Each year, around 25 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur in the United States. Fortunately, most STIs can be cured, but not all. It’s important to understand STIs so that you can protect yourself and your partner.
What Is a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
An STI, also known as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is an infection that you can get from any sexual activity involving the vagina, penis, anus, or mouth. STIs are highly contagious, so you can get one from even one sexual encounter with an infected person. If you’re sexually active, you should get regular STI testing to avoid complications and spreading the infection to other people.
Symptoms of STIs
Sometimes, STIs do not have symptoms, which is why regular testing is important if you are at risk. However, often STIs do have symptoms, which may include:
- Bumps, warts, or sores in the genital area, anus, or mouth
- Swelling or itching in the genital area
- Painful sex or urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Discharge from the vagina that has a bad odor or a different color, or if you have more discharge than usual or the discharge causes irritation
- Vaginal bleeding (not your period)
- A rash on other parts of your body
- Diarrhea
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Achiness, fever, chills
- Yellowing of the skin (Jaundice)
Types of STIs
The most common STIs include:
- Herpes: An STI that can be genital or oral. It often has no symptoms, but the most common symptom is fluid filled blisters.
- Syphilis: A treatable STI that first presents a hard sore called a chancre on the genitals or mouth. Syphilis can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Gonorrhea: Also known as “the clap”, gonorrhea is an STI that is often asymptomatic
- Chlamydia: A very common STI that often has no symptoms.
- Genital warts: The most common STI caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment can get rid of the warts, but you can still transmit the STI to someone else. This infection does not become cancerous.
- Crabs (pubic lice): Tiny insects that live in your pubic hair and cause intense itching.
- HIV: The human immunodeficiency virus is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It usually does not have symptoms until you get AIDS.
- Hepatitis B: A viral STI that damages the liver, spread by contact with infected bodily fluids. It is not curable but can be managed.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): There are more than 30 strains of HPV, some of which can lead to cancer. An HPV vaccine is available.
- Trichomoniasis: A common but curable STI caused by a parasite that usually does not have symptoms.
- Vaginitis: Causes inflammation or infection in the vagina, and can come from bacteria, yeast, irritants like spermicide, or low estrogen.
HIV, genital herpes, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are not curable but can be managed to reduce symptoms and the risks of passing the infection to someone else.
Complications of STIs
Serious complications can occur from STIs if they are untreated, which is another reason that regular testing is important if you are sexually active. Complications include the following:
- Syphilis can lead to organ damage and nervous system damage, and can infect a fetus.
- HIV can lead to AIDs.
For females:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease which can damage the uterus
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility
For males:
- Swollen painful testicles
- Infertility
- Infections in the prostate and urethra
STI Testing
It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to be tested regularly if you are sexually active. Testing is simple and mostly painless, and may include:
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Cheek swab
- Taking a fluid sample from sores
- Taking a sample of discharge or cells from the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, or throat
If you test positive for any STI it’s important to inform all sexual partners and to start treatment immediately.
Treating STIs
Treatment for STIs include:
- Antibiotics for infections caused by bacteria or parasites, including syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. You should wait to resume sexual activity until 7 days after you’ve finished the full course of antibiotics.
- Antiviral medicines for HIV and herpes can keep the viruses from getting worse. For herpes you also may take daily suppressive therapy to reduce recurrences.
Preventing STIs
If you are sexually active, you should take precautions to keep yourself safe from STIs. To do so, you should:
- Always use a latex condom for any kind of sex.
- Use a dental dam for oral sex (women)
- Be selective about who you have sex with, or be monogamous
- If you’re going to have sex with someone, ask them to get tested first
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs before sex. Being under the influence can make you reckless and you might skip using protection
If you notice symptoms of an STI, see your healthcare provider immediately to get tested and start treatment to avoid complications.
In Closing
Sexually transmitted infections are common, but most are curable or manageable. It’s critical to get tested regularly if you are sexually active so that you can receive treatment before any complications develop. If you need to get tested or if you have an STI, Health Service Alliance is here to help. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
