Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health

What are STIs?

Table of STIs     Chlamydia     Gonorrhoea     Hepatitis B     Hepatitis C     Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)     Nongonococcal Urethritis      Genital Herpes     Syphilis     Trichomoniasis    Resources    Links

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that can be caused by bacterium, viruses (germs) or parasites (bugs). They are usually spread through sexual contact. Anyone can get an STI. STIs affect men and women of every age, race, religion, rich or poor, and education level. While most STIs can be treated and cured, some stay in the body forever, although there are medicines to manage symptoms. Untreated STIs can cause serious health issues affecting fertility (ability to have a baby) and can cause health problems during and after pregnancy for both women and their babies.

STIs can be spread from:

  • Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex (intercourse without a condom)
  • Skin to skin touching of infected area
  • Kissing an infected area
  • Sharing sex toys
  • Sharing of needles/rigs or piercing/tattooing needles
  • Mother to child during pregnancy, labour or after delivery through breastfeeding

The most common way to get an STI is from sex, both vaginal and anal.

STIs cannot be spread through:

  • Hugging
  • Holding hands
  • Sharing food or drink
  • Public washrooms
  • Swimming in public pools
  • Sweat
  • Saliva or tears

Factors that may put people at risk of getting STIs are:

  • Having unprotected sex (without a condom)
  • Believing that using birth control methods (other than a condom) will protect them
  • Believing wrong information about how STIs are spread
  • Using alcohol or drugs, which affect judgment and decision making and may lead to risky situations
  • Having multiple partners
  • Feeling unsure about having sex and not feeling comfortable talking about it
  • Feeling pressured to have sex
  • Sexual assault or violence

How to avoid getting STIs

  • Choose not to have sex
  • Talk to your partner about lower risk and safer options
  • Avoid skin to skin contact of genitals (sex organs) without a barrier
  • If you choose to have sex, use a condom properly from start to finish
  • Avoid having sex with someone who has lots of partners

How Do STIs Impact Fertility and Pregnancy?

People infected with STIs often do not have symptoms. This means that lots of people are not being tested. A person may have an infection for several years before being diagnosed. Untreated STIs can cause serious complications.

STIs can affect fertility. Because young adults are highly sexually active, this can have a large impact. In addition to their effects on fertility, STIs can also be harmful during pregnancy. STIs can be spread from a pregnant woman to her baby before, during or after birth. Pregnant women should be tested and treated before giving birth to decrease the risk of problems during pregnancy and delivery and complications for the baby. Possible harmful effects for the baby include:

  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth (baby dies before labour or delivery)
  • Low birth weight
  • Eye infection (conjunctivitis)
  • Pneumonia
  • A serious blood infection
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Neurologic (nervous system) damage
  • Swelling of the liver (hepatitis)
  • Swelling in the brain (meningitis)
  • Liver disease

Most of these problems can be avoided if the pregnant woman receives routine prenatal care, including STI testing early on in the pregnancy and again close to delivery.

Getting Tested

If you are sexually active, you may not know you have an STI because there are often no symptoms. Even if no symptoms are present the infection can still be passed to other people.

  • If you have unprotected sex, get tested.
  • If you are sexually active, get tested for STIs every year.
  • If you have a new partner, get tested.
  • If you are infected, contact past sexual partners.

Remember, you can get an STI over and over again. Make sure both you and your partner(s) are tested.

Testing can be performed by a family doctor, at a local medical clinic/public health office or hospital. Below is a list of some locations in Saskatchewan that provide confidential testing for STIs. For a location not listed, please contact your local health region office or public health nurse.

Battlefords Sexual Health Clinic
104 - 1192 101st Street
North Battleford, SK
Phone: 306-937-6846

Prince Albert Sexual Health Clinic
101 15th Street East
Prince Albert SK
Phone: 306-765-6540

AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan
2735 5th Avenue
Regina, SK
Phone: 306-924-8420
Toll Free: 1-877-210-7623

Regina STD and Sexual Health Clinic
2110 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK
Phone: 306-766-7788

Planned Parenthood Regina
1431 Victoria Ave (between Ottawa & St. John St.)
Regina, SK
Phone: 306-522-0902

Saskatoon Sexual Health Clinic
Public Health Services
100-310 Idylwyld Drive North
Saskatoon, SK
Phone: 306-655-4642

White Buffalo Youth Lodge
602 - 20th Street West
Saskatoon, SK
Phone: (306) 653-7676

Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon
#301- 115 2nd Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK
Phone: (306) 244-7989 

Student Health Centre - University of Saskatchewan
91 Campus Drive
Saskatoon SK
Phone: 306-966-5768

Teen Wellness Clinic
Public Health Services Office
Room 107 – 110 Ominica Street West
Moose Jaw, SK
Phone: 306-691-1500

Women’s Wellness Center (for women only)
150 Independent Street
Yorkton, SK
Phone: 306-786-0880

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Table of STIs

View the Table of STIs.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacterium. The infection is spread by having unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex and can be passed from a mother to baby during delivery. Chlamydia is the most common STI in the world. The majority of cases are among young adults aged 15-24.

How do I Know if I Have Chlamydia?

If you are sexually active it is important to get tested regularly for STIs. Most people will not have symptoms and will not know they are infected. Even if no symptoms are present, the infection can still be passed to other people. If symptoms are present, the following may appear 5-10 days after infection:

Women

  • Itching feeling around vagina
  • Discharge from vagina
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or when urinating

Men

  • Burning when urinating
  • Pain or swelling of testicles
  • Clear discharge from penis
  • Burning or itching around opening of penis

How do I Find out if I Have Chlamydia?

Testing for chlamydia is done either by a urine sample or swabbing the infected area. This test can be performed by a doctor, a nurse, or staff at an STI clinic, medical clinic or hospital.

Can Chlamydia be Cured?

Usually a single dose of antibiotics can cure chlamydia. These antibiotics are free from medical clinics and family doctors in Saskatchewan. Re-infection is possible if treatment is not finished or the partner is infected and not treated. Infections of chlamydia and gonorrhea are often seen together. Treatment will often be given for both infections, even if only one is identified.

Can Chlamydia Affect Fertility?

Women who do not receive treatment can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can result in pain, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus where the fetus cannot survive) or infertility (unable to have babies).

Men who do not receive treatment may develop swelling of urethra (tube in the penis that carries the urine out of the body) and testicles which could lead to infertility.

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

Women who have chlamydia can pass the infection to their baby while they are pregnant or during delivery. Women who are not treated may have a miscarriage or a premature delivery. Babies born with this infection can develop serious eye or lung infections.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have Chlamydia?

Women who have chlamydia can continue to breastfeed but should check with their health care provider to be sure that medications taken to treat the infection will not harm the baby.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Gonorrhoea 

What is Gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacterium and is the second most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Canada. Gonorrhoea is transmitted through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex and can be passed from mother to baby during birth.  

How do I know if I have gonorrhoea?

If you are sexually active it is important to get tested regularly for STIs. Most people infected with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. Even if no symptoms are present, the infection can still be passed to other people. When symptoms do occur they may appear two to seven days after infection and include the following:

Women

  • An increase in vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding during sex or between periods
  • Pain in the lower abdomen
  • Pain when urinating

Men

  • Burning during urination
  • Pain in the testicles
  • Burning or itching around the tip of the penis
  • A thick greenish-yellow discharge from penis  

How do I Find out if I Have Gonorrhoea?

Testing for gonorrhoea is done either by a urine sample or a swabbing of the infected area. This test can be performed by a doctor, a nurse, or staff at an STI clinic, medical clinic or hospital.

Can Gonorrhoea be Cured?

Usually a single dose of antibiotics can cure gonorrhoea. Antibiotics are free from medical clinics and family doctors in Saskatchewan. You can get gonorrhoea again if treatment is not finished or your partner is infected and not treated. Infections of chlamydia and gonorrhea are often seen together. Treatment will often be given for both infections, even if only one is identified.

Can Gonorrhoea Affect Fertility?

Women who have gonorrhoea and do not seek treatment may develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can result in pain, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus where the fetus cannot survive), or infertility in women.

No treatment for men could potentially lead to a testicle infection which if left untreated can cause infertility.

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

If a pregnant woman is infected with gonorrhoea, there is a risk of miscarriage or preterm labour.

Women who have gonorrhoea can pass the infection to their baby while they are pregnant or during delivery. Babies born with gonorrhoea may develop arthritis, meningitis or a severe eye disease that if left untreated could lead to blindness. When testing is not available or questionable, putting silver nitrate drops into the newborn’s eyes will prevent bacteria from causing eye infections.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have Gonorrhoea? 

Women who have gonorrhoea can continue to breastfeed but should check with their health care provider to be sure that the drugs taken to treat the infection will not harm the baby.

 (Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Hepatitis B

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus can cause life-long infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer and even death. Hepatitis B is very contagious and spreads with exposure to blood or body fluids of an infected person. The virus can be spread through sexual contact, by sharing needles, sharps or personal items such as razors or toothbrushes. Hepatitis B can also be passed from mother to child throughout pregnancy, during and after birth.

In Canada, a vaccination is available for hepatitis B.

How do I Know if I Have Hepatitis B?

People who have been infected by the hepatitis B virus first experience an acute illness (short-term). Symptoms may include flu-like conditions including:

  • Tiredness
  • Stomach pain
  • Aching of joints
  • Loss of appetite

Ninety-percent of people with acute hepatitis B will clear the virus. If the virus is still present after six months, the infection is considered chronic (long-term) and it is unlikely that the virus will ever leave the body. Chronic hepatitis B symptoms include:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
  • Fever
  • Liver enlargement
  • abdominal pain

How do I Find out if I Have Hepatitis B?

A blood sample is taken to test for hepatitis B.

Can Hepatitis B be Cured?

Chronic hepatitis B cannot be cured. Medications are available to control chronic hepatitis B from spreading. This test can be performed by a doctor, a nurse, or staff at a STI clinic, medical clinic or hospital.

Can Hepatitis B Affect Fertility?

There is no consensus in research stating that having hepatitis B affects fertility (ability to have a baby) for either women or men.

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

During the first three months of pregnancy, infected women have a high risk of miscarriage.

Mothers can pass hepatitis B to their baby throughout pregnancy, during and after birth. If a woman has a positive test before becoming pregnant, she can be treated so the baby does not become infected. If the virus is detected when a woman is pregnant, treatment can be started for the unborn baby to reduce baby’s chance of getting hepatitis B.

Babies born to mothers who are infected should be treated with the vaccine within 12 hours of birth. Second and third doses should follow within 6 months.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have Hepatitis B? 

It is safe to breastfeed as there have not been reports of the virus being transmitted through breastfeeding. It is recommended that the baby receive the vaccine within twelve hours of birth, along with a second dose at 1-2 months and third dose at 6 months. It is not necessary to delay breastfeeding until all doses are given. It is important for infected mothers who breastfeed to take care of their nipples to avoid cracking and bleeding.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Hepatitis C

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease caused by a virus that is spread from blood to blood contact. Hepatitis C is generally spread by sharing needles, sharps or personal items such as razors or toothbrushes that have been exposed to infected blood. The disease can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner but this is rare and happens only if there is blood to blood contact. Transmission can occur from mother to child during child birth and delivery.

How do I Know if I Have Hepatitis C?

If you are exposed to blood to blood contact, it is important to be tested. Almost three quarters of people infected with acute (new, short-term) hepatitis C infection show no initial symptoms. In people that do show symptoms the following may be present:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
  • Fatigue
  • Darkening of the urine

Although some people will clear the virus from their body within weeks, the majority (85%) will go on to develop a chronic (long-term) infection which may lead to liver damage and liver cancer.

How do I Find out if I Have Hepatitis C?

A blood test is required to test for hepatitis C. If the results are positive, a second blood test will be done to determine if infection is still present and how much virus is present in the blood. 

Can Hepatitis C be Cured?

There is no cure for hepatitis C. For those with advanced hepatitis C, treatment may be recommended by health care professionals to reduce a person’s viral loads (amount of virus in blood).

Can Hepatitis C Affect Fertility?

There is little evidence stating that having hepatitis C affects chances of having a baby in the future for either women or men.

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

There is risk of hepatitis C spreading to the unborn baby or to the newborn during delivery if they are exposed to the mother’s blood. Symptoms in newborns are similar to adults and may include jaundice, fever and vomiting.

Women with low levels of hepatitis C in their blood are less likely to pass the infection on to their child. Mothers may be given antiviral medication to reduce the levels of hepatitis C in the bloodstream during delivery.

Research has shown some of the common treatments for Hepatitis C may cause birth defects and/or miscarriage and should be avoided during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult a health care professional about possible risks.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C has been found in breast milk and it is recommended that breastfeeding not be done if the mother’s nipples are cracked or bleeding since transmission can occur through blood.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

What is HPV?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that causes genital warts in both males and females. The virus is very contagious and is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner. Infected mothers can also pass on the virus to their baby. Condoms can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HPV, but do not provide total protection.

How do I Know if I Have HPV?

HPV presents as soft, itchy warts in and around the genitals. Even if there are no warts, the virus may be present and can be spread.

How do I Find out if I Have HPV?

Women may request a Pap test and/or a physical examination. Men may request a physical examination.

Can HPV be Cured?

No. Warts can be removed through surgery or medication but the virus remains in the body. In Canada, the HPV vaccine is available for use in women 9-26 years old. This is given by needle in three doses. This vaccine provides protection for the four most common strands of this virus.

Can HPV Affect Fertility?

HPV does not affect a woman’s chance of having a baby.  

For men, fertility does not seem to be affected unless the immune system is unable to clear the virus, resulting in warts blocking the reproductive tract.

How will a Positive Test result Affect me and my Baby?

There are over 100 different types of HPV. There are about 35 types of HPV that infect the reproductive system. Women infected with high risk HPV along with other factors (stressed immune system, poor nutrition, smoking) may have a chance of developing cervical cancer.

Pregnant women should be tested for HPV, as pregnancy makes existing warts worse and may cause complications during the delivery of the baby. Infection can be spread to the baby and can occur either during pregnancy or birth. If the birth canal is blocked by warts, a Caesarian section may be performed.

If the mother is infected, infants may have wart growth in throats, or develop oral and genital warts.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have HPV?

Research has shown that the virus is present in the breast milk of some women but breastfeeding has not been shown to spread the virus to the baby.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Nongonococcal Urethritis

What is Nongonococcal Urethritis?

Nongonococcal urethritis is an STI that causes swelling of the urethra (tube leaving body carrying urine) that is not caused by gonorrhoea bacterium. The infection is spread by having unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex and can be passed from a mother to baby during delivery. Both men and women can get nongonococcal urethritis, but it is more common in men because a woman’s urethra is less easily infected during sex.  

How do I Know if I Have Nongonococcal Urethritis?

If you are sexually active it is important to get tested regularly for STIs. Most people will not have symptoms and will not know they are infected. Even if no symptoms are present, the infection can still be passed to other people. If symptoms are present, the following may appear one to five weeks after infection:

Women

  • Pain or itching during or after urination

Men

  • Itching, irritation of penis
  • Pain when urinating
  • Discharge
  • Drying of opening of penis

How do I Find out if I Have Nongonococcal Urethritis?

Testing for nongonococcal urethritis is done either by a urine sample or testing the discharge. This test can be performed by a doctor, a nurse, or staff at an STI clinic, medical clinic or hospital.

Can Nongonococcal Urethritis be Cured?

Usually a single dose of antibiotics will cure nongonococcal urethritis. Antibiotics are free from medical clinics and family doctors in Saskatchewan. Re-infection is possible if treatment is not finished or the partner is infected and not treated. Past infection does not make a person immune to future infections.

Can Nongonococcal Urethritis Affect Fertility?

Women who do not receive treatment can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can result in pain, infection of fallopian tubes, or infertility (unable to have a baby).

Men who do not receive treatment may develop inflammation of the testicles which could lead to infertility or develop a prostrate (gland in males below the bladder involved in the release of sperm) infection.

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

Women who are not treated have a risk of having a miscarriage or a preterm delivery.

Women who have nongonococcal urethritis can give the infection to their baby during delivery. Babies born with this infection can develop serious eye, ear or lung infections.

Can I Breastfeed if I have Nongonococcal Urethritis?

Women who have nongonococcal urethritis can continue to breastfeed but should check with their health care provider to be sure that the medication taken to treat the infection will not harm the baby.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Genital Herpes

What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Genital herpes can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including oral, vaginal and anal sex. If sores are present, it can be passed from mother to baby during or after birth.  

How do I Know if I Have Genital Herpes?

If you are sexually active it is important to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The first outbreak of genital herpes is usually the worst. The infection may present as a group of blisters that burst and cause painful sores in the genital area (vagina or penis). These heal in two to three weeks. A fever, muscular pain and a headache may also be present during the first attack.

How do I Find out if I Have Genital Herpes?

A blood sample is taken to test for genital herpes. Testing of tissue samples from an active sore or blister can also determine if herpes is present. This test can be performed by a doctor, a nurse, or staff at an STI clinic, medical clinic or hospital.

Can Genital Herpes be Cured?

There is no cure for genital herpes although there are medications that may help clear the symptoms faster.

Can Genital Herpes affect Fertility?

Genital herpes does not seem to play a role in a woman’s fertility (ability to have a baby).

Some research has indicated genital herpes may cause infertility in men as the sperm may be affected in certain circumstances.

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

If a woman has sores or blisters, herpes can be given to the baby during childbirth and delivery. If a mother does have genital herpes with open sores or blisters, doctors may perform a Caesarian section to reduce risk of passing infection to baby.

Genital herpes can cause serious skin, eye and mouth infections or other complications in the newborn.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes are spread through contact with sores, so if a mother has sores on the nipple or areola, breastfeeding from that breast is not recommended. Milk can be pumped in order to keep up milk supply and prevent the breast from getting engorged. Milk that comes in contact with the sores should not be used.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Syphilis

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by a bacteria found in the blood. Transmission occurs through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex and can be passed from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. Although occurrence is rare, if infected and left untreated, consequences are severe and can result in death.

How do I Know if I Have Syphilis?

If you are sexually active it is important to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Syphilis is difficult to diagnose. It is often called the “great imitator” because the symptoms look like symptoms of other diseases. There are four different stages to the infection: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Infected persons may or may not experience symptoms during one or more of the stages. Syphilis is most infectious during the first two stages and if left untreated, causes the most harm during the final two stages.

Primary Syphilis (usually appears about 3 weeks after infection)

A painless sore appears in the genital area. This sore can heal without treatment and can disappear within a three to eight week period after infection.

Secondary Syphilis (usually appears 1-2 months after primary sore heals)

Without treatment, the majority of infected persons will develop secondary syphilis. This stage typically lasts for 3-12 weeks but may last longer until infection moves into latent infection.

Secondary syphilis symptoms may include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Hair loss
  • Rash on palms of hands and soles of feet
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Wart like lesions

Latent Syphilis

Although some people may experience recurrent sores during this stage, most people have no symptoms. This stage can last from 1-30 years. Latent stage syphilis is very risky for pregnant women as there may be no symptoms but the effects on the unborn child are very serious.

Tertiary Syphilis

If the infection remains untreated, tertiary syphilis may develop in 1/3 of infected people. Over time, damage to the heart, liver, brain and eyes is possible. In some cases, untreated syphilis results in death.

How do I Find out if I Have Syphilis?

To test for syphilis a blood test or a swabbing of the infected sore is done. Tests can be performed by a doctor, a nurse, or staff at an STI clinic, medical clinic or hospital.

Can Syphilis be Cured?

Yes, syphilis can be treated with antibiotics at all stages. Antibiotics are free from medical clinics and family doctors. Re-infection is possible if treatment is not finished or if an infected partner is not treated.

Can Syphilis Affect Fertility?

Syphilis has not been proven to have a significant effect on the fertility of infected women or men.

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

Women should be screened for syphilis within the first three months of pregnancy as there can be severe consequences when a mother has untreated syphilis. Women at high risk for infection should be retested in the last trimester. Infection can be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy or delivery. Syphilis can cause miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, or death of newborn.

Infants born to women who have an untreated primary or secondary syphilis infection will develop congenital (present at birth) syphilis. Half will develop early congenital syphilis (presents in first two years of life) and the remainder will develop late congenital syphilis (symptoms do not present until puberty).

Most infants have no symptoms, but early congenital syphilis may appear within a few days to eight weeks of life and include a rash on the hands and feet and a runny nose. Late congenital syphilis symptoms may include neurological (nervous system) problems, with significant delays in a child's physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social wellbeing and/or skeletal deformity. These symptoms can present in infected individuals up to age 30.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have Syphilis?

Mothers who have syphilis can breastfeed their baby if there are no open sores present but should check with their health care provider to be sure that the drugs taken to treat the infection will not harm the baby.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Trichomoniasis

What is Trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis, often called “trich”, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. Trichomoniasis infection can cause harmful health concerns for both men and women, including increased HIV transmission and infertility.

How do I Know if I Have Trichomoniasis?

If you are sexually active it is important to get tested regularly for STIs. In women, symptoms can range from no symptoms to severe inflammation and irritation. Even if no symptoms are present, the infection can still be passed to other people. Other symptoms may include:

·       Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
·       Lower abdominal pain
·       Painful or difficult urination

The majority of men experience no symptoms although some may have inflammation of urethra (the tube within the penis) or prostrate. Symptoms may include:

·       Painful urination
·       Mild discharge
·       Irritation or redness on top of penis

How do I Find out if I Have Trichomoniasis?

Testing for trichomoniasis requires a physical examination or lab test to detect the parasite that causes the infection. This test can be performed by a doctor, a nurse, staff at an STI clinic, medical clinic or hospital.

Can Trichomoniasis be Cured?

Usually one treatment of a type of antibiotics, called metronidazole, will cure trichomoniasis. Medication is free from medical clinics and family doctors in Saskatchewan. Re-infection is possible if treatment is not finished or partner is infected and not treated.

Can Trichomoniasis Affect Fertility?

If left untreated, fertility of both women and men may be affected.

In untreated women, the infection is thought to be specific to the vagina as the parasite moves freely in the vagina and may disrupt normal sperm movement. This interruption can make it difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg causing infertility.  

For untreated men, the sperm that travels through an infected urethra (tube where urine and semen leave penis) may be affected in movement and strength, decreasing the ability to reach and fertilize the egg causing infertility.  

How will a Positive Test Result Affect me and my Baby?

Infection while pregnant may result in preterm delivery or premature membrane rupture.

Babies born to infected mothers may have low birth weight, urinary tract infections, inflammation of the vagina, and respiratory distress.

The drugs used to treat trichomoniasis may cause complications during pregnancy and women should discuss with their health care professional the benefits and potential risks of treatment before taking any medication.

Can I Breastfeed if I Have Trichomoniasis?

The drugs used to treat trichomoniasis may be harmful for the baby during breastfeeding. It is recommended women not breastfeed during treatment and for up to 12-24 hours after last dose. Women should tell their health care provide if they are or think they are pregnant.

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Resources

  • 2-414 Download

    HEPATITIS B AND C - FACT SHEET

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2005

    This fact sheet provides general information on Hepatitis B and C, complete with illustrations.

  • 2-415 Download

    HIV AND PREGNANCY - FACT SHEET

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, Revised 2011

    This fact sheet provides general information on HIV and pregnancy, complete with illustrations.

  • 2-V-264 Loan

    THE TRUTH ABOUT SEX (SCHOOL VERSION) - VHS - (30 MIN.)

    Canadian Learning Company, 2001

    This video presents open, honest discussion with several teens about teen pregnancy, teen parenting, and sexually transmitted infections. Teen parents speak about the impact of being a parent. Teens visit a laboratory for sexually transmitted infection testing and visit a woman living with HIV. Parents speak with Dr. Drew and teens about the roles parents should take in sex and relationship education.

  • 2-V-282 Loan

    UPDATE: SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES - VHS - (29 MIN.)

    Sunburst Visual Media, 1995

    The video uses scenarios among teenagers as well as comments from an adult running an STD hotline to talk about sexually transmitted diseases. It opens with an introduction on STDs and how they are spread. Scenarios of normal teenagers contracting STDs are used to teach adolescents about various diseases. The video concludes with a list of facts about STDs and what teens can do to prevent them.

  • 2-V-324 Loan

    SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW - VHS - (22 MIN.)

    Sunburst Visual Media, 2003

    This educational package includes a video and a manual. This resource is designated for youth from grades 7 through 12. The manual contains discussion questions, role-play guidelines and suggested activities.

  • 2-V-325 Loan

    REAL PEOPLE: SEX TOO SOON - VHS - (26 MIN.)

    Sunburst Visual Media, 2000

    Youth as young as 12 or 13 are having intercourse, and the consequences are enormous. Millions of teens contract sexually transmitted infections each year, and girls are at a huge risk of becoming pregnant. Educators and other professionals who work with teens will find this video a valuable resource for helping young people begin to understand the causes and consequences of premature sex. Teacher’s Guide included. Audience: Grade 7 - 12.

  • 2-V-329 Loan

    SEX SMART FOR TEENS: SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS - VHS - (27 MIN.)

    Injoy Videos, 2003

    Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are all too common among teens. This engaging program provides essential health information, including clear instruction on STI prevention. With a respectful tone and touches of humour, Sex Smart for Teens: STIs shows how an “it won’t happen to me” attitude can be dangerous for teens. Facilitator’s Guide included. Audience: Grade 7 - 12.

  • 7-002 Download Order

    PROTECT YOUR FERTILITY: STIs AFFECT YOU TODAY AND TOMORROW - BROCHURE

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2011

    This brochure explains what sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are and how they can damage fertility, harm pregnancies, and new born babies. It also talks about how to avoid STIs and how to find out if you have an STI.

    For a printer-friendly black and white copy of the information contained in this brochure, please see Item # 7-003 or click here to download fact sheet.

  • 7-003 Download

    PROTECT YOUR FERTILITY: STIs AFFECT YOU TODAY AND TOMORROW - FACT SHEET

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2011

    This fact sheet is a duplicate of Item #7-002, listed above, but is in a printer friendly version, ideal for downloading. The fact sheet explains what Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are, and how it can damage fertility, harm pregnancies, and newborn babies. It also talks about how to avoid STIs and how to find out if you have an STI.

  • 7-004 Download Order

    HIV/AIDS and Pregnancy - Poster

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2011

    This poster states that HIV positive women can have healthy babies and highlights the importance of prenatal care.

  • 7-006 Download Order

    PREGNANT AND DIAGNOSED WITH HIV - BROCHURE

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2011

    Finding out that you are HIV positive can be overwhelming and scary. Finding out you are HIV positive while you are pregnant can cause more fear and can raise questions about the impact this diagnosis will have on both you and your new baby. This brochure explains what HIV/AIDS is and how it can be treated.

  • 7-007 Download Order

    A NEW MOTHER AND HIV POSITIVE - BROCHURE

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2011

    Mothers who are HIV positive may face additional challenges. If you are a mother and are HIV positive, it is important to take care of yourself so that both you and your baby can stay healthy. This brochure talks about staying healthy, deciding if you should breastfeed or not, as well as information on dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety.

  • 7-008 Order

    HIV AND PREGNANCY CARE GUIDE - GUIDE

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2011

    This guide covers such topics as HIV/AIDS in Saskatchewan; Modes of Transmission of HIV; HIV Testing During Pregnancy; Prenatal Algorithm; HIV Treatment and Drug Management; After-Care for Babies of HIV Positive Women; Barriers to HIV Transmission Prevention and Prenatal Care; and Motivational Approaches.

  • 7-501 Download

    MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV: PREVENTION, TREATMENT, AND EDUCATION - LITERATURE REVIEW

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2010

    The largest increases in HIV infection rates in Saskatchewan are found in women of childbearing age. This fact underscores the importance of: prevention information, accurate information and prenatal care for pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS and for professionals working with pregnant women. The literature review summarizes current findings and recommendations on these topics.

  • 7-502 Download

    SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) - ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2010

    This report presents the results of an environmental scan of available education resources focused on the effects of STIs, and their impact on fertility, pregnancy, and the newborn. Included is a preliminary assessment of the needs of health and allied health professionals in Saskatchewan for resources in this area.

  • 7-503 Download

    SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs) - ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, 2010

    This executive summary is for the report “Sexually Transmitted Infections and Their Effects on Fertility, Pregnancy, and the Newborn: An Environmental Scan of Available Resources and a Preliminary Needs Assessment for Saskatchewan Health Care Providers.”

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)

Links

Links for Youth

Videos

Youth Have The Power features videos created by Canadian First Nations high school students on sexual health topics.

www.youthhavethepower.com

Games

Understanding Sexual Transmitted Infections – Available on Fun Trivia – The Trivia and Quiz Community – Multiple choice questions and answers with detailed explanations on STIs are provided.
http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz315545241fcc0.html

AVERT is an international HIV and AIDS charity, based in the United Kingdom.
http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-game.htm

Information

Sexuality and U - This website is administered by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), and is designed to provide credible and up-to-date information and education on sexual health.http://www.sexualityandu.ca/en/stis-stds

American Social Health Association has separate pages for each STI, including Fast Facts, Questions and Answers, and Support. The individual pages also include videos with people discussing the specific STI. The resources have been developed based on published studies. Information about fertility, pregnancy, and the newborn is found under the Question and Answer section of these pages.http://www.ashastd.org/std-sti.html

AmplifyYourVoice.org contains basic and easy to understand information about common STIs.
www.amplifyyourvoice.org/main.cfm?actionId=globalShowStaticContent&
screenKey=tabContent&htmlKey=issuessexuallytransmitteddiseaseshf&s=amplify

Be Smart, Be Well provides videos and information about STIs and symptoms and effects on fertility/pregnancy/newborn under “Why does it matter”.
www.besmartbewell.com/std/index.htm

MayoClinic.com provides separate pages for the most common STIs (chlamydia, syphilis, genital warts, gonorrhoea, herpes, and trichomoniasis), related links, and references. Information about infertility, effects on pregnancy and the newborn is found on each STI’s specific page, under “Complications.”
www.mayoclinic.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/DS01123

Links for Professionals

Canadian Federation for Sexual Health (CFSH, formerly Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada) provides information and resources on sexual and reproductive health, including a detailed description of different sexually transmitted infections.
http://www.cfsh.ca/Your_Sexual_Health/STIs-and-HIV/

Government of Alberta, Health and Wellness provides an STI Teaching Outline and Resource Guide. The teaching guide includes student learning activities (true/false STI quiz, dot game to show STI transmission, role plays, case studies), a resource guide (government services, community resources, audio-visual, print resources, websites), and a glossary.  
www.health.alberta.ca/health-info/STI-STD.html

Government of Alberta, Health and Wellness also has a plain language pamphlet that briefly discusses fertility, pregnancy, and the newborn.
www.health.alberta.ca/documents/STI-Keep-healthy-and-learn.pdf

Public Health Agency of Canada created the Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections, a resource for clinical and professionals dealing with prevention, treatment and management of sexually transmitted infections.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti-its/pdf/sti-its-eng.pdf 

Sexuality and You - This website is administered by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), and is designed to provide credible and up-to-date information and education on sexual health.http://www.sexualityandu.ca/health-care-professionals

STIs and Pregnancy

About.com provides content for a variety of topics including STIs and pregnancy.
http://womenshealth.about.com/od/pregnancyrelatedissues/a/stdspregnancy.htm
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/pregnancy/a/syphinpregancy.htm
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/std/a/herpes.htm
http://pregnancy.about.com/library/blstdfacts.htm

STIs and Infertility

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information regarding the impact of STIs on fertility.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/infertility/default.htm

Infertility Awareness Association of Canada provides an article which contains a description of each STI, along with a description of the effects on fertility, pregnancy, and the newborn.  
www.iaac.ca/content/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds-and-infertility

(Back to Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Health)