Living with a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI)

Finding out that you have a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) is never pleasant. You must take care of your health, protect yourself to prevent it from happening again and not spread it in your turn and let your partners know in order to break the chain of transmission of STBBIs.

Most STBBIs can be treated. Some cannot be treated, but medication allows you to manage the consequences and live normally.

However, even if you do not develop symptoms, an untreated STBBI can be serious. If you have the slightest doubt, after unprotected sex or an act where there is a risk of transmission, consult a health professional quickly. Based on the diagnosis, the most appropriate treatment will be prescribed for you. To be effective, the treatment must be followed to the letter, from start to finish.

Young people who are 14 years of age or older do not need a parent’s permission to receive health care. This means they can have screening tests, get the results and, if necessary, take medication without telling their loved ones. They can also tell the health professional that they want the results to be sent to them confidentially. Nonetheless, having the support of loved ones can make it easier to manage this episode of life.

To avoid infecting other people, avoid having sex for the duration of treatment; otherwise, use a condom for every sexual contact, from start to finish.

It is advisable to avoid sex or use condoms until you have consulted a doctor and received effective treatment. This way, you will avoid transmitting the infection to someone else.

Often, infected people do not know they are infected and may pass an STBBI on to their partner unintentionally. So, it is essential to let your current and previous partners know as soon as possible to:

• allow them to get tested and, if necessary, receive treatment quickly to reduce the risk of complications
• prevent them from passing the infection on to other people

Telling your partners can be embarrassing or distressing, but it is also a responsible and respectful thing to do.

A health professional or a nurse can help you identify which partners to tell. They can even tell some partners on your behalf without giving your name. To find out how to get help, contact your doctor or a nurse or call Info-Santé 811.