Sexually Transmitted Infections

What are STIs?

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. 
• Some STIs may be parasitic (i.e. Pubic Lice), bacterial (i.e. Chlamydia), or viral (i.e. Herpes). Parasitic and bacterial infections are treatable and curable. Viral infections are treatable but not curable. 

How are they transmitted?

• STIs are transmitted in different ways. Some are passed through fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) and others are passed through direct skin to skin contact.
• For many STIs, no penetration or fluid transmission needs to occur in order for the infection to be passed. Regardless of how you define sex, if you are engaging in any sexual behavior in which an infection could be passed, you may be at risk for contracting an STI.   

What are signs/symptoms?

• Oftentimes, STIs have no to minimal outward signs or symptoms, and if left untreated can lead to infertility and other serious health complications. 
• Symptoms may range from burning while urinating, discharge, itchiness, bumps/blisters, etc., depending on the infection.  

What treatment is available?

• Some STIs may be parasitic (i.e. Pubic Lice), bacterial (i.e. Chlamydia), or viral (i.e. Herpes). Parasitic and bacterial infections are treatable and curable. Viral infections are treatable but not curable. 
• If left untreated, STIs can lead to infertility and other serious health complications. 
• It is very important that you work with a medical professional to ensure you receive the appropriate medication and treatment plan.  
• DO NOT self diagnose and use a prescription that is not prescribed to you. 

What is HIV?

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
• HIV attacks your immune system which is your body’s defense!
• While many viruses can be controlled by the immune system, HIV targets and infects the same immune system cells (CD4) that are supposed to protect us from infection and disease.
• HIV takes over these cells and turns them into factories that produce thousands of copies of the virus.  

What is AIDS?

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
• A person with HIV is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope. These diseases are called opportunistic infections (OIs) and/or
• A person with HIV is considered to have developed AIDS if their T-cell (immune system cells) count drops below 200 (a healthy level is between 500-1500). 

How are they transmitted?

• HIV/AIDS can be passed through infected:
  • Blood
  • Semen
  • Vaginal Secretions
  • Breast Milk 
• The most common ways HIV is passed on are: 
  • Sex (oral, anal, vaginal) without a condom/barrier 
  • Sharing infected needles, syringes, or other drug  injecting equipment 
• You cannot get HIV through casual or day-to-day contact, or kissing, spitting or sharing a cup or plate. Abstaining from sex and needle sharing are the safest ways to protect yourself from HIV. Having protected and/or monogamous sex with an uninfected partner are effective safer sex practices. 

What are signs/symptoms?

Most people can go many years without experiencing any signs or symptoms that they have been infected with HIV. During this period of time the virus is able to cause more damage to your body as well as pass onto others. Early detection is critical in managing the virus. The only way to know your status is to get tested! 

What treatment is available?

Antiretroviral treatment is available. The aim of antiretroviral treatment is to keep the amount of HIV in the body at a low level. This stops any weakening of the immune system and allows it to recover from any damage that HIV might have caused already.

It is not a cure but it can support healthier and longer life.  The treatment consists of drugs that have to be taken every day for the rest of a person’s life; many of these drugs have very uncomfortable side effects. A doctor will determine when/if you should start taking medication and your specific treatment plan. Treatment plans may consist of one or several medications.

Overall wellness (adequate sleep and exercise, balanced diet, low stress) can help support a stronger immune system – therefore supporting a healthier and longer life.