Overview

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread by sexual contact. This includes genital skin-to-skin contact and vaginal, oral, and anal sex. If you're pregnant, you can also spread them to your baby before or during the birth.

STIs are common. But they don't always cause symptoms. And if they are not treated, they can lead to health problems. Testing and treatment are important to help protect the health of you and your partner(s).

STIs caused by bacteria can go away with treatment. STIs caused by viruses can be treated to relieve symptoms, but treatment won't make them go away.

Self-Care

Treating STIs

Treatment is available for all STIs. The kind of treatment depends on the STI. Some STIs can go away with treatment. Other STIs can be treated to relieve symptoms. But treatment won't make them go away.

• Some of the most common STIs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are caused by bacteria. These STIs are treated with antibiotics. They can go away with treatment.
• STIs caused by viruses, such as genital herpes and genital warts, can be treated to relieve symptoms. But treatment won't make them go away.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, is a sexually transmitted virus that is treated with many medicines but does not go away.
• The 2019 Alberta Health STI annual report shows that:
  • Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed and reported STI in Alberta. Young women ages 15 to 24 and young men ages 20 to 29 are most affected.
  • A provincial outbreak of gonorrhea was declared in 2016 and case numbers remain high. Men account for over one-half of reported cases. Young men ages 20 to 29 and young women ages 15 to 29 are most affected.
  • New cases of HIV continue to be diagnosed each year in Alberta. The main exposure category for men is having same sex partners and for women is exposure outside of Canada.
  • A provincial outbreak of syphilis was declared in 2019 and the number of cases remains high, including transmission to infants during pregnancy. Men ages 20 to 39 and women ages 20 to 29 are most affected.

If you think that you have been exposed to an STI, go see your healthcare provider right away. This will help prevent serious health problems for yourself. And it can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Preventing STIs

Here are some ways to help prevent STIs.

• Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before you have sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. Remember that it's possible to have an STI and not know it.
• Wait to have sex with new partners until you've each been tested.
• Don't have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent STIs.
• If you had sex without a condom, ask your doctor if taking a preventive medicine is recommended. It may help prevent certain STIs if it's taken within 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
• Don't share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.

Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.

Using a female (internal) condom

• Use a new condom each time you have intercourse. You can insert it up to 8 hours before intercourse.
• Spread the lubricant by rubbing the sides of the condom together. You can also add lubricant.
• Find a comfortable position to insert the condom. Some people stand with one foot on a chair. Other people sit on the edge of a chair or lie down.
• Insert one finger into the condom. With your other hand, squeeze together the closed end of the condom and place that end into your vagina. Use the finger inside the condom to push the closed end as far into the vagina as it will go.
• The open end of the condom will hang about 2.5 cm (1 in.) outside your vagina.
• During intercourse, the penis should be inside the condom.
• After ejaculation, remove the condom right away.
  • Twist the open outside ring to close off the condom and hold the semen inside before the condom is removed.
  • Pull the condom out before you stand up.

Using a male (external) condom

Condoms work best if you follow these steps.

• Use a new condom each time you have sex.
• Check the condom's expiration date. Do not use it past that date.
• When opening the condom wrapper, be sure not to poke a hole in the condom with your fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
• Put the condom on as soon as the penis is hard (erect) and before any sexual contact with your partner.
  • First, hold the tip of the condom and squeeze out the air. This leaves room for the semen after you ejaculate.
  • If you are not circumcised, pull down the loose skin from the head of the penis (foreskin) before you put on the condom.
  • Hold on to the tip of the condom as you unroll the condom. Unroll it all the way down to the base of the penis.
• After you ejaculate, hold on to the condom at the base of the penis, and withdraw from your partner while your penis is still erect. This will keep semen from spilling out of the condom.
• Wash your hands after you handle a used condom.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a healthcare provider if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

• There are new or worse signs of a sexually transmitted infection, such as a rash, sore, or abnormal discharge.
• Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

Learn more

Preparing For Your Appointment