What Are the Most Common STIs in Canada? A Guide to the Usual Suspects
STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. Your uncle might still call them STDs, while health agencies prefer the term STBBIs – but jargon aside, this post is about the lasting impacts of unprotected intimacy. And we don’t just mean catching feelings.
With STI rates on the rise, it’s worth talking about which ones are most common, why they’re spreading, and how to protect yourself. Using data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Public Health Ontario, and the CDC, we’re breaking down the most reported STIs and the trends driving their growth. We promise to keep it informative and approachable – no dry health lecture here.
Incidence vs. Increasing Rates: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into the most common STIs, let’s clarify an important distinction:
Incidence refers to the number of new cases reported over a specific time period. Think of it as the total number of diagnoses.
Increasing rates show how those numbers are changing over time, reflecting growth or decline in new infections.
Both metrics matter for understanding which infections are spreading most widely and how public health efforts are working (or not working).
1. Chlamydia: The Canadian Champion
First up: chlamydia, the most reported STI in Canada. According to Public Health Ontario, over 63,000 new cases were reported in 2020. Nationally, PHAC has observed a steady increase in chlamydia cases over the past decade.
Why is it so common? Chlamydia often causes no symptoms, which means people may unknowingly spread it. If symptoms do appear, they might include painful urination, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain.
The good news? Chlamydia is bacterial, making it treatable with antibiotics. If you’ve been sexually active and haven’t been tested in a while, it’s worth checking. Testing is quick and easy, and services like Trusti let you do it privately from home.
2. Gonorrhea: Chlamydia’s Tougher Sibling
Nicknamed “the clap,” gonorrhea is the second-most common STI in Canada, with over 35,000 cases reported in 2020, according to Public Health Ontario. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea often flies under the radar because many people show no symptoms.
What makes gonorrhea particularly concerning is its growing resistance to antibiotics. Some strains have earned the nickname “super gonorrhea” due to their resistance to standard treatments. While it remains treatable, this trend highlights the importance of regular testing and early detection.
3. Syphilis: A Rising Star (for All the Wrong Reasons)
Once thought to be nearly eradicated, syphilis has made a troubling comeback in Canada. In 2020, Public Health Ontario reported over 3,900 new cases, a 70% increase since 2016. Nationally, syphilis rates rose by a staggering 393% between 2009 and 2019, according to PHAC.
Syphilis progresses in stages, starting with painless sores (chancres) in the early phase and potentially leading to severe complications if untreated. Left unchecked, it can even cause organ damage. Fortunately, early-stage syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics, making testing crucial.
4. HPV: The Silent Superstar
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common STIs in Canada and globally. An estimated 75% of sexually active Canadians will contract it at some point. Most people won’t even know they have it, as many strains clear up without causing symptoms.
However, certain strains can lead to genital warts or, in more serious cases, cancers like cervical or throat cancer. The best defence? The HPV vaccine, which protects against the most harmful strains. Most Canadians receive this vaccine in middle school, but it’s worth confirming with your healthcare provider.
5. Herpes: The Lifelong Companion
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is incredibly common. Around 14% of Canadians aged 14-59 have genital herpes (HSV-2), while oral herpes (HSV-1) is even more prevalent. Herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity, kissing, and other forms of close contact.
While there’s no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk. It’s a lifelong condition, but it’s more manageable than many people realize. Testing and open communication with partners are key.
6. HIV: A Serious Yet Manageable Condition
HIV remains a significant public health concern. In 2021, 1,639 new HIV diagnoses were reported in Canada, according to PHAC. The CDC reported 36,000 new cases in the U.S. during the same period.
Advances in treatment, like antiretroviral therapy (ART), have transformed HIV from a life-threatening diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition. Preventative measures, such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), can also dramatically reduce transmission risk. Regular testing remains critical for prevention and early treatment.
Why Are STI Rates Rising in Canada?
Several factors contribute to the rise in STI rates:
Reduced Testing During the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted access to routine testing and treatment.
Increased Use of Dating Apps: Casual hookups and multiple partners can increase exposure risk.
Stigma and Misinformation: Many people avoid testing due to shame or fear, allowing STIs to spread undetected.
Public health campaigns and accessible testing services are essential to reversing these trends.
Prevention: The Best Practice
Prevention is key in reducing the spread of STIs. Here are some steps to minimize risk:
Use Protection: Consistent use of condoms and dental dams significantly reduces the risk of STI transmission.
Vaccinate: Vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B offer excellent protection.
Communicate: Open and honest discussions with sexual partners about STI testing and sexual health is healthy for relationships, and helps to create mutual responsibility.
Get Tested: Regular testing ensures early detection and treatment. If you’re sexually active with multiple partners, get tested every three months.
STI’s can be scary, but these methods are the best way to make you feel safe. Kind of like covering your eyes during a horror movie.
The Bottom Line
From chlamydia and gonorrhea to syphilis, HPV, and beyond, STIs are more common than many people realize. The key to managing them is education, testing, and prevention. These infections are treatable or manageable when caught early, so there’s no reason to let fear or stigma hold you back.
Ready to take control of your sexual health? With Trusti, you can order an STI testing kit online, test privately at home, and get your results quickly. Stay informed, stay safe, and take charge of your health today!