Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are among the most widespread infections in the world, and affect both men and women. Two-thirds of all STIs occur in people younger than 25 years old. In Canada, reported rates of some STIs have increased significantly among middle-aged adults (40-59 years) over the past decade.
What are some Sexually Transmitted Infections?
How do you catch an STI?
Exposure to an STI can occur any time you and a partner have sexual contact that involves the genitals, mouth (oral) or the rectum (anal). Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner and if you don’t use condoms.
Some STIs can be passed by non-sexual contact like sharing needles.
What’s the big deal?
Women: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes can result from a sexually transmitted infection. PID scar tissue can lead to infertility or issues with pregnancy, sores or pain that won’t go away.
Men: The risk of penis infection and inflammation
Where can I get tested & what should I expect?
Women: a urine sample, and/or a swab from the cervix for chlamydia and gonorrhea and a swab from the vaginal wall for yeast, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, a pap smear may also be included in the exam; blood tests are done for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.
Men: a urine sample or a swab inside the penis for chlamydia and gonorrhea; blood tests are done for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis.
Is there Treatment?
There is treatment for some STIs but not all of them. If you’re treated and get better, you are not protected from getting an STI again in the future.
If you do have an infection, treatment can be started on the same day. Treatments for chalmydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are provided free of charge. Over-the-counter medications may be suggested for some conditions; prescriptions for treatment of initial herpes outbreaks available, and hepatitis vaccination may be offered to clients at risk.
STI Prevention
- Preventing a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is easier than treating an infection once it occurs.
- Practice safer sex. Condom use reduces the risk of the transmission of STIs.
- Avoid sexual contact or activity if you have symptoms of an STI, or are being treated for an STI.
- Avoid sexual contact or activity with anyone who has symptoms of an STI, or who may have been exposed to an STI.
- Limit your sexual partners, and know that your risk increases if you have a number of sex partners at the same time.
For more information, speak to a public health nurse by contacting your local
Community Health Office listed below or call Sexual Health Info Line. It's free & confidential. Operates Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 1-800-782-2437 .
Community Health Offices
| Arborg Community Health Office |
317 River Road |
204-376-5559 |
| Ashern Community Health Office |
43 Railway Avenue |
204-768-2585 |
| Beausejour Community Health Office |
151 First Street South |
204-268-4966 |
| Eriksdale Wellness Centre |
35 Railway Avenue |
204-739-2777 |
| Fisher Branch Community Health Office |
23 Main Street |
204-372-6258 |
| Gimli Community Health Office |
120-6th Avenue |
204-642-4595 |
| Lac du Bonnet Primary Health Care Centre |
89 McIntosh Street |
204-345-8647 |
| Lundar Community Health Office |
97-1st Street South |
204-762-5469 |
| Oakbank - Kin Place Health Complex |
689 Main Street |
204-444-2227 |
| Pinawa Primary Health Complex |
30 Vanier Drive |
204-753-2334 |
| Pine Falls Health Complex |
37 Maple Street |
204-367-4441 |
| Riverton Community Health Office |
68 Main Street |
204-378-2460 |
| Selkirk Community Health Office |
202-237 Manitoba Avenue |
204-785-4891 |
| St. Laurent Community Health Office |
1 Parish Lane |
204-646-2504 |
| Stonewall Community Health Office |
589-3rd Avenue South |
204-467-4400 |
| Teulon Community Health Office |
162-3rd Avenue SE |
204-886-4068 |
| Whitemouth Health Centre |
75 Hospital Street |
204-348-7191 |
Links:
Sexualityandu.ca
Sexuality Education Resource Centre of Manitoba
Get It On: Rainbow Resource Centre