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Sexually Transmitted Infections
Women more commonly contract STIs than men because of the sensitivity of vaginal membranes.
Micro-abrasions (very small tears) can lead to easier contraction of infections. Male condoms, female condoms,
dental dams, and latex gloves can be used during sexual acts to prevent STI transmission. Please see our section
on health services to learn how you can be tested for STIs.
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Type
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Mode of Transmission
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Symptoms
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Treatment
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| Chlamydia
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Bacterial = curable, with antibiotics
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Semen, vaginal fluid, blood
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May be symptomless. Discharge, burning, itching
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Antibiotics
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| Gonorrhea
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Bacterial
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Semen, vaginal fluid, blood
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May be symptomless. Discharge, burning, itching
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Antibiotics
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| Hepatitis B
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Viral = not curable, but treatable with medication
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Semen, vaginal fluid, blood
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May be symptomless. Flu-like symptoms
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Prescription medications may reduce the risk of liver damage.
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| Herpes
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Viral
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Semen, vaginal fluid, blood, skin-to-skin contact
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Painful blisters
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Anti-viral medications may reduce risk of transmission to partner and frequency of outbreaks
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| Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
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Viral
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Semen, vaginal fluid, blood
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May experience flu-like symptoms in early stage, or no symptoms.
Click here for more information.
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Treatable with anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) to delay the onset of Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)
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| Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
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Viral
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Semen, vaginal fluid, blood, skin-to-skin contact
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Certain strains may cause genital warts or cervical cancer.
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Various treatments remove warts
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| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
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**complication
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Condition caused by untreated bacterial STIs
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Pelvic pain, fever, vaginal bleeding
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Antibiotics. In serious cases, surgery may be necessary
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| Syphilis
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Bacterial
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Semen, vaginal fluid, blood, skin-to-skin contact
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May be symptomless. Painless ulcer, rash on hands or feet.
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Antibiotics
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