Being sexually active comes with responsibilities. Both partners should take precautions to protect each other from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This means having respect for yourself as well as for your partner. Be informed about STIs and know how to protect yourself and use protection consistently every time.
Remember: whenever you sleep with someone, you are, in effect, sleeping with everyone they have ever slept with.
General Symptoms of STIs:
- Genital discharge
- Genital warts or sores
- Painful or burning urination.
If you experience any of the above or if you have engaged in a risky sexual encounter, be tested.
STI testing, treatment and more information on all STIs and HIV are available at Health Services.
Sexually Transmitted infections
If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, the following chart will give you information on the symptoms and treatments available. However it is always better to see a health professional for a proper diagnosis.
| Disease | Type of Infection | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Special Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Bacterial | When present, symptoms similar to those of gonorrhea, however often no symptoms. | Female: microscopic examination of secretions from the cervix. Males: urine culture. | Can be cured with antibiotics | Chlamydia that is not cured can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility in women, and complications in pregnancy |
| Human Papilloma Virus (Genital Warts) | Virus | Small, fleshy growths, called "condylomas," in the genital or anal area. May be inside vagina or on cervix of female. | Physical Examination and pap test in women | May be removed surgically or burned off with caustic preparation Certain strains are closely associated with cancer of the cervix in women. Pap test should be done. | Genital warts can recur following treatment |
| Pubic lice | Parasite | Itching that is worse at night; lice visible in pubic hair; eggs, called "nits," attached to pubic hair | Physical examination | Cream is given to kill lice. Nits must be removed. | Secondary infection from scratching. |
| AIDS (acquired immuno- deficiency syndrome) | Virus | Unusual susceptibility to illness; development of rare, opportunistic diseases; persistent fatigue; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; swollen glands; persistent diarrhea; dry cough | Blood test to check for antibodies to the AIDS virus; will not show anything for at least 3 months after exposure.-medical history | Several drugs now available can help fight the virus and slow the progression; there is no cure and no vaccine | AIDS is a fatal illness. AIDS-related complex, a less serious set of symptoms, will generally develop into AIDS over time |
| Gonorrhea | Bacterial | Males: discharge from penis, burning upon urination Females: usually none; sometimes vaginal discharge and abdominal discomfort | Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge of culture from a suspected infection | Can be cured with antibiotics | If left untreated, gonorrhea can develop into a severe pelvic inflammation -- a serious condition in women -- or cause infertility, arthritis, or other problems |
| Molluscum | Virus | Small, smooth waxy pinkish-white bumps on the skin; may have a dip in the middle and a soft cheesy or milky substance inside. On any part of body. | Examination by doctor or nurse. Can be mistaken for warts. | Usually are removed by a doctor using a curette. May also be burned off. | None. May spread if bumps are not removed. |
| Genital herpes | Virus | Painful sores, or blisters, in the genital area; sometimes fever, enlarged lymph glands in the groins and flu-like illness during initial infection. sores heal, but tend to recur | Physical examination; culture for the herpes virus from liquid in sores if present. | Medications can ease symptoms and shorten outbreak but there is no cure | Genital herpes is most contagious during an outbreak. Avoid sexual contact at these times. It may also be passed on just before or after an outbreak (called viral shedding) |
Web sources
www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/sexual/chart.asp
