Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs are common for both men and women. All STI’s can be treated and many can be cured.
STIs are a common health problem for both men and women.
All STIs can be treated, and most can be cured. In fact, a past STI or herpes that flares up from time to time, will not keep you from having a healthy baby in the future.
Bacterial Vaginosis in pregnancy has been known to cause premature rupture of membranes and premature labour.
Some untreated STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, may damage a woman’s fallopian tubes making it difficult to get pregnant. If you have untreated chlamydia your baby can get conjunctivitis or pneumonia.
Other STIs, like herpes and genital warts, may increase your risk for cervical cancer.
Infected mothers can pass on an STI to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Hepatitis B is the only STI that can be prevented by vaccine.
Your STI safeguard
Whether planning a pregnancy or not, both men and women can make 2 important decisions.
1. Make sure the body you have is as healthy as possible. You may have an STI and not even know it.
Have regular physical exams.
Ask your health care provider to test you for STIs before you become pregnant.
When you become pregnant make sure your health care provider has:
–Offered HIV counselling and testing.
–Screened for Hepatitis B.
–Screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
–Screened for syphilis.
For more information contact your local sexual health clinic.
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