Midwife Matters

“STI’s” (sexually transmitted infections) is a broad term that refers to many sicknesses. All of them are transmitted by sex–usually through the exchange of body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid and blood.  STI’s can also be passed by mothers to their babies. You can get some STI’s, such as herpes, by kissing and caressing or close contact with infected areas–not just through intercourse.

Some STI’s just feel uncomfortable. Some are more dangerous–if left untreated they can cause permanent damage leaving you blind, brain-damaged, or unable to have children. One disease, HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus), often leads to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), which can cause death.