Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.
They are transmitted through sexual relations with or without penetration, through the exchange of sex toys, through direct or indirect contact with the blood of an infected person, through the sharing of drug or steroid injection equipment and inhalation equipment, or through tattoos or piercings made with non-sterile equipment.
In women
In men
Antibiotics.
If left untreated, chlamydia can have serious health consequences :
In women
In men
There are often no symptoms.
In women
In men
Most men develop symptoms within two to seven days of infectious contact :
With antibiotics.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can have serious health consequences:
In women
In men
There are often no symptoms. Symptoms, when present, vary according to the stage of infection :
Injectable antibiotics.
Recurrent outbreaks can be triggered by:
There are often no symptoms. When there are:
Primary infection
Symptoms disappear after 15 to 23 days.
Recurrent infection
The infection may begin very intensely or go undetected.
Symptoms may recur, preceded by warning signs (itching, burning sensation).
The number and intensity of these episodes vary from person to person.
There is no effective treatment for this infection. However, medication is available to relieve symptoms, reduce the duration and frequency of lesions, and thus reduce the risk of transmission.
It is most often found in developing countries.
There are often no symptoms. Between 50% and 70% of people have no apparent signs of infection.
Up to eight weeks after exposure to the virus, some people experience flu-like symptoms, including:
Blood test.
The virus can disappear on its own, or remain in the body for life (the person then becomes a "chronic carrier"). For chronic carriers, regular medical follow-up is essential, and vaccination against hepatitis A (a virus that also attacks the liver) is recommended.
Treatments can limit the severity of the infection and, in some cases, lead to recovery.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a virus that attacks the liver. When the virus enters the body, it causes inflammation of the liver which, in the long term, leads to serious complications (cirrhosis, cancer). The virus is robust, living up to 3 days in the open air and several weeks in a closed environment, such as inside a syringe.
Evolution of HCV
Of those who contract HCV, around 1 in 4 will recover from the infection within 2 to 6 months, as the immune system produces antibodies to eliminate the virus. For those whose infection becomes chronic (3/4 of sufferers), the evolution of hepatitis C infection of the liver follows certain stages:
A person living with HCV (PLHCV) may be asymptomatic (symptom-free) for many years. When symptoms do occur, they may include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, joint pain, dark urine and jaundice.
HCV in numbers
The World Health Organization estimates that 58 million people worldwide are living with HCV, with 1.5 new infections every year.
In Canada, estimates are 204,000 HCVP, including 9,500 new infections for 2019.
HCV is transmitted by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person:
In the case of sexual intercourse, the risk is low. However, the risk increases when sexual intercourse is unprotected and blood is present (during menstruation or receptive anal sex, for example).
However, certain populations are disproportionately affected by HCV:
The best way to protect yourself from hepatitis C is to:
HCV treatments have greatly evolved since 2015: they are shorter and have fewer side effects.
Treatment consists of taking 1 to 3 tablets every day for 8 to 12 weeks. The cure rate is over 95%. Some side effects may occur, but these diminish over time. Treatment can cure hepatitis C and prevent progression to liver failure.
Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to prevent infection.
Note that 1/4 of people whose HCV has cleared naturally, and people who have recovered from HCV with treatment, can contract HCV again if exposed to the virus. The body does not develop permanent immunity.
Other symptoms may include:
First symptoms appear within 5 to 7 days of infection (up to 21 days in some cases) and generally last 2 to 4 weeks.
In the event of symptoms, we recommend wearing a mask, avoiding sexual contact, covering lesions and promptly consulting a healthcare professional.
Pubic lice
These are tiny, crab-shaped insects that nest in pubic hair; they are also found on the chest, underarms and facial hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.
Adult insects bite the skin and feed on the blood of their hosts. They lay small eggs (nits) that adhere to the hair shaft.
Scabies
These are parasitic mites that burrow under the surface of the skin.
Eggs laid under the skin hatch; the larvae colonize other spots and spread the infection. Moths prefer warm spots (folds of skin at elbows, wrists, buttocks, knees, shoulder blades, waist, breasts, penis, between fingers and under fingernails).
Pubic lice
Pubic lice and nits are tiny and can be difficult to detect. Infected individuals are likely to experience the following symptoms:
Scabies
After three or four weeks:
Examination of skin, hair and scalp.
Anti-parasite lotions, creams and shampoos.
Pubic lice
Scabies
It's an infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-cell micro-organism found in the urethra, bladder, vagina, cervix or under the foreskin.
Unprotected sexual activity, including mutual masturbation and the sharing of sex toys.
In women
About half of infected women show signs of infection, including:
In men
Trichomoniasis is generally asymptomatic. When symptoms appear, they may be :
Antibiotics.
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