Sexually Transmitted

Infections

For use in Grade 8 through CALM (10-12)

only.

Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information contained in this presentation, Alberta Health Services does not
make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness or applicability of such information.
In no event will Alberta Health Services be responsible or liable for any error or consequence arising from the use of the information contained in
this presentation. ©2012 Alberta Health Services
Ground Rules
We respect:
• That any question is OK
• That it is OK to pass
• That we all have different points of view
• Each other by listening
• The right to privacy
• That we all need to be listened to

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STDs vs. STIs
What’s the difference?
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) has replaced the
term Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Why?
• STI is a more encompassing term that includes
infections that are asymptomatic (show no symptoms)

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What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections generally
spread by close sexual contact and sexual intercourse.

They can spread by contact with an infected partners:

• Skin
• Genitals
• Body fluids
• Mucous embranes eg. eyes, mouth

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Why is it important to learn about STIs?
• It helps one be able to take care of one's own body

• Untreated STIs can cause problems for a person's health

and future ability to have children

• It helps a person to discuss STIs with a partner

• It helps to identify myths like “It’s easy to tell if a person

has a STI/HIV because they will look sick” that could
prevent a person from using effective prevention
methods or seeking needed treatments

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What are some common STIs?
• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Genital warts (HPV) Human Papillomavirus Virus
• Gonorrhoea
• Hepatitis B/C (also a blood borne infection)
• HIV and AIDS (also a blood borne infection)
• Syphilis
• Pubic Lice (crabs)
• Scabies

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Bacterial, Parasitic, or Viral STIs
Bacterial/Parasitic: If bacteria or a parasite causes an
infection, it can be treated with antibiotic or antimicrobial
medication

Viral: If a virus causes an infection, it is possible for it to

remain “asymptomatic” for periods of time (meaning there
are no symptoms). It is possible to have the virus and not
know it, and it is possible to pass it to another person
without either person knowing it. Viral STIs can be treated
with medications; but not cured.

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Which STIs are Bacterial?

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphilis

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Which STIs are Parasitic?

• Pubic Lice (crabs)

• Scabies

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Which STIs are Viral?

• HIV and AIDS

• Genital Warts (HPV)
• Genital Herpes
• Hepatitis B and C

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Which STIs are Blood-Borne?

• HIV and AIDS

• Hepatitis B and C

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STIs in Alberta
In 2008:
• Approximately 65% of all
Chlamydia cases in 2008 were
in individuals aged 15-24

• Approximately 51% of all

Gonorrhea cases were in
individuals aged 15-24

• Approximately 23% of all

infectious Syphilis cases were
in individuals 15-24

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Blood Borne Infections
Blood-borne infections are spread by contaminated blood.
Some are also spread through body fluids (semen, vaginal
secretions) and breast milk (HIV only).
They can be transmitted by:
•sharing needles
•contaminated body piercing and tattooing equipment
•helping an infected person who is bleeding without using
gloves
•sexual intercourse and close sexual contact with
someone who is infected
•an infected mother to her baby

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Male Anatomy
Viruses and bacteria might
be:
•In the mouth, throat or eye
•On the penis
•In the urethra
•In the rectum or anus
•In semen and pre-semen
•In the blood
•On the skin in or around the
genital area

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Female Anatomy
Viruses and bacteria might
be:
•In the mouth, throat or eye
•On the cervix
•In the vagina
•In the rectum or anus
•In vaginal fluid
•In the blood
•On the skin in or around
the genital area

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What are common symptoms?

• burning while urinating

• itching
• discharge (for females, different colour, amount or foul
smell. For males, anything other than semen or urine)
• sores, bumps or a rash on or around the genitals.

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It is common to have
NO SYMPTOMS
at all!

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Complications of STIs
• Infertility (male and female)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in woman
• Epididymitis in men
• Urinary tract complications
• Cervical cancer
• Psychological impact
• Serious illness and death

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How can STIs be prevented?

• Abstinence – No skin to genital, genital to genital,

body fluid to genital contact
• Limiting number of sexual partners
• Use condoms correctly and consistently
• Communication with partner – sexual history
• Not having sex if you see a sore, etc.
• Regular STI testing (at least annually, more often if
you’ve had multiple partners)

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When should I get tested?
• Before you have sex with a new partner
• If you or your partner have been sexually active and
have never been tested
• If you know your current or past partner has a STI
• If you have been forced to have sex
• If you have any STI symptoms
• At least once a year if you are sexually active

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Male Condoms
• Provides a barrier for skin to skin contact
and body fluids which can help protect
against pregnancy and STI
• Available at pharmacies, grocery stores
and health clinics
• Use a condom for oral, vaginal and anal
sex or when sharing sex toys
• Most condoms are latex. Non-latex types
include polyurethane, and polyisoprene
(synthetic rubber)
• Check expiry date and keep in a dark cool
place
• Do not use with oil-based products like
Vaseline®, baby oil or hand cream. They
increase the chance of the condom
breaking
• Use a new condom every time you have
sex.
• Never use two condoms at once

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Male Condom Demonstration

Click here for de

monstration

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Female Condom
• Provides a barrier for skin to skin
contact and body fluids which can help
protect against pregnancy and STI
• Available at pharmacies, grocery stores
and health clinics
• Inserted prior to any vaginal contact-
can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to
intercourse
• Soft thin plastic quickly warms to body
temperature, which allows for natural
feeling and sensitivity
• Safe to use for people with latex
allergies
• Can use water and/or oil based
lubricants
• Do not use with the male condom, this
increases the chance that both will
break
• Use a new condom every time you
have sex.

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Female Condom Demonstration

Click here for

demonstration

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Latex Barrier
• Small piece of latex
similar to the material
used for male latex
condoms
• Barrier method which
helps to protect against
STIs
• Stretched across the
anus or woman’s vagina
to help prevent the
exchange of bodily fluids
and limit skin to skin
contact
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Latex Barrier Demonstration

Click here for

demonstration

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Safer Sex
Abstinence is the only 100% way to prevent the
transmission of STIs
If you choose to be sexually active:
• Talk to your partner about your sexual health histories
• Choose to protect yourself from both pregnancy and
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Limit your number of partners
• Get tested regularly for STIs
• Get more information

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Key Messages
• Consistently and correctly use condoms

• STIs often have NO symptoms

• Communicate with your partner about protecting

yourselves from STIs

• If you are sexually active have regular testing

for STIs

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Where can I go for help?

• School Counsellor
• Teacher
• School Nurse
• Walk in Clinic
• Family Doctor
• Sexual Health Clinic

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 For more information on STIs
including HIV and AIDS

Alberta STD Information Line

1-800-772-2437
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