Sex

Sexual Issues

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections are nothing new. But recently, public awareness of the risks associated with STIs has increased, largely due to the advent of HIV/AIDS. Individually, whether or not we act on this awareness will have a huge impact on our sexual and overall health. Canadian and international trends throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s have shown show a slight and unexpected increase in cases of most STIs, including HIV. These trends have been present in both gay and heterosexual communities. This is an important and ongoing health issue in which individuals can have a major influence on their own well-being.

People are starting to change their behaviour. Both heterosexuals and gays are reporting that they are taking increased precautions to lower their risk of contracting AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. Heterosexuals, however, have not made as significant changes as gays, perhaps because of a mistaken belief that their sexual practices do not put them at risk of contracting AIDS or other STIs.

In order to truly reduce the risk of contracting an STI, sexually active people need to reduce their number of partners, use condoms (at least until they and their partners have had appropriate testing), and agree to establish a completely monogamous relationship.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006