While there continues to be a stigma connected with STIs, they’re far more common than most individuals realize. Currently, the chance of receiving an STI is one in three for most Canadians. The fear and stigma connected with sexually transmitted infections will often leave many unwilling to talk about their experience, sending them into hiding instead of receiving the proper testing and treatment. This lack of treatment also puts others at risk of infection while prolonging the initial exposure overall.
Getting to the Bottom of STI Stigma
The negative attitude connected with STIs can significantly influence the mental health and overall wellbeing of an individual. A lack of basic understanding and information can make symptoms of these conditions go unnoticed for weeks or months at a time. Society and people attach false perceptions of individuals who get STIs, particularly cleanliness, promiscuity, and sexuality. The reality holds that none of these factors hold any bearing on STI status.
Molluscum Contagiosum
This STI is easily spread through skin-to-skin contact, making it a highly contagious virus. The virus can live in water, on objects like toys and clothing, and spread to different body areas on contact. The pox virus forms small, smooth lesions on the genital area approximately one week to six months after infection. Although these lesions may look like genital warts, their dimpled center is often the distinguishing factor. Inside the lesions is a highly contagious, waxy core that spreads the virus to others. Molluscum contagiosum doesn’t require any treatment to cure the virus, with most resolving in six months to two years. However, for immunocompromised individuals, this virus may persist for four years.
Gonorrhea
Considered the most commonly reported STI in Canada, Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Commonly referred to as chlamydia’s “big brother”, this infection can rapidly develop over short time periods. New cases of this STI have remained stable, although an initial influx in 2012 caused a slight surge in numbers. Gonorrhea clears with strong antibiotics and refraining from intercourse or sexual activity during treatment. However, untreated infections can pose serious consequences for both genders, so early treatment is critical.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system over time. Approximately 62,000 Canadians live with HIV in Canada, with notable jumps in numbers in 2018. HIV is less common than other bacterial STIs among sexually active adults. In addition, new pharmaceutical developments like PrEP on demand have helped keep more Canadian HIV-negative. Currently, there is no cure for HIV, although promising developments with stem cells have been made.
Chlamydia
This bacterial infection is the most commonly reported STI in Canada. Caused by chlamydia trachomatis, it passes through genital fluids (semen, vaginal fluids, and pre cum). Rates for this STI have continued to climb over time, with many carriers completely unaware of their status due to a lack of symptoms. Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics and abstinence until follow-up cultures are clear. Occasionally, second doses of antibiotics are required for resistant bacteria.
HPV (Human papilloma Virus)
Approximately 75% of all sexually active adults will contract a strain of HPV in their lifetime, with most people acting as asymptomatic carriers. For 90% of all HPV-positive people, the virus will clear within two years. For other individuals, the STI can remain chronic and lifelong. There are vaccines currently available to anyone under the age of 45, preventing the most common strains from infecting the body. Testing for this STI is available for women through pap tests, biopsies, and visual assessment. For men, the only diagnosis is visual inspection or biopsy of lesions.
Syphilis
This STI originated in 1924. Syphilis is a bacterial STI. There are notable stages of this infection, breaking down into primary, secondary, and early latent stages. This STI has continued to climb within Canada, hitting an increase of more than 259.5% over the last decade. Treatment depends on the stage of diagnosis, with most infections cleared through antibiotics. The earlier the diagnosis of this STI, the more likely it is in an early stage of diagnosis. The earlier the stage, the less likely Syphilis is to cause long-term health implications. This STI is often diagnosed by swabbing the sore or lesions or through bloodwork.