STBBI Basics: STIs
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis
Can infect others right after coming in contact with chlamydia
Can be spread to others without knowing it
Chlamydia in Canada
Chlamydia Transmission
Chlamydia Symptoms
Syphilis
Infection caused by a bacteria Treponema pallidum
Approximately 50% of individuals are asymptomatic
Incubation period of about 21 days
Syphilis in Canada
Syphilis Transmission
Syphilis Symptoms
Primary Stage:
Painless chancre(s) at site of the infection
Highly infectious phase
Chancre will last 3-6 weeks and heal without treatment, but infection is still present
Secondary Stage:
Rash occurring 2-8 weeks after chancre
Highly infectious phase
Rash usually heals within 2 months without treatment, but infection is still present
Latent Stage:
No symptoms for 1 – 20 years
Contagious during the early part of the latent stage even with no symptoms present
Relapse of Secondary Stage
20-30% of people may relapse to secondary stage during latent stage
Relapse can occur several times
After relapses end, no longer contagious via contact transmission, but can transmit congenital syphilis
Tertiary Stage
Destructive stage
Complications could include:
- Gummata – large sores inside the body or on skin
- Cardiovascular syphilis – affect hear and blood vessels
- Neurosyphilis – affect nervous system
Gonorrhea
Sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Any type of unprotected sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal sex without a condom)
Can infect others right after you come in contact with gonorrhea
Gonorrhea in Canada
Gonorrhea Symptoms
