Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

 

Sexually transmitted infections are among the most common contagious diseases.

While Human Papilloma virus (HPV) infections are not reportable to Public Health, it is estimated that 70% of Canadian adults have had at least one genital HPV infection in their lifetime (Public Health Agency of Canada- www.publichealth.gc.ca/sti).

Chlamydia rates are increasing all across Canada. In Nova Scotia, almost 2000 cases of Chlamydia were reported in 2008.

Following these suggestions may help you to protect yourself from contracting an STI:

  • Learn about safer sex methods;
  • Make informed decisions and talk to your partner(s) about their STI status and the use of protection;
  • Use condoms consistently and correctly;
  • Get tested for STIs if you are sexually active.

If you are diagnosed and treated for an STI, be sure to follow your health care provider's treatment and follow-up recommendations. You can easily be reinfected if your partner is not treated as well.  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dc-ma/sti-its/index-eng.php)

Nova Scotia Dept of Health Promotion and Protection has consulted with youth, experts in the field of sexual health, parents, teachers and others to develop resources to help youth make safer, healthier choices about their sexual health. http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/publications/11032_SexBook_Mar09_En.pdf

To learn more about sexually transmitted infections, please see the following fact sheets from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

To read the Canadian Sexually Transmitted Infections Guidelines or to order a copy, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website.