Viral Infections
Genital herpes
Genital warts (HPV)
Hepatitis B
HIV/AIDS
Viral STIs can be contracted by having unprotected (no condom) oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. They can also be contracted even if penetration, or intercourse does not occur – merely rubbing genital skin against genital skin is enough to be infected with some types of viral STIs, like Herpes.
Sexually transmitted infections that are caused by viruses cannot be "cured." This does not mean that they are always life threatening – with the right medication, the symptoms can often be reduced. Each treatment is different according to the virus you have. However, even if you don't have symptoms, it is important to know if you have a viral sexual infection so that you can take precautions not to infect others, so Get Tested.
Genital Herpes
Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of this virus:
- type 1 is also known as a 'cold sore' and causes blisters around the mouth
- type 2 produces sores on the genitals and surrounding areas.
Herpes is an extremely common virus that is not curable. However, it is rarely dangerous and is not life threatening. You get it by having unprotected (no condom) vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected with herpes and who has an active sore. Genital herpes can also be passed to another person if the person giving oral sex has a cold sore or by rubbing genitals together.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may appear within a week of being infected. Herpes is a virus that stays in the body and which causes repeated outbreaks, often during times of stress. However, recurring outbreaks aren't usually as painful or as long as the first outbreak.
- tingling or itching in the genital areas (vagina, penis)
- cluster of tiny blisters that turn into sores
- painful sores that last 2 to 3 weeks (an outbreak)
How is it treated?
There is no cure for herpes. Taking medication and keeping healthy (eating well, reducing stress) can decrease the likelihood of an outbreak.
Genital Warts (HPV)
Genital warts are growths on or around the genitals (penis, vagina area) or anus. It is caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). You get it by having unprotected (no condom) vaginal or anal sex with someone who is infected with genital warts. It is rare, but possible, to get warts on the mouth after oral sex with someone who is infected.
What are the symptoms?
- Genital warts often look like regular warts and can occur on and around the vagina, on the penis and sometimes on the scrotum.
- They can grow to develop a cauliflower-like appearance.
- Sometimes there are no visible warts.
How is it treated?
Genital warts can't be completely cured. A doctor can apply a treatment (such as a "burning" solution or freezing) to get rid of the warts, but they can reappear. Some kinds of genital warts, usually the kind you can't see, can lead to cervical cancer in women.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver can't be cured. Sometimes it goes away by itself, but other times you carry the virus with you for life. Hepatitis B can cause serious problems such as liver disease.
The hepatitis B virus is spread when infected body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluids enter another person's bloodstream. This can occur through unprotected (no condom) vaginal or anal sex with an infected person, or IV drug use (sharing needles).
What are the symptoms?
- poor appetite, nausea, vomiting
- headaches
- feeling tired
- general feeling of being unwell
- jaundice (yellow colouring of the eyes and skin)
- often there are no symptoms
How is it treated?
There is no cure for Hepatitus B however, there is a vaccine you can get to prevent it.
HIV/AIDS
What is it?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It can cause AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV affects the blood cells and harms the immune system. This means a person with HIV may have difficulty fighting off illnesses. AIDS is a collection of diseases that a person with HIV can get. If HIV develops into AIDS, it can be fatal.
HIV is spread through infected body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. You get it by having unprotected (no condom) vaginal or anal sex with an infected person or by sharing needles through IV drug use.
What are the symptoms?
- often there are no obvious symptoms for HIV
- symptoms may be similar to the flu: fever, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, and/or sore throat
If you have unprotected sex or share needles, get tested for HIV by a doctor.
How is it treated?
There is no cure for HIV. Once infected, you have it for life.
Want more info about HIV / AIDS?
Youth Co AIDS Society
www.youthco.org
Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hiv_aids
Planned Parenthood of Canada
www.ppfc.ca
Facts of Life Line
604.731.4252
Think You Might Have An STD/HIV?
If you think you might have an STI, don't hide it! Go to a doctor or clinic right away and Get Tested.
Only a doctor or nurse can tell if someone has an STI, and they can treat it. If you're having sex, visit your doctor for check-ups once every six months to once a year, or every time you have a new sex partner. For confidential service, please refer to our list of clinics.
Bacterial infections
Sexually Transmitted Infections page
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