Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

May 2010

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

There are many different sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some are spread by skin-to-skin contact and others through semen, vaginal fluid, blood or other body fluids during sexual activity.

Symptoms

• Some people with STIs have few or no symptoms at all; others have obvious symptoms. If you have been sexually active with a new partner when travelling, be aware of any changes in your health during travel and after return, such as:
  • different or heavier discharge from the vagina;
  • discharge from the penis;
  • burning feeling when urinating;
  • sores, particularly in the genital or anal areas;
  • itching feeling around the genitals or anus;
  • appearance of a rash;
  • swollen glands in the groin;
  • sudden onset of flu-like symptoms.
  • These symptoms might appear alone, or in combination. Refer to information on specific STIs for more details.

Transmission

• STIs are spread from person to person through:
• semen, vaginal fluid, blood or other body fluids during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex,
• skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.
• Some STIs can also be passed from person-to-person through blood transfusions and tissue transplantations. Regulations and practices vary from country to country regarding the types of screening tests done on donated blood.
• Some STIs, in addition to blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C can also be passed from person-to-person through the sharing or needles and other equipment during intravenous drug use.
• Some STIs such as HIV, syphilis, and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can be transmitted from mother to child through pregnancy and childbirth.
• An individual can have more than one STI at a time. In fact, if you have an untreated STI, such as chlamydia or syphilis, it increases the risk of getting or transmitting HIV.
• With some STIs, such as chlamydia or syphilis, you can get them more than once if you are exposed again.

Where are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) a Concern?

• STIs occur worldwide. Some STIs such as haemophilus ducreyi (chanroid) are not common in Canada but are common in other parts of the world.

• For more information, refer to the World Health Organization .

Related Travel Health Notices

None

Recommendations for Travellers

1. Practice safe sex (anal, vaginal, or oral):
   1. Always use a latex or polyurethane male or female condom . It is important to make sure that you are using the condom correctly. You should not use both a male and female condom at the same time;
   2. For oral sex use a male condom or dental dam (rectangular pieces of thin latex) which can be placed over the vagina or anus as a protective barrier;
   3. Before travelling, pack your condoms, dental dams and lubricant (oil based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms);
   4. Other than condoms, birth control methods (oral contraceptives, injections and diaphragms) do NOT protect you against HIV and other STIs.
2. Talk to your health care provider or visit a travel health clinic to discuss the benefits of getting vaccinated against:
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (currently recommended for females and males up to the age of 26);
2. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
3. Avoid behaviour which may increase your risk for STIs such as:
1. Sexual activity with commercial sex workers and/or strangers;
2. Heavy partying, drinking, or taking illegal drugs which can change your sexual attitudes, inhibitions, and ability to make safe choices;
3. Sharing needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes or shavers;
4. Exposure to unsterilized needles for tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture;  and
5. Injections or transfusions (unless it is an emergency).
4. Get tested:
1. See a health care provider if:
1. You think you may have a STI because you have symptoms; or
2. You have engaged in activities that may have placed you at risk for a STI, even if you have no symptoms.
2. It is important to ensure that all sex partners receive treatment if an individual is infected.
5. Be aware of sexual violence:
1. Occurrence of sexual violence varies around the world;
2. If you are raped or assaulted, find medical attention immediately so HIV and STI counselling (and possible treatment) can be provided;
1. Be aware that some medical services overseas may not be up to Canadian standards. Visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website for a list of foreign government offices accredited to Canada. They can assist you with medical emergency service.

Don’t Forget…

1. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
4. Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.

Other Related Information

• Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Sexual Health Facts and Information for the Public  
• PHAC – Fact Sheet: Hepatitis B
• PHAC – Well on Your Way – A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad