Sexually transmitted infections are infections that are spread from one person to another during vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex. Anyone sexually active is at risk of getting and spreading an STI. Unfortunately, not every STI has symptoms; some STIs have NO symptoms, so you wouldn’t know if an infection was present.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are THE most common infections in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are about 20 million NEW STI cases diagnosed in the US every year. Half of all newly diagnosed cases of STIs are in individuals aged 15 – 24. This is significant because undiagnosed STI’s can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes in a woman, and this can lead to the inability to get pregnant in the future. In males, there is a range of STIs that affect male fertility, impacting the quality of sperm and even causing long-term damage to the reproductive system.
While each STI can present itself differently, the most common symptoms are:
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Painful urination
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Itching in the genital area
- Sores in the genital area
- Discharge from the vagina or the penis
It’s important to remember that while these symptoms can occur, it is also common not to experience symptoms at all, especially with Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. Because of this, it’s important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active, including every time you have sexual contact with a new partner.
The most common STIs are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas, HPV, genital warts, genital herpes, hepatitis, Syphilis, and HIV.
Infections caused by bacteria – Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and Trichomonas – are treated with antibiotics. Both partners must be treated in order for the treatment to be effective.
Infections caused by Viruses – genital herpes, genital warts, HPV, Hepatitis and HIV – are generally not curable and are often lifelong, although symptoms can be managed.
Pregnant women can still get STI’s and some STI’s can be passed to the baby. STI screening begins in early pregnancy and most STI related problems can be prevented by receiving regular medical care throughout the pregnancy.
STI Prevention:
- Abstinence – this means no sex
- Before you have sex, have a conversation about sexual history and/or history of STI. GET tested before every new relationship.
- USE CONDOMS EVERY TIME YOU HAVE SEX
- Get vaccinated! Currently vaccines are available for HPV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A
If you think that you might have an STI and want testing OR if you want information on STI’s, please call Women’s Health Specialists at 920-749-4000 for an appointment. Our compassionate and knowledgeable Providers can offer guidance, support, testing and treatment options.
The only way to know if you have an STI is to get tested
Saying YES to sex should also be saying YES to Test!
If you have questions or concerns about STI Testing or would like to get a test done, be sure to schedule an appointment through our website or give us a call at (920)749-4000