Bacterial STIs

Bacteria are microscopic one-celled organisms that live everywhere. Some are dangerous because they cause infection. Others are helpful.

Chlamydia

How it is spread:

Through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

Infected mothers can infect their baby during birth.

Symptoms:

Most people have no symptoms. People who do have symptoms might experience:

  • Unusual discharge from vagina, penis, or anus
  • Burning sensation when peeing
  • Stomach or lower back pain (females)
  • Painful testicles (males)
Test:

Urine or Swab

Treatment:

Can cure with medication.

Risks if no treatment:
  • Infertility (no babies)
  • Pain
  • Increases your risk to get other STIs if exposed to them
Prevention:
  • Use a condom and/or dental dam every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
  • Get tested at your local health centre at least once a year if you’re sexually active under age 30
  • Get tested at your local health centre every 3-6 months if you or your sexual partners have more than one partner.

Gonorrhea (“The Clap”)

How it is spread:

Through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

Infected mothers can infect their baby during birth.

Symptoms:

Most people have no symptoms. People who do have symptoms might experience:

  • Unusual discharge from vagina, penis, or anus
  • Burning sensation when peeing
  • Stomach or lower back pain (females)
  • Painful testicles (males)
Test:

Urine or Swab

Treatment:

Can cure with medication.

Risks if no treatment:
  • Infertility (no babies)
  • Pain
  • Increases your risk to get other STIs if exposed to them  
Prevention:
  • Use a condom and/or dental dam every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
  • Get tested at your local health centre at least once a year if you’re sexually active under age 30
  • Get tested at your local health centre every 3-6 months if you or your sexual partners have more than one partner.

Syphilis ("The Great Imitator")

How it is spread:

Through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

Infected mothers can infect their baby during birth. 

Symptoms:

Most people do not have or notice the symptoms. People with syphilis might experience:

1st stage

  • Open sores (painless)

2nd stage

  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle pain)
  • Body rash

3rd stage

  • Major damage to eyes, ears, heart 
Test:

Blood

Treatment:

Can cure with antibiotics.

Risks if no treatment:
  • Blindness
  • Brain damage
  • Heart damage
  • Increases your risk to get other STIs if exposed to them
  • Death
  • Babies born to infected mothers can be really sick or die
Prevention:
  • Use a condom and/or dental dam every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
  • Get tested at your local health centre at least once a year if you’re sexually active under age 30
  • Get tested at your local health centre every 3-6 months if you or your sexual partners have more than one partner.