through a blood test or by swabbing an active sore and is treated with antibiotics. |
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