Sex is a normal and healthy part of our lives. You should know about sexually transmitted infections(STI's)because they can affect your ability to have children later in life. Some can also cause cancer. AIDS is fatal. Today, there are many types of infections that can be spread through sex. Some STI's can be easily cured with medications others have no cure.

In Canada, the highest rates and increases in STIs are in young people ages 15 to 24.

Engaging in high risk sexual behaviour can increase your chances of contracting an STI.

These behaviours include:

  • Unprotected intercourse without male or female condom use, except in a long-term, single-partner (monogamous) relationship.
  • Unprotected mouth-to-genital contact, except in a long-term monogamous relationship.
  • Early sexual activity, especially before age 18.
  • Having multiple sex partners.
  • Having a high-risk partner (one who has multiple sex partners or other risk factors).
  • Having sex with a partner who injects or has ever injected drugs.
  • Exchange of sex (sex work) for drugs or money.



    The reality is...



    STI Statistics in Canada


    • An estimated 43% of Canadian teens between the ages of 15 to 19 have had sexual intercourse at least once.

    • 60% of all STI's occur in teens aged 15 to 24

    • 40% of all STI's occur in females aged 15 to 24

    • 1 in 6 Teens will have had an STI before the age of 25

    • 54 % of sexually active youth are not using condoms





    References

    Public Health Agency of Canada ( 2005). Types of STI’s. Retrieved on March
    2nd, 2006 from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/std-mts/sti_f.html
    Images from: No authour (2006). Sexually transmitted Diseases. Retrieved on April 10th,
    2006 from http://www.sexually-transmitted-diseases.info/





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    Created by:Cathryn Maddison