What is an STI?
STI's are similar to other infectious diseases such as chickenpox, colds, and measles except this group of diseases you catch by having sex not coughing and sneezing! Sexually Transmitted Diseases are infections that are passed from person to person by close sexual contact usually sexual intercourse. Germs such as viruses and bacteria cause all STI's. These types of germs are not normally found in the human body and many can cause serious health problems.
There are many different STI's. Some of them are more common in different parts of the world. Here in Thunder Bay, the most common STI's found in persons under the age of 21 are Chlamydia and Genital warts. Other STI's that can be found in persons under 21 are Herpes, Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea and HIV. Often infected people don't know they have an infection. Many of these diseases live in the reproductive area, the cervix and vagina of females and the penis of males. Because women's reproductive organs are inside the body, they often do not have any symptoms. Possible symptoms of a STI for both men and women are:
- Discharge from the vagina/penis
- Hurts to pee
- Skin changes around the genital area-sores, rashes, bumps
- Painful intercourse
- Spotting between periods
- Irritation or itchiness in penis or vagina
- Unusual swelling in the groin
Remember….you can't see or feel HIV
Most STI's are curable!!! The only sure way to know is to get tested Persons that may want to get tested are:
- Have had unprotected intercourse-even once!
- Shared or used needle drugs
- Any of the symptoms listed above
Most medications for the treatment of STI's are free at the Health Unit Sexual Health Clinics
