As usual , me and baby we went to Feeding with love program.
Today's topic was Sexually Transmitted Infections and Birth Control.
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that you can get from having sex with a person who has one. Sex can mean oral sex,vaginal sex or anal sex.There are many different kinds of STIs.The four most common are:
Chlamyhedia,genital herpes,gonorrhea,HPV(Human Papillomavirus).
If they are not treated, some SITs can cause serious health problems for both men and women. Some are easily cured but others can eventually kill you. All SITs can be passed on to anyone you have sex with.Untreated STIs also increase your risk of getting HIV(the virus that can lead to AIDS).
Bacteria cause STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia.These STIs can be cured with antibiotics.STIs caused by viruses,like genital herpes,Human Papilloma Virus and HIV cannot be cured with medication.However,medication can help with symptoms,like the discomfort of genital herpes.It can also help people with HIV live for many years.
A Woman can pass certain STIs to a fetus growing in her body or to her baby and it is being born.She can also pass HIV to her baby through her breastmilk.It is important for pergnant women to be tested for STIs.Many women have STI testing,including HIV testing,before they get pregnant.
You should get tested for STIs if you have symptoms or if your partner tells you he or she has an STI.Both women and men need to ask to be tested for STIs.Doctors do not test for HIV unless you ask for it.
There are many methods of birth control available nowdays. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. It is very hard to say which one is the best way but up to the individual to decide.
The commom ways most people know as The Pill(oral contraceptive), condoms(both for men and women), others as spermicides(sponge,foam,gel,contraceptive film),Depo-Provera(a hormone infection given every three months),contraceptive patch,intra uterine device(IUD),diaphragm,cervical cap,emergency birth control,lactational amenorrhea method(during the period of breastfeeding babies under six months old),withdrawal(pulling out the penis before ejaculation),sterlization(permanent surgical methods of birth control) etc...
Free and confidential birth control services are located throughout the city of Toronto.Make sure you have all the information before making a decision.
A quite serious and big topic today. Anyway,I learned new things.
