Sexual health and travel
Precautions to take to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while travelling abroad.
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Sexually transmitted infections and travel
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, no matter where they are worldwide. The risk is higher among travellers who:
- have sex without a condom
- have sex with a new partner
- participate in sex tourism
- use alcohol and drugs, which can:
- lower your inhibitions
- alter your ability to make informed decisions
Travel for the purpose of having sex, typically in exchange for payment, is known as 'sex tourism.' This is more common in destinations where commercial sex is legal.
Some STIs that are rarer in Canada may be more common in other parts of the world. Others may have higher levels of antibiotic resistance and be more difficult to treat.
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Symptoms
Sometimes STI symptoms are mild or unnoticeable. If you've been sexually active with a new partner while travelling, watch for:
- rashes
- discharge from the penis
- swollen glands in the groin
- a burning feeling when urinating
- sudden onset of flu-like symptoms
- yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- an itchy feeling around the genitals or anus
- sores, particularly in the genital or anal areas
- different or heavier discharge from the vagina
These symptoms might appear alone or in combination. Some STIs, like syphilis, don't always cause visible symptoms but can still be transmitted to another person.
Complications from untreated STIs can have serious effects on your health, such as:
- infertility
- chronic liver disease
- birth defects in children
- pregnancy complications
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- cancer of the:
- anus
- penis
- vulva
- cervix
- vagina
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Before your trip
Before travelling, check the travel advice and advisories page for your destinations. It has information on health risks under the 'Health' section.
Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Discuss with them whether you should be tested or vaccinated for the following STIs:
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- hepatitis A
- hepatitis B
- mpox
Transmission of mpox can occur with close skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity. Check with your local public health authority before travelling to determine your eligibility for the mpox vaccine.
Learn more:
- Specific STIs
- Travel advice and advisories by destination
- Plan for your health before and during travel
During your trip
The most effective way to avoid getting or transmitting an STI while travelling is to avoid:
- sexual activity with a new partner
- activities with a new partner where body fluids are exchanged
You can also reduce your risk of STIs by practising safer sex. Before travelling, pack your own supply of condoms and dental dams. These products may be unavailable or of poor quality in your destination country.
Use condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex. Use dental dams (rectangular pieces of thin latex) over the vagina or anus for a protective barrier during oral sex.
Birth control methods other than condoms do not protect you against STIs.
Avoid drinking or drug use, which can lower your sexual inhibitions or alter your ability to make informed decisions.
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Safety and security while travelling
Sexual assault and harassment can happen anywhere and to anyone. While you're at your destination, be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Information on what to do if you experience a sexual assault while travelling abroad is available.
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Monitor your health
See a health care provider and give them your travel history if you:
- think you may have an STI
- have taken part in activities that may have increased your STI risk, even if you have no symptoms
It's important to ensure that your sex partners get tested and treated if you're diagnosed with an STI.
Do not have sex if you think you have an STI.
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