Sexually Transmitted Infections In Thunder Bay

“I’m an adult” is something we hear more and more lately. As we get older, it seems like the age where our population starts stating this perception is quickly becoming sooner and sooner. When one says that they are an adult, typically they mean they can make their own decisions. They are their own boss, which they interpret as the thought that they can do anything they want: Jobs, education, recreational activities, the list is quite long. But one item on the list that pops up more frequently is: sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, with that, comes a topic of concern: Sexually transmitted infections. This issue is located all around the world, but for the sake of this presentation, we will discuss this topic in and around Thunder Bay.
Sexually

transmitted infections, or STIs, are basically infections that can be passed through sexual intercourse. Most STIs are found to be transmitted through the exchange of sexual fluids, but some can be passed through skin-to-skin genital contact. (Clinic 34, n.d.) There are 13 known STIs to date: Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human Papillomavirus, Lymphogranuloma Venerum (LGV), Pubic Lice (Crabs), Scabies, Syphillis, Trichomoniasis, and Yeast Infections. (In the Know Peel, n.d.) In Thunder Bay, the most common three are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. (TBDHU, 2011)
The most frequent area of concern in Thunder Bay in regards to Sexually Transmitted Infections according to Dr.

Stephanie Block is Chlamydia. She stated in a CBC News Article that amongst students, it is a more frequent reason for them to make appointments at the Lakehead University Student Clinic. (CBC News, 2013) The Thunder Bay District Health Unit stated that “the area’s rate of chlamydia is higher than the provincial average. In 2012, 750 cases were reported in the district. The provincial chlamydia rate is 275 cases per 100 000 people, while the Thunder Bay area rate is 481 cases per 100 000 people (CBC News,

2013).
Knowing that, what is Chlamydia? It is an infection with the bacteria: Chlamydia trachomatis. It is known to have symptoms similar to/can lead to cervicitis in women and urethritis, proctitis, and pharyngitis in both men and women, all depending on where the infection is located. In specifically women, it has been known to lead to more serious consequences such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Chlamydia can infect the rectum, vagina, and throat. (CDC, 2014) Untreated Chlamydia has been known to potentially increase a pearson’s chances of acquiring or transmitting HIV.
What is Syphillis? It is defined as a “bacterial infection that is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum”. (TBDHU, 2011) Reported cases of this infection in Canada has been on the rise according to the most recent statistical study. It is found to be more significant in males, since 2001 and continues to rise through 2008. The male to female ratio of Syphillis in Ontario alone is 13.3 to 1.0. (PHAoC, 2010)
The sexually transmitted infection Syphillis is passed along through unprotected sexual intercourse, but can also be passed to an unborn child by an infected mother. Unfortunately, you can have this infection without being aware. There are three stages to this infection according the Thunder Bay District Health Unit: the primary stage starts with a painless sore (also known as a chancre) at the site where the germ first enters the body. This sore usually appears from as soon as a week to as late as 3 months after sex with an infected partner. The sore may usually disappear on their own, even if is not treated. However, the infection will spread if it is not treated. (TBDHU, 2011) The secondary stage occurs a few months later. The infected person may have what is defined as “flu like” symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, and tiredness. A rash may appear on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet. Sometime, a rash may appear all over the whole body. If these symptoms subside, the infection will spread if not treated. (TBDHU, 2011) The tertiary stage is reported to be the most destructive. Long-term damage will occur in this stage. The damage includes but is not limited to various health complications such as blindness, deafness, mental illness, memory loss, destruction of soft tissue and bone, neurological disorders (e.g., stroke and meningitis), heart disease, and neurosyphilis (brain or spinal cord infection). (Syphilis, n.d.) In some cases, these complications can lead to mortality. (TBDHU, 2011)
Back in 2010, the third sexually transmitted infection we will discuss went through a rapid increase in a span of just three months. From September 2010 to December 2010, there had been 43 cases of this infection reported, when the Thunder Bay District Health Unit would normally expect 15 cases reported in that timespan. (TBDHU, 2010) This STI is Gonorrhea.
The symptoms of Gonorrhea include an increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods in women.

Men usually experience symptoms such as painful or swollen testicles, or a white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis. Both genders will experience painful or burning sensations when urinating. When left untreated, gonorrhea it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, inflammation of the testicles in men, and infertility in both men and women. (TBDHU, 2010)
Sexually Transmitted Infections are considerably easy to treat when diagnosed in the earliest stages. They are typically treated with frequently revised antibiotics, as they are bacterial infections that are becoming more drug-resistant. When infected and being treated for an STI, it is mandatory for one to abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment has been concluded and a health care professional says its okay for one to continue with those activities. If one is sexually active, it is recommended for their partner to also go through diagnosis and

treatment.
As with every presentation involving sexually transmitted infections, the most effective ways to prevent them is abstinence, protection during sexual intercourse, and limiting their sexual partners. No matter what age we hear people say they “are adults”. The most mature and “adult” decision for all ages is to practice safety in order to protect oneself from a potential really bad time, and continue to pursue other factions of human life without massive discomfort, especially from the three most common strains of STIs in Thunder Bay; syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.