Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs can affect both men and women of all ages.
There are many different types of STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, HIV, and syphilis. Each STI has its own symptoms and can cause different health problems.
STIs are a major public health concern in Canada. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were nearly 300,000 new cases of STIs reported in 2016. The most common STIs among Canadians are chlamydia and gonorrhea.
STIs can cause a lot of problems. They can make it hard to get pregnant. They can cause pain and other symptoms.
The most common STIs
There are a number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are common in Canada. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were over 200,000 reported cases of chlamydia in 2017 alone. This makes it the most common STI in the country. Gonorrhea is also a very common STI, with over 50,000 reported cases in 2017. HIV is also a common STI in Canada, with an estimated 75,000 people living with the virus. There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of STIs, including using condoms and getting tested regularly.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Canada. In 2017, there were an estimated 1,300 deaths caused by cervical cancer.
Another 3,300 women were diagnosed with the cancer that year. The two most common types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (78%) and adenocarcinoma (22%).
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with an estimated 2,800 deaths caused by the disease in 2017. Cervical cancer is the second most common, accounting for 1,400 deaths.
How do you get an STI?
There are many ways that someone can get a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The most common way is through unprotected sex with someone who has an STI. This can happen through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also happen if someone comes into contact with the infected area of someone else’s body, such as their genitals or mouth.
STIs can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Finally, STIs can be spread through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or other injecting equipment when using drugs.
The best way to protect yourself from getting an STI is to use condoms every time you have sex. Condoms provide the best protection when used correctly and consistently. Other ways to reduce your risk include limiting your number of sexual partners and getting tested regularly for STIs.
Symptoms of STIs
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection. These include:
- Burning or itching sensation during urination
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Painful or swollen testicles
- Painful intercourse
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Pain during sex;
- Bleeding between periods; and/or
feeling generally unwell.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for testing and treatment. STIs can cause serious health problems if left untreated, so it is important to get checked out if you think you may have one.
Treatment for STIs Canada
There are a few different options for treatment when it comes to STIs in Canada. The first and most important step is to get tested so that you can know which STI you have and can receive the appropriate treatment. If you have a bacterial STI, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics. If you have a viral STI, there is no cure but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. It is important to finish all of your medication, even if you start feeling better, to make sure that the infection is completely gone.
If you think that you may have an STI, it is important to see a doctor or go to a sexual health clinic as soon as possible. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the less chance there is of passing on the infection to someone else.
It is also important to practice safe sex to reduce your risk of getting an STI in the first place. This means using condoms every time you have sex, and avoiding contact with any body fluids (including semen, vaginal fluid, and blood) that could contain an infection.
Preventing STIs
There are a few things people can do to prevent themselves from getting STIs. Firstly, they should use condoms during sex. Secondly, they should get tested regularly and know their status. Lastly, they should talk to their partner about their sexual history and get tested together.
If people take these precautions, they will be much less likely to contract an STI. However, even if they do everything right, there is still a chance they could get one. That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly and know your status.
Conclusion
There are many different types of STIs and they can all be spread in different ways. Some STIs can be cured with medication, but others cannot. It is important to get tested for STIs if you think you may have been exposed to one.
There is no one definitive way to prevent STIs. However, there are some general measures that can help reduce your risk of contracting an STI. These include using condoms during sex, limiting the number of sexual partners you have, and getting vaccinated against certain STIs.
If you think you may have an STI, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can provide you with a diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.
If you have any question, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation call or a one-on-one with one of our Pharmacisit or doctors at Sheridan Medical Center
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