STIs and Safer Sex Practices
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect your ability to conceive a baby. They can also cause problems during pregnancy and can affect the health of the developing baby. People with STIs can pass the infection onto their partner and the developing child. Getting tested is an important way to protect your health, your partner’s health, and the health of your future baby.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual contact. It usually shows no symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems with reproductive organs. It can be passed to a baby during birth. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It can cause a discharge from the penis or vagina and burning when urinating (peeing). It usually shows no symptoms. If untreated, it can also cause problems with the reproductive organs. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can cause sores (often painless) on or near the penis or vagina, in the mouth or the rectum. During pregnancy, the infection can be passed to an unborn child. If left untreated, problems can occur during and after birth.
Genital Herpes
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is an infection that results in one or more blisters around the genitals, rectum or mouth. While treatable, there is no cure and the risk to a baby is higher if the mother has an outbreak at the time of delivery.
HPV
Human Papilloma Virus is the most common STI with over 100 different strains. While most are not harmful, HPV can cause genital warts and even certain types of cancer. A vaccine is available for eligible people of all genders.
Trichomoniasis
Also known as Trich, this STI is caused by a parasite that infects the vagina and the urethra. Babies exposed to Trich may be born early (preterm) and with a low birth weight. It is treated with antibiotics.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by a virus that, if serious enough, can be deadly. Hepatitis B can be passed on during childbirth. A vaccine is available for Hepatitis B.
HIV
HIV is a viral infection that weakens the immune system and its ability to fend off infections and diseases. During pregnancy, birth and through breastfeeding, HIV can be passed to an unborn child or to a baby. There is no cure, but there are effective treatments.
