Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI)

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD)
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STD)

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), previously called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are still relatively common these days. They can be of bacterial, viral or parasitic origin. As the name implies, these infections are transmitted primarily through skin contact during sexual activities, whether vaginal, anal or oral in nature. However, a mother can also transfer most of them to her infant during pregnancy or childbirth.

If you’d like reassurance regarding your state of health, please don’t hesitate to visit one of our Bioanalyse Medical Clinics on the North Shore of Montreal, where you can see a nurse for a consultation and screening.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, please feel free to contact the clinic or your nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

There are more than 30 different STBBIs. The six most common ones are as follows:

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also called AIDS, is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection that gradually destroys the individual’s immune system.

Main symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Skin rash
  • Weight loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Other symptoms

Test results are available within 24 hours

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is an STBBI that causes an infection in the mucous membranes of the penis, the vagina, the rectum, the cervix, the throat and the eyes. Although women display fewer symptoms than men, they are a lot more likely to develop serious complications since the infection can spread to other pelvic organs such as the cervix, the uterus and beyond. Gonorrhoea is usually treated with antibiotics.

Main symptoms:

  • Presence of yellow or greenish pus flowing from the genitals
  • Frequent need to pee
  • Red and swollen genital mucosa
  • Pelvic pain
  • Burning urination

Test results are available within 48 hours

Chlamydia

Although a lot of individuals who suffer from chlamydia have no visible symptoms, the fact remains that this bacterial infection is highly contagious and is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Untreated, chlamydia can cause several complications for both men and women. Normally, antibiotics are enough to treat this infection.

Main symptoms:

  • Presence of yellowish and foul discharges
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Pelvic pain
  • Burning sensation when urinating

Test results are available within 48 hours

Syphilis

Transmitted through sexual contact, syphilis is a contagious infection that can develop in three stages. It causes a painless ulcer, also called canker, in which the bacteria will multiply. This ulcer contains a clear liquid composed of syphilis bacteria and when this liquid comes into contact with an uncontaminated mucosa or skin, the infection is instantly transmitted. An ulcer usually appears within 10 days or in the month following the contagion.

Main symptoms:

  • Eruption of an ulcer
  • Appearance of round, red or brown patches on the chest, arms or legs
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Low fever

Test results are available within 24 hours

Hepatitis B

Transmitted by blood as well as body fluids, hepatitis B can lead to several complications and usually has two forms: acute hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis B. Sufferers may have symptoms or, on the contrary, be asymptomatic.

Main symptoms:

  • Severe liver inflammation
  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice
  • Loss of appetite
  • Other symptoms

Test results are available within 24 hours

Hepatitis C

A liver disease caused by a virus, hepatitis C causes liver inflammation that can lead to cirrhosis and even cancer. To determine if you have hepatitis C, a blood test is required.

Main symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice
  • Dark and discoloured or clay-coloured stools
  • Other symptoms

Test results are available within 24 hours