We are warned continuously about STIs and told to take all possible precautions to avoid contracting them. However, beyond the general information conveyed in brief public health advertisements, we are rarely taught comprehensive information about STIs. As such, many people have cobbled together pieces of knowledge from miscellaneous sources, but do not have a complete understanding of STIs. Hopefully, this article can fill some gaps and some common questions and misconceptions.
Common STIs
STIs can be caused by a wide variety of organisms, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. They can be transmitted through risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, it can also be transmitted through contact with infected body fluids or infected skin membranes.
Some of the most common STIs are:
- Chlamydia (caused by bacteria)
- Genital herpes (caused by viruses)
- Genital warts or human papillomavirus (HPV) (some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women)
- Gonorrhea (caused by bacteria)
- Hepatitis B (caused by viruses)
- Syphilis (caused by bacteria)
- Trichomoniasis (caused by bacteria)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
- Other infections that may be sexually transmitted as well: hepatitis A, cytomegalovirus, molluscum contagiosum, Mycoplasma genitalium, hepatitis C, and possibly bacterial vaginosis.
- Scabies and pubic lice (sexual contact)
STIs caused by viruses usually cannot be cured, but treatment is still possible. Bacterial STIs can occur multiple times but they can usually be cured. Chances of recovery are significantly improved if you get tested and treated within 48 hours of a known contact with an infection
Risks
- Your age: Babies and older adults are at higher risks for most diseases, but STIs tend to most commonly occur in young adults.
- Your overall health: People with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, cancer, HIV, etc. could have a higher risk.
- Medications you take: Certain medications can cause symptoms or make them worse.
- Recent health events: Having other STIs, such as genital herpes, can increase your risk of HIV.
- Your health habits and lifestyle: Eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel can all influence risk.
Symptoms and Treatments
The biggest question anyone might ask about STIs is,“How do I know if I have one?” There are some common symptoms that you should watch for. Symptoms differ between women and men. However, in women, the following symptoms are usually the most common:
In females, symptoms may include:
- New vaginal discharge
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Pain in the pelvis or lower belly
- Itching, tingling, burning, or pain in the genital or anal area
- Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts in the genital or anal area.
- Sores in the mouth or throat
If you happen to have experienced any of these symptoms recently, seek treatment as soon as possible or the direction of a healthcare provider. Certain actions, such as further sex, could aggravate an infection more. Some symptoms may not be as severe in some people as in others. In fact, some STIs are frequently asymptomatic. So, take precautions to not further spread infection until it has been cleared. It is safest to get tested even if symptoms do not become immediately apparent. Depending on your sexual activity, getting tested every 3 to 12 months or every time you switch partners is a good rule of thumb.
Prevention and Communication
If you are sexually active, ensure safety to the best of your ability. Make sure all of your immunizations are up to date and have safer sex. Although condoms are not 100% effective in protecting you from all STIs, they significantly reduce the chance of infection. Additionally, some STIs may take months before they test positive, so it is important to communicate openly with your partner about STIs. It is one of the best ways to prevent its spread.
Despite the stigma, it is important to talk to your partner about getting tested before you start having sex. Some ways to start the conversation would be:
- “I think it is important for us to be honest with each other.”
- “This is difficult to talk about, but I care about you and I think this is important.”
Further questions you can ask your sexual partner would be:
- Have you ever been tested for STIs?
- If not, how do you feel about getting tested together?
- When was your last HIV test?
- Are you currently involved with anyone else?
It is normal to be worried about a partner’s reaction as there is often a stigma surrounding the issue, but assure them that you have the right intentions in mind. Support each other by getting tested together and stay healthy by engaging in sexual activities safely! Stay calm and know your facts when dealing with this topic. Just remember, communication and prevention go hand-in-hand.
Featured Image: Mengxin Li for AARP
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