Some types of infections can be spread from one person to another through any type of sexual contact, including anal, oral, and vaginal sex​. These infectio​ns are called sexually transmitted infections or STIs. Common STIs are:

• Chlamydia
  
• Genital herpes​
  
• Gonorrhea
  
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
  
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Syphilis
  
• Trichomoniasis​

Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can also be spread through sexual contact. ​

You can have an STI without having any symptoms.​ Many STIs don’t have symptoms, especially when the infection first starts. When an STI is found and treated early, it can lower the chances of having medical complications and can prevent the infection from spreading to sexual partners. 

As with any type of infection, prevention is important. You can prevent getting an STI by:

• talking to your partner about using protection and each other’s history of STIs
  
• learning how to use protection correctly (Using a condom​, Using a vaginal (internal) condom, ​Using a dental dam​ videos)
  
• getting tested regularly for STIs, even if you don’t have any symptoms (find an Alberta Health Services Sexual and Reproductive Health clinic)​
  
• getting immunized against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV
  
• regularly using barrier methods of protection such as condoms, vaginal (internal) condoms and dental dams (barrier methods stop sperm and body fluids from passing between partners)
  

STIs can be treated or managed with medicine. This can lessen the symptoms of the infection and prevent the STI from spreading.

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for an STI. If you are diagnosed with an STI, it needs to be treated, but it’​​s not part of your identity. You are the same person with or without an STI. 

Talk to your health care provider if you want to be tested for STIs or have questions about STIs.

To learn more about STIs, including treatment options, protecting yourself, and getting tested, go to:

• Alberta Health Services Sexual and Reproductive Health

• Sex & U (a trusted sexual and reproductive health resources from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada)

​If you’re a teacher looking for information for your students or a parent looking for information for your child, visit Teaching Sexual Health.​​​​