SEX FACTS IN CANADA

Adapted from http://www.sexualityandu.ca/ If you don’t protect yourself If you don’t protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections, you’re risking a lot. The good news - most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be cured and others can be controlled. There are now vaccines to prevent Hepatitis B and the Human Papillomavirus. The bad news - some, such as HIV, can kill you. STIs and HIV can affect anyone who is sexually active. STIs are unpredictable because you or your partner may not display any symptoms, or the symptoms may not appear for weeks, months or even years after you’ve been infected. In the case of HIV, it is possible that 15 years could pass before the infection leads to visible symptoms; that’s 15 years during which the infected person could pass along the virus to countless partners. You can’t tell You can’t tell just by looking at someone or talking to someone that he or she is infected. The only way to be sure is to be tested. If you are sexually active and having intercourse or starting a sexual relationship with someone new, you and your partner should both be tested for STIs - before having sex, and then again three to six months later. Consequences Often, a major consequence of untreated STIs is infertility. Women tend to suffer more severe long- term consequences of STIs, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and cervical dysplasia (abnormal pap smear). Women are also less likely to see a doctor if they become infected because many STIs exhibit no symptoms in women, and the infections are more difficult to diagnose. Keep in Mind  The exchange of bodily fluids is the most common way to pass along an infection, no matter whether the infection is viral or bacterial.  Skin-to-skin contact is another way to transmit certain infections. Herpes and warts are spread in this way, and a condom may not fully protect you.  Infected women who are pregnant can unknowingly pass some infections to their babies during pregnancy and at birth.  Infected mothers can unknowingly pass the HIV virus through their breast milk.

Types of STIs-STDs A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) is a sickness that is passed on from one person to another during sexual activity. There are many different types of STIs that can be passed on during oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex. Some can even be passed on by skin-to-skin genital contact. It is important to treat STIs as soon as possible and not to spread them. Many can easily be cured, but if an STI is left untreated, it may cause other complications in the body. Some types of STIs can cause infertility or even death. STIs can be grouped into three families: Viral, Bacterial, and Parasitic/Fungal

Viral Infections Viral STIs are caused by viruses passed from person-to-person during sexual activity. In general viral infections involve many different parts of the body at the same time.  Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): The human papilloma virus or HPV is the most common viral infection. There are over 30 types of HPV that are sexually transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal sex.  Genital Herpes: Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. It is in the same family of viruses that cause cold sores around the mouth. The virus is transmitted by sexual activities or skin-to-skin contact.  Hepatitis B Virus: Hepatitis B or Hep B, affects the liver. It is not to be mistaken with Hepatitis A or C, which are other forms of liver disease. Hepatitis B is easily transmitted not only through sexual activities, but by sharing items like razors, needles and toothbrushes.  Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Human Immunodeficiency virus or HIV/Aids attacks the body’s immune system, leaving infected individuals unable to fight off other illness. It is transmitted through sexual activities, but also spread by sharing items like razors, needles and toothbrushes. It is not spread by hugging, shaking hands and other casual contact.

Bacterial Infections Bacterial STIs are caused by bacteria passed from person-to-person during sexual activity.  Chlamydia: Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs especially among people ages 15 to 24. If left untreated it can cause infertility in both women and men.  Gonorrhea (“the clap”): Gonorrhea is an infection that often is transmitted at the same time as Chlamydia and shares the same symptoms. It is found most commonly in people aged 15 to 29. If left untreated it can cause infertility in both women and men.  Syphilis (“the great imitator”): Syphilis is called the great imitator because it shows signs that other diseases show. There are three stages of Syphillis. Stage 1 starts with a small painless sore where the bacteria entered the body. In stage two, a person may develop a general feeling of being unwell or flat smooth warts in the genital area. In stage three, syphilis that has been left untreated can cause heart problems, mental issues, and even death.

Parasitic Infections These STIs are caused by parasites passed from person-to-person during sexual activity. A parasite is a creature that lives off another beings body. Think of a parasite as a little bug that lives off a human but cannot always be seen by the naked eye.  Trichomoniasis (Trich): This single-celled organism can infect the urethra, bladder, vagina, cervix or get under the foreskin. It can be transmitted through sexual activity and by sharing sex toys.  Pubic Lice (Crabs): Pubic lice are also called crabs, because that’s what they look like under a microscope. Public Lice live in pubic hairs around the genitals. They lay eggs at the base of the hair.  Scabies (Mites): Scabies are tiny mites that dig little holes below the surface of the skin where they lay eggs.

Fungal Infections While not technically STIs, this infection can be passed through sexual contact in rare circumstances.  Yeast Infection (Candida): A vaginal yeast infection is a common fungal infection caused by overgrowth of Candida, naturally occurring yeast. Yeast is normally found in a woman’s vagina in small numbers, but sometimes they can multiply and change the normal balance of bacterial growth. When the fungi begin to grow in excess, they may develop into candidiasis.

How do I protect myself from STIs-STDs The ONLY surefire way to protect yourself is to NOT HAVE SEX! If you’re going to have sex, there really is only one way to protect yourself from contracting an STI, and that’s by practicing safe sex. And it can’t just be safe sex some of the time, or even most of the time…it really has to be every time. Condoms The best and easiest way to protect yourself from STIs is to use either a male condom or a female condom. You can also use dental dams and condoms for protection during oral sex.

Talking to your partner about sex These days communication is more important than ever. With the advent of HIV/AIDS and the increased spread of dangerous sexually transmitted infections, talking about sex before you have sex could literally save your life. While the cold mechanics of safer sex may seem a bit unromantic, some of the alternatives - embarrassing trips to the clinic, unsightly diseases or even death - aren’t exactly sexy either. In the end, whether you practice safer sex is your decision. But whatever your choice, it’s a good idea to understand the benefits and risks associated with your decision. Communication There are still many people who say, “I couldn’t possibly talk that way with him (or her)!” And in some cases, this may be true. If that’s the case, maybe it’s a good idea to take a look at your relationship and how close you really are. A good sexual relationship takes work and communication. When talking to your partner: • make sure to express your needs from a personal perspective - this will help put your partner at ease • be clear, honest and open about your desires, your likes and dislikes • pay attention to your partner’s responses, and take his/her feelings into consideration SEX EDUCATION . Young people turn to parents and guardians as a primary source of sexual health education.5 . A survey among grade nine students in Canada revealed that school was most frequently cited as the main source of information on human sexuality/puberty/birth control and HIV/AIDS.6 . Over 85% of parents agree that sexual health education should be provided in schools, as do 92% of high school youth.7 SEXUAL EXPERIENCE . The average age both male and female Canadians have sex for the first time is 16.5.1