STIs can infect you in many ways. They can be caused by bacteria. They can be viruses. They can even come in the form of parasites like pubic lice. STIs are found on the body, in blood and in body fluids like semen (cum) and vaginal fluids. Sometimes, STIs like genital warts and herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact - simply kissing someone with a herpes blister may be enough to infect you. STIs are spread from person to person during sex - and that means oral sex and anal sex as well. Injection drug use (IDU), tattooing or body piercing can also spread an infection if the needles and equipment aren't clean. An STI can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, at the time of delivery and through the process of breastfeeding. Most STIs can be cured, but some will never go away and require lifelong treatment. And make no mistake: having an STI puts you at a greater risk of getting HIV/AIDS.

Yes. It's just another term used to describe infections that are spread through sexual contact.

It's not always easy to recognize the signs of an STI in you or your partner. In fact, some STI's have no symptoms at all, so you may not even know you have one unless you get tested. You might have an STI if you experience any of these signs: * Burning feeling in your genitals or when you pee. * Sores, small bumps or blisters on or near your penis, vagina or anus. * Itching around your penis, vagina or anus. * Unusual discharge - like a different colour, smell or amount - from the vagina or penis. * Lower abdominal pain. * Pain in the testicles. * Bleeding after intercourse or between periods. * Pain during sex or masturbation. * For women, unusual bleeding during your period. Think you might have an STI? Check out What do I do if I have an STI? REMEMBER: Using condoms every time you have sex can lower your chances of getting an STI and HIV/AIDS.

If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, get it checked out as soon as possible. You can see your family doctor or visit a Healthy Sexuality Clinic in your area to find out exactly what you have and how you can treat it. And to be on the safe side, it's best to avoid having sex until you've seen a doctor about your concerns.

If you're sexually active, it's a good idea to get tested every year for STIs even if you feel fine. It's a good practice to go for testing if you're about to start a new relationship. Ask your partner to do the same! Some STIs have no symptoms so you may not even know you have it unless you get tested.

Chancroid (pronounced SHANG-chroid), also called soft chancre, is a curable bacterial disease that is characterized by painful sores on the genitals. There is an alarming connection between chancroid and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and is easily spread from person to person through chancroid ulcers. Uncircumcised men with chancroid ulcers have a 48% risk of acquiring HIV from sexual contact. Women with chancroid ulcers are also at a greater risk of being infected with HIV during sexual contact. Genital ulcers seem to act as doorways for HIV to enter and exit. Ways of Transmission Sexual transmission of chancroid occurs through skin-to-skin contact with open sore(s). For women, the sore is usually not painful, and may not be noticed; but in men, the ulcer can be very painful. Symptoms Symptoms of chancroid are one or more genital ulcers and painful lymph glands in the groin. The ulcer begins as a tender bump that becomes a pus-filled, open sore. It is soft (unlike a syphilis chancre that is hard or rubbery to touch). Common locations for chancroid sores (ulcers) in men are the shaft or head of the penis, foreskin, the groove behind the head of the penis, the opening of the penis, and the scrotum. In women, common locations are the labia majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), perianal area (area around the anal opening), and inner thighs. It is rare for the ulcer(s) to be on the vaginal walls or cervix. Testing Diagnosis is made by evaluating the ulcer(s) and presence of swollen lymph nodes, and by obtaining a culture from the base of the ulcers. There are no serological tests for chancroid such as those available for syphilis. Treatment Chancroid can be treated with antibiotics. Successful treatment cures the infection, symptoms go away and it's no longer contagious (able to be spread to another person). It is important to take all the antibiotics from start to finish. If you do get chancroid, avoid touching the infected area to prevent the chance of autoinoculation (re-infecting yourself somewhere else on your body). Prognosis Chancroid can resolve spontaneously. However, some people may experience months of painful ulceration and draining. Antibiotic treatment usually results in rapid clearing of lesions with a minimal to small amount of scarring. Prevention The best prevention for chancroid is abstinence (avoidance of any sexual contact) or being in a monogamous relationship with a disease-free partner. If abstinence is not an option, using a condom properly during each sexual intercourse another preventive measure. To prevent the spread of chancroid, it is important that all sexual partners of the patient are identified and treated.

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pollidum. If untreated, it goes through three stages, with different symptoms at each stage. # During the first stage, a single chancre (painless sore) forms on your genitals, rectum, or mouth or throat. It will disappear on its own in three to six weeks, without treatment. # The second stage occurs about six months later. Sores and a rash may occur anywhere on your body. You may feel like you have the flu, with headache and aches and pains in your joints or bones. You may also experience hair loss and flat, wart-like growths inside your anus or vagina. Without treatment these symptoms may come and go. # Symptoms of the third stage may take 10 to 20 years to develop. They can be very serious and can result in blindness, heart or brain damage, and, in some cases, death. People with HIV/AIDS seem to develop third stage syphilis much faster than others. # Syphilis is diagnosed by a series of blood tests. The first test, called the VDRL, is a screening test. Usually, if this test is negative, you don't have syphilis. However, people with HIV/AIDS may have false-negative VDRL tests. If you suspect you have been exposed to syphilis, you may want to ask your doctor to run two other tests, called the FTA-ABS and the MHA-TP. Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, and should be treated as soon as possible.

Chlamydia (pronounced kluh-MID-ee-uh) is a very common STD caused by bacteria. It is particularly common among teens and young adults. Ways of Transmission Bacteria transmitted during sex cause Chlamydia. If a mother is infected, she can pass Chlamydia on to her baby during delivery. Symptoms Chlamydia is known as the "silent epidemic" because three quarters of the women and half of the men with the disease have no symptoms. If symptoms do appear in women, they can include vaginal discharge, pain during urination (peeing), pain during sex, pain in the lower abdomen and bleeding between menstrual periods. Men often have a discharge from the urethra, the opening in the penis. It may also burn or hurt to urinate. Symptoms can vary from person to person -- from being mild to severe. Men also may not have symptoms. Testing There are two kinds of test for Chlamydia. One involves collecting a small amount of fluid from an infected site (cervix or penis) with a cotton swab. These tests are universally available. New tests, which use only urine samples, will be available soon and will make testing much easier and less painful. Treatment There has been major progress in the treatment of Chlamydia with antibiotics over the past few years. Early antibiotic treatment is extremely successful and may prevent the development of long-term complications. However, if it is left untreated, in a woman, Chlamydia (like gonorrhea) can grow into a more serious illness called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and can keep her from being able to have children in the future. Prevention You can get and spread Chlamydia through unprotected vaginal and anal sex. Preventing Chlamydia means approaching sexual relationships responsibly: exercise abstinence, stay in a monogamous relationship or limit the number of your sex partners, use condoms properly each time you have sexual intercourse, and if you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit a local health clinic, hospital, or your doctor. Be sure your partner is treated to avoid becoming reinfected.

Gonorrhea (pronounced gon-uh-REE-uh) is also known as "the clap" or "the drip." It is a commonly occurring, curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These bacteria can infect the genital tract, the mouth, and the rectum. In women, the opening to the uterus, the cervix, is the first place of infection. An important increased in gonorrhoea rates has been seen in Eastern Europe, in the newly independent states of the former soviet union, with the highest rate in Estonia, Russia and Belarus (111, 139 and 125 per 100 000 respectively). Ways of Transmission Gonorrhea is spread during sexual intercourse. Infected women also can pass gonorrhea to their newborn infants during delivery, causing eye infections in their babies. Symptoms The early symptoms of gonorrhea are often mild. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 10 days after sexual contact with an infected partner. A small number of people may be infected for several months without any symptoms.Women often have no symptoms at all or very mild ones. If symptoms appear, they may include burning during urination and/or a vaginal discharge. Men may have a yellow discharge from the urethra, opening in the penis. It may also burn or hurt to urinate. Symptoms vary from person to person -- from being mild to severe. Men also may not have any symptoms. Symptoms of rectal infection include discharge, anal itching, and occasional painful bowel movements with fresh blood on the faeces. Testing Laboratory tests by doctors or other medical personnel are necessary to diagnose Gonorrhea. The three options include: staining samples directly for the bacterium, detection of bacterial genes or DNA in urine, and growing the bacteria in laboratory cultures. Many medical practitioners prefer to use more than one test to increase the chance of an accurate diagnosis. Treatment Antibiotics or penicillin can easily cure gonorrhea if treated early. Gonorrhea and Chlamydial infection, another common STI, often infect people at the same time. Therefore, doctors usually prescribe a combination of antibiotics, which will treat both diseases. Prognosis Untreated gonorrhea infections, the bacteria can spread up into the reproductive tract, or more rarely, can spread through the blood stream and infect the joints, heart valves, or the brain. If it is left untreated in women, gonorrhea (like Chlamydia) can progress into a more serious illness called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and can keep women from being able to have children in the future. If it is left untreated in men, it can make them sterile (unable to have children). During pregnancy, a gonorrhea infection can cause problems such as stillbirth or blindness for the baby. Rarely, untreated gonorrhea can spread through the blood to the joints. This can cause an inflammation of the joints, which is very serious. Gonorrhea increases risk of getting HIV infection. Prevention You can get and spread Gonorrhea through unprotected vaginal and anal sex. Preventing Gonorrhea means approaching sexual relationships responsibly: exercise abstinence, stay in a monogamous relationship or limit the number of your sex partners, use condoms properly each time you have sexual intercourse.

Hepatitis [HEP - uh - TIGHT - us] is a viral infection of the liver which had been referred to as parenterally transmitted "non A, non B hepatitis" until identification of the causative agent in 1989. HCV is found in the blood of persons who have this disease and is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. Ways of Transmission HCV is spread primarily by direct contact with human blood. Transmission through blood transfusions that are not screened for HCV infection, through the reuse of inadequately sterilized needles, syringes or other medical equipment, or through needle-sharing among drug-users, is well documented. Sexual and perinatal transmission may also occur, although less frequently.There is a very low chance of spreading HCV through sexual activity. Other modes of transmission such as social, cultural, and behavioural practices using percutaneous procedures (e.g. ear and body piercing, circumcision, tattooing) can occur if inadequately sterilized equipment is used. HCV is not spread by sneezing, hugging, coughing, food or water, sharing eating utensils, or casual contact. In both developed and developing countries, high risk groups include injecting drug users, recipients of unscreened blood, haemophiliacs, dialysis patients and persons with multiple sex partners who engage in unprotected sex. In developed countries, it is estimated that 90% of persons with chronic HCV infection are current and former injecting drug users and those with a history of transfusion of unscreened blood or blood products. Testing There are several blood tests that can be done to determine if you have been infected with HCV. Diagnostic tests for HCV are used to prevent infection through screening of donor blood and plasma, to establish the clinical diagnosis and to make better decisions regarding medical management of a patient. Diagnostic tests commercially available today are based on Enzyme immunosorbant assays (EIA) for the detection of HCV specific antibodies. EIAs can detect more than 95% of chronically infected patients but can detect only 50% to 70% of acute infections. A recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) that identifies antibodies which react with individual HCV antigens is often used as a supplemental test for confirmation of a positive EIA result. Testing for HCV circulating by amplification tests RNA (e.g. polymerase chain reaction or PCR, branched DNA assay) is also being utilized for confirmation of serological results as well as for assessing the effectiveness of antiviral therapy. A positive result indicates the presence of active infection and a potential for spread of the infection and or/the development of chronic liver disease. Symptoms Many people with an acute HCV infection have no symptoms (asymptomatic), although some will have jaundice (yellowing of the skin & eyes) or mild flu-like symptoms. Most people with chronic HCV will have only mild to moderate liver disease, with symptoms such as:jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea (the urge to vomit or squeamishness of the stomach), malaise (a vague feeling of discomfort that can't be pinned down but is sensed as just not right), abnormalities in liver enzyme levels that can change a lot. If cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver develops, symptoms may be more obvious, including muscle weakness, itching, dark urine, fluid retention & abdominal swelling. Treatment Antiviral drugs such as interferon taken alone or in combination with ribavirin, can be used for the treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C, but the cost of treatment is very high. Treatment with interferon alone is effective in about 10% to 20% of patients. Interferon combined with ribavirin is effective in about 30% to 50% of patients. Ribavirin does not appear to be effective when used alone. Prevention There is no vaccine against HCV. Research is in progress but the high mutability of the HCV genome complicates vaccine development. In the absence of a vaccine, all precautions to prevent infection must be taken including: * Screening and testing of blood and organ donors; * HCV can be spread by sex, but this is rare. If you are having sex with more than one steady sex partner, use latex condoms* correctly and every time to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. You should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B. * Promotion of behaviour change among the general public and health care workers to reduce overuse of injections and to use safe injection practices; * Risk reduction counselling for persons with high-risk drug and sexual practices.

Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes raised pearl-like papules or nodules on the skin. This is a common infection in children. It is frequently seen on the face, neck, axilla (arm pit), arms, and hands but may occur anywhere on the body except the palms and soles. On occasion it is seen on the genitalia. In adults, molluscum is generally seen on the genitalia as a sexually transmitted infection. Because molluscum produces no systemic illness and is not of long-term public health or economic significance, it has not been treated as other sexually transmitted infections. The importance is significant in the growing population of immunocompromised people with AIDS, who may develop a fulminating (rapidly worsening) case of molluscum contagiosum. Ways of Transmission The virus is contagious through direct contact, as seen in children, but may spread by sexual contact. It can spread locally by shedding of the virus from lesions to adjacent normal skin areas. Symptoms Most people with the infection do not have noticeable symptoms other than the lesions, which are painless wart-like bumps. However, in some cases the lesions may itch or become irritated. Testing Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the lesion and can be confirmed by a skin biopsy. The health care provider should examine the lesion to rule out other disorders and to determine other underlying disorders. Treatment The lesions often heal without treatment, although physicians may sometimes scrape them off or treat them with chemical irritants. Prognosis Individual lesions of molluscum contagiosum usually disappear within about 2 to 3 months. Complete disappearance of all lesions generally occurs within about 6 to 18 months. The disorder may persist in immunosuppressed people (i.e., people living with HIV/AIDS or cancer patients). Prevention Avoid direct contact with skin lesions. Abstinence (not having sex), mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner (having sex with only one partner who only has sex with you) and limiting the number of sex partners are effective ways of preventing or lowering risk of getting infected. Condoms will prevent the spread of molluscum virus when used consistently and properly. Condoms remain the best protection when the disease status of a sexual partner is unknown, and will prevent the spread of not only molluscum contagiosum but also other sexually transmitted infections. If you think you are infected: * Avoid sexual contact and visit your local STD clinic, a hospital or your medical care provider; and * Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain examination and treatment.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is, next to AIDS, the most common and serious complication of all STIs in women. PID can affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other related structures. Many different microorganisms can cause this disease, but most cases are associated with gonorrhea and Chlamydial infections. Scientists have found that bacteria normally present in small numbers within the vagina and cervix may also play a role. Ways of Transmission PID is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, but gynaecological surgical procedures such as abortion or the insertion of an intra-uterine device (IUD) can cause the infectious agents to spread upwards from the cervix and vagina. One study found that 12% to 14% of all PID cases had been caused by gynaecological procedures within 6 weeks of admission. IUDs may increase the risk of PID because the string attached to the device, which extends down into the vagina acts as a wick for infection, allowing bacteria to ascend more easily into the upper genital tract. The relative risk of PID for sexually active young women using IUDs is one-and-a-half times greater than for young women not using IUDs. The chance in those women who are using barrier methods (i.e. condoms and diaphragms) is about half that of those who do not use barrier methods, which is not to say that use of condoms should be stopped, as it prevents transmission of other STIs, including HIV. Women using oral contraception appear to have one-third the risk of those who do not use oral contraception. Symptoms The most prevalent symptoms of PID are lower abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal discharge. Other potential symptoms are fever, pain in the right upper abdomen, painful intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding. PID, particularly when caused by Chlamydial infection, may produce only minor symptoms or no symptoms at all, even though it can seriously damage the reproductive organs. Testing Testing for the major causative organisms must be undertaken. However, sometimes laparoscopy (investigation by minor surgery) will be required to correctly diagnose PID. Treatment Outpatient care may be sufficient for women with mild symptoms, who can be treated by antibiotics and close monitoring, but hospitalisation is necessary for women with more severe infection. It is imperative that regular male partners are tested for STDs and treated if necessary. In men, symptoms can be mild or non-existent so they may not present for testing or treatment. Prognosis In 15% of cases, the initial antibiotic therapy fails, and 20% experience a recurrence of PID at some time during the reproductive years. The risk for ectopic pregnancy (tubal; cervical; or abdominal pregnancy) increases from 1 in 200 to 1 in 20 after having PID. This type of pregnancy is life threatening to the mother, and almost always fatal to her fetus. Infertility risks also increase: * 15% risk of infertility following the 1st episode of PID * 30% risk of infertility following 2 episodes of PID * 50% risk of infertility following 3 or more episodes of PID Infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and scarring occur in approximately one out of every five women who have had PID. Prevention * The use of condoms during penetrative sexual intercourse. * The use of condoms if an IUD is in place. * Sexual practices other than intercourse carry less risk of transmitting the infections that cause PID. * Where infection has occurred, it is important to avoid sexual contact involving the genitals during the course of treatment until a negative test result is obtained. * This will aid healing and prevent transmission.

Pubic Lice commonly referred to as "crabs" are tiny little blood-sucking insects(lice) that live in pubic hair and cause a lot of itching. Sometimes they can be found in axillary or armpit hair, facial hair, or even eyelashes Ways of Transmission Crabs are usually transmitted through direct physical contact, especially of the genital areas. They can also be transmitted through sleeping in infested bedding, wearing infested clothing, and possibly from contact with an infested toilet seat. Symptoms The main symptom is intense itching. The itching usually comes from an allergic reaction to lice bites. You can usually see the crabs yourself if you look closely enough. You might need a magnifying glass to help you identify them. Treatment Crabs can be treated by putting a liquid medicine, such as Permethrin cream, Lindane shampoo, Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide directly on your pubic hair. After treatment, a fine-toothed comb can be used to remove the crabs and their eggs. You may have to reapply the treatment 10 days after the first one to assure that all eggs and the new crabs have been eradicated. Make sure you wash and dry your clothes, bedding, towels, etc. with hot water to kill crabs and their eggs. Items that cannot be washed can be placed in a plastic bag for two weeks or dry-cleaned to ensure econtamination. Notify any sex partners immediately so they can be treated. Prevention Abstinence, mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner and limiting the number of sex partners are effective ways of preventing or lowering risk of getting crabs. Although, crabs can still be transmitted even if you use a latex condom, this will help prevent other STIs.

Scabies is a skin infestation caused by a tiny mite, Sarcoptes Scabiei. Although technically not a disease it is a very bothersome parasite that has a fast gestation period and can quickly infect an entire household. The female parasite burrows under the skin and begins laying eggs within a few hours of infection and continues to lay 2 to 3 eggs daily. It takes approximately 10 days for the eggs to hatch and become adult mites. At this point, the cycle will begin again. Ways of Transmission Sexual Transmission: Scabies are transmitted through close physical contact. Transmission is more likely when partners spend the night together than during a brief sexual encounter. Nonsexual Transmission: Sexual contact is not necessary to spread scabies. Prolonged contact between household members may allow transmission to occur. Transmission is also possible through prolonged contact with infested linens, furniture, or clothing. It is unlikely that scabies would be transmitted during casual contact (e.g. shaking hands or hugging) or contact with inanimate objects, such as a toilet seat. The type of scabies that infest humans is specific to human beings and are different than the type that infest dogs and other animals, more commonly known as mange. Mites from animals infested with mange can burrow into human skin but cannot reproduce, and therefore die within a few days. Symptoms Persistent itching that usually becomes worse at night. * Presence of the mite burrow(s), often in a zigzag or "S" pattern. * Presence of lesions, such as brown nodules, rashes, or pimple-like irritations. Common sites of infestation are: webs and sides of fingers and toes, pubic and groin area, armpits, bends of elbows and knees, wrists, navel, breasts, lower portion of buttocks, penis and scrotum, waist and abdomen; rarely, they are found on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and the neck upward. If a person has never been infected with scabies before, symptoms appear approximately 4 to 6 weeks after infection. If a person has been infected with scabies before, he/she will begin to experience symptoms within 1 to 4 days after infection, because of previous exposure to scabies. A person is considered infectious from the time he/she becomes infected until treatment is successfully completed. Linens and clothing are considered infectious until treatment or until 2 weeks after the last exposure. After treatment, a person may unknowingly become re-infested through exposure to the primary source of contact or contact with a different infested source. Testing Scabies may be confused with other skin irritations such as poison ivy or eczema. To make an accurate diagnosis, a doctor takes a scraping of the irritated area and examines it under a microscope, to reveal the presence of the mite. Treatment Skin lotions containing permethrin, lindane or crotamiton are available through a physician's prescription for the treatment of scabies. The lotions are applied to the whole body except the head and neck. Sometimes, itching may persist but should not be regarded as treatment failure or reinfestation. Persons who have had skin contact with an infested person (including family members, roommates, direct care providers and sexual contacts) should also be treated. Non-prescription remedies are available. They are fairly effective but may be objectionable due to odour and messiness. Itching can persist even after the infestation has been eliminated due of lingering skin irritation. A hydrocortisone cream/ointment or a soothing lotion may provide relief from itching. Family members and sex partners of, and those who came in close contact with a person with scabies are advised to undergo treatment as well. Twenty-four hours after drug therapy, a person with scabies infestation is no longer contagious, even though the skin irritation may persist for some time. As with pubic lice, special care must be taken to rid clothing and bedding of any mites. Always remember to finish completely your drug treatment prescribed by a doctor. Prognosis Most cases of scabies can be cured and resolve without any long-term problems. Prevention To prevent getting infected with scabies avoid physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings, especially clothing and bedding. Health education on the life history of scabies, proper treatment and the need for early diagnosis and treatment of infested individuals and contacts is extremely important.

Trichomoniasis (referred to as trich) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a protozoan, Trichomonas Vaginalis, a parasite that can infect both the vagina and the urinary tract. In men, the infection will only occur in the urethra Ways of Transmission Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread through penis-to-vagina intercourse or vulva-to-vulva contact with an infected partner. Women can acquire the disease from infected men or women, whereas men usually contract it only from infected women. Trichomoniasis is the most common curable STI in young, sexually active women. Symptoms Most men with Trichomoniasis do not have signs or symptoms. Men with symptoms may have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation. Many women do have signs or symptoms of infection. In these women, Trichomoniasis causes a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odour. The infection may also cause discomfort during intercourse and urination. Irritation and itching of the female genital area and, in rare cases, lower abdominal pain can also occur. Symptoms usually appear within 5 to 28 days of exposure in women. Testing To diagnose Trichomoniasis, a health care provider must perform a physical examination and laboratory test. In women, a pelvic examination can reveal small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall or cervix. Laboratory tests are performed on a sample of vaginal fluid or urethral fluid to look for the disease-causing parasite. The parasite is harder to detect in men than in women. Treatment Trichomoniasis can usually be cured with the prescription drug metronidazole given by mouth in a single dose. The symptoms of Trichomoniasis in infected men may disappear within a few weeks without treatment. However, an infected man, even a man who has never had symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped, can continue to infect a female partner until he has been treated. Therefore, both partners should be treated at the same time to eliminate the parasite. Persons being treated for Trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and their sex partners complete treatment and have no symptoms. Prognosis Trichomoniasis in pregnant women may cause premature rupture of the membranes and preterm delivery. The genital inflammation caused by Trichomoniasis might also increase a woman's risk of acquiring HIV infection if she is exposed to HIV. Trichomoniasis in a woman who is also infected with HIV can increase the chances of transmitting HIV infection to a sex partner. Prevention Abstinence, mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner and limiting the number of sex partners are effective ways of preventing or lowering risk of getting trichomoniasis.