Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted Infections (STI’s) are some of the most widespread infections in the world. STIs affect both men and women, and almost half of all STIs occur in people younger than 25 years old. Exposure to an STI can occur any time you have sexual contact with anyone that involves the genitals, the mouth (oral), or the rectum (anal). Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner or do not use condoms. Some STIs can be passed by nonsexual contact, such as by sharing needles or during the delivery of a baby or during breastfeeding. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)”- Health Link BC

According to The World Health Organization:

“More than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact. Eight of these pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of sexually transmitted disease. Of these 8 infections, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other 4 are viral infections which are incurable: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms or disease due to the 4 viral infections can be reduced or modified through treatment.

STIs are spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or blood products. Many STIs—including syphilis, hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, and HPV—can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.

A person can have an STI without having obvious symptoms of disease. Common symptoms of STIs include vaginal discharge, urethral discharge or burning in men, genital ulcers, and abdominal pain.”

Sexually transmitted infections continue to ravage our population globally, and there are many means available to you to help protect yourself against the spread of a sexually transmitted infection. According to Health Link BC the most common sexually transmitted infections are:

• Chlamydia.
• Genital herpes.
• Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.
• Gonorrhea.
• Hepatitis B.
• Syphilis.
• Trichomoniasis.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can cause AIDS.
• Other infections that may be sexually transmitted. These include hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus, molluscum contagiosum, Mycoplasma genitalium, hepatitis C, and possibly bacterial vaginosis.
• Scabies and pubic lice, which can be spread by sexual contact.

We will be creating a series of informational blogs to help educate you on this list of STI’s because understanding what they are and how they effect your health is the first step to fighting against them and keeping yourself safe.

The 2018 Public Health Agency of Canada Report on STIs shows that:

• Rates of STIs have been increasing dramatically over the last decade and continue to be a significant and increasing public health concern in Canada
• In 2018, more than three quarters (76.1%) of reported chlamydia cases were among people less than 30 years of age.
• Gonorrhea rates have almost doubled in the past 5 years.
• Infectious syphilis rates have more than tripled in the past decade and experienced the highest increase in rates of all STIs with a more than 259.5% increase over this time period.
• The number of rates of reported chlamydia cases continue to increase. In Canada, between 2009 and 2018, the number of reported chlamydia cases increased steadily, from 87,283 to 117,008.
• Strong public health infrastructure is critical to prevent and control STIs, especially among the most vulnerable groups.

Regarding prevention of STIs, condoms and dams are some of the most effective methods of prevention available. Condoms can also be used in conjunction with other forms of birth control to enhance your sexual health safety measures.

We offer a wide range of products to assist you in protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections that include male condoms, the FC2 Female condom, dental dams, personal lubricants and much more. Whether you are an individual, business or educator seeking prevention methods or educational materials, feel free to reach out to us we are here to help!