What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

STIs are spread through unprotected sexual contact. They are common, easy to test for, and manageable.

How are STIs transferred?

STIs develop when a bacteria, virus or parasite is passed on through bodily fluids or skin-to-skin contact with someone with an STI.

STIs are usually transferred if you have:

Unprotected sexual contact orally (e.g., mouth on genitals) or through contact and/or penetration of the vagina, penis, or anus
Genital contact with a person who has an STI
Contact with infected blood (sharing sex toys, needles, etc.)

Read this resource by Teenhealthsource to learn more about the transmission of STIs.

Are STIs dangerous?

Most STIs have no symptoms, which means you might not notice any signs that you have an STI. When left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health problems. However, most STIs are treatable, and all are manageable. As long as you practice safe sex and get tested regularly, you don’t need to worry.

How do I protect myself?

You can protect yourself by practicing safer sex. To do this, you can use:

External (male) condoms are the most widely available protection. If you use them properly, they reduce your risk of getting or passing on an STI. You can buy condoms at all pharmacies, most convenience stores and online. You can also get free condoms at most health clinics.
Internal (female) condoms are harder to find than external condoms. If used properly, they also reduce the risk of getting or passing on an STI. They can be found at pharmacies, sex shops and health clinics.
Dental dams are sheets of latex that prevent STIs from transferring between the vagina or anus and the mouth. You can make one by cutting a condom or latex glove open and then stretching it over your partner’s genitalia.

How can I get tested for STIs?

Most STIs have no visible symptoms, but some do. The only way to be sure is to get tested. The good news is that getting tested is easy and free, regardless of your immigration status or whether you have a valid OHIP card.

Keep in mind that it takes time before an STI will show up in a test. So if you get tested the day after having unprotected sex, you will probably not get accurate test results. The waiting periods are different for each STI. Click “when to get tested” in this resource to find an extensive list.

All family doctors and health clinics provide STI testing. A nurse or doctor will ask you about your sexual history. You then give a blood and/or urine sample. If you test positive for an infection, your doctor or nurse will help you get treatment. You should also inform your sexual partner(s) of your results to prevent further spread of infection.

If you are uncomfortable going to your family doctor or don’t have OHIP, you can visit a sexual health clinic. They are confidential, can be youth-friendly, and you may be able to speak to someone in your own language.

What happens if I test positive for an STI?

STIs are very common. There is no need to feel shame if you test positive for one. Just make sure to get treatment as soon as possible and avoid spreading the infection to others.

Treatment differs depending on what kind of STI you have. There are 3 types:

Bacterial: Can be cured with medication

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis

Viral: Cannot be cured, but symptoms can be treated

Herpes
Hepatitis
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Parasite: Can be cured with topical medication or antibiotics

Pubic lice
Scabies
Trichomoniasis (Trich)

Where can I learn more about sexual health and STIs?

Info lines and chats:

If you have questions and would rather talk to someone in person, visit a sexual health clinic.

Online resources: