The STI Guide

Having sex without a latex condom can put you at risk for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are HIV-positive, getting another STI can further weaken your immune system. If you are HIV-negative, getting an STI can increase your risk for becoming infected with HIV.

Sometimes, you can have an STI and there are no signs or symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose infection with an STI.

Find out more.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an infection of the liver. It is caused by a virus that remains in your body even after symptoms are treated.

Hepatitis A is found in feces (shit). Licking someone's ass, licking someone's fingers that have been in someone's ass, kissing someone who has licked another person's ass, or sucking someone's cock that has been up someone's ass (without using a condom) are all ways you can get Hepatitis A. Make sure you and your partners wash your hands, face and ass before sex. Your doctor can also vaccinate you against Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis B is found in blood, semen (cum) and saliva (in small amounts). It is passed on in the same way as HIV (through unprotected sex). Your doctor can vaccinate you against Hepatitis B.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites live in your intestines (guts). Some are harmless, but some can make you sick.

Licking someone's ass, licking someone's fingers that have been in someone's ass, kissing someone who has licked another person's ass, or sucking someone's cock that has been up someone's ass (without using a condom) are all ways you can get intestinal parasites. Make sure you and your partners wash you hands, face and ass before sex.

Genital Warts

Genital warts often appear on the penis (cock) as small bumps or breaks on the skin. A virus causes them. The virus stays in your body even after the warts are treated.

Since the warts are like small breaks in the skin, they can make it easier for HIV to get into you. Using a latex condom can help prevent getting genital warts.

Herpes

There are two kinds of herpes - herpes 1 and herpes 2. A virus causes them. There is no cure for herpes.

Herpes appears as blisters or small sores. They can appear around your mouth, genital area (near your penis and scrotum) or in and around your ass. Herpes is passed on by direct contact with the blisters/sores. It's also possible to pass along the virus even if blisters/sores aren't visible.

Using a latex condom can help prevent getting herpes.

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium (germ). It can be treated with drugs (antibiotics) if it is diagnosed.

Syphilis develops in three stages. The first stage can cause blisters (sores) on the penis (cock), mouth, or ass. The second stage can cause a rash on the chest, back, palms, and the bottom of your feet. The third stage shows no symptoms, but is very dangerous because if left untreated it can lead to severe complications and even death.

Syphilis can be passed on by direct contact with the blisters (sores) or rash.

Gonorrhoea and Chlamidia

Gonorrhoea and chlamidia are caused by bacteria (germs). They can be treated with drugs. Gonorrhoea can infect the throat, inside the ass or the urethra (pee passage of your cock). Chlamidia most often infects the urethra (pee passage of your cock). If you are infected with gonorrhoea or chlamidia, you might have a discharge (puss) from the end of your penis.

Using a latex condom can help prevent gonorrhoea or chlamidia.

Got questions about HIV/AIDS or STIs? Need support to play safe? Need a referral to a doctor? The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) is here for you. Call, visit our offices, or speak with an outreach worker in the bars and baths.