7 Important Facts to Know About Common STIs.

There are more than a million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) acquired everyday, according to the World Health Organization. Yet talking about STIs can be a sensitive or taboo topic for many. Not every intimate encounter will involve an STI, but there are some important facts everyone should know to protect themselves and loved ones, as well as steps to take if you think you’ve been exposed to an infection. 

1. The terms “STI” and “STD” are often used interchangeably but vary slightly by definition.

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection that you can spread through sexual contact. It’s not uncommon to also refer to STIs as STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases. But, technically speaking, an STD is essentially the symptoms that result from the infection. In other words, an STI is the actual infection present in the body while an STD is what happens after the infection.

2. Many women with STIs don’t notice symptoms.

When it comes to many common STIs, women tend to be asymptomatic, which means they don’t necessarily notice symptoms. That’s probably because it’s harder to spot abnormalities because female genital organs are inside the body. In contrast, many men do experience symptoms—often quickly after the infection spreads. However, some STIs, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) don’t cause symptoms at all in men or women. As a result, it can spread quickly because carriers don’t necessarily know they have it. 

In all cases, STI symptoms will vary by individual, and different STIs may cause different symptoms. However, if you think you may have been exposed to an STI, or you experience a change in urination, you should seek care right away. The following symptoms may be an indication that something is wrong:

• Burning during urination

• Unusual discharge

• Genital ulcers or lesions

• Redness 

• Itching

• Pain during intercourse (women)
  
  

3. Untreated STIs can lead to infertility and other health complications.

STIs can cause serious consequences for an individual’s health. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common STI in the U.S. Both are treatable but can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, if left untreated. This can have a profound impact on a woman’s reproductive health, leading to ectopic or tubal pregnancy, as well as infertility. Trichomoniasis is another common STI, which is linked to miscarriage. 

In addition, HPV is another common STI, affecting about three-quarters of all sexually active people. HPV is incurable and severe strains can lead to cervical, rectal, or throat cancers. That’s why it’s so important to get the HPV vaccine as a preventative measure.

Syphilis is another STI that, while curable, is also linked to infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and stillbirth. Syphilis can often go undetected for long periods of time because it has a tendency to lie dormant and then reappear off and on for years. Over this length of time, the infection can lead to heart disease and negative visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments.

4. There are several ways to help prevent an STI.

It’s probably no surprise that abstaining from sex is the best way to prevent an STI. But there are a variety of other ways you can protect yourself from STIs if you choose to have intimate partners. When used correctly, both male and female condoms can be an effective measure against many STIs. 

In addition, vaccination is available and recommended for both hepatitis B as well as HPV. Getting vaccinated against HPV between the ages of 11 and 26 is also essential in helping to protect you against cervical cancer. Adolescents and young adults who have not already been vaccinated against hepatitis B can choose to do so to acquire immunity.

There are also various prep courses available, which are medications taken either before or after a sexual encounter to reduce your risk of a certain STI. For example, DoxyPEP, is an antibiotic that can be taken around the time of sexual contact and has shown a two-thirds reduction in the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. In addition, HIV PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is an HIV medication that someone without the HIV infection can take to prevent transmission of the virus if they think they have an exposure risk.

In addition, it’s always wise to share any diagnosis with your partners, even if you’re undergoing treatment or cured. We can’t always pinpoint the timeline of when the STI was spread but it’s good to be open where you can. Other STIs require reporting to the health department so that we can contact-trace it to others and identify where we can stop the spread. Certain STIs, such as HIV or herpes, are incurable and can be in remission for years. These patients may not know whether they’ve been spreading it but tracing it to the source is critical to prevent further spread.

5. It’s a good idea to start talking to adolescents about STIs.

Education and awareness can be key to preventing STIs altogether, but don’t wait until high school to start telling your teens about the risks. While STIs typically affect people between the ages of 15 and 49, middle school is the prime time to start talking to youth about prevention. Multiple studies polled high school teens as young as 13, and 31 percent, on average, said they already had a sexual encounter before the program. By middle school, most kids are aware of what sex is and should learn how STDs are spread and why prevention—and prompt treatment is important.

6. Some insurance companies will only pay for one screening per year, unless you have symptoms.

If you’re under the age of 25, getting a yearly STI screening can be a good primary care prevention step. However, if you are interested in a screening because you think you’ve been exposed to an infection or you have symptoms, be honest with your provider about that so you don’t get a surprising out-of-pocket bill, especially if you’ve had a screening already within the past twelve months. Diagnosis and treatment is billed differently for those who have symptoms, so don’t let the stigma of an STI deter you from giving your provider all the information they need to help you get the appropriate care you need.

7. Many of the most common STIs are treatable.

Some STIs can be lifelong, as there is no cure for HPV, hepatitis B, and HIV, for example. However, in most cases, treatment is available and we’re here to help you navigate the right next steps.

An STI diagnosis can feel like the end of the world, but it’s not. STIs are far more common than you think, and fortunately, most of them are treatable. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can all be cured with antibiotics. That’s why it’s important to seek care as soon as you think you may have been exposed to someone with an STI or you experience symptoms. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can get appropriate and effective treatment and lower your risk for additional health complications.  

At MedStar Health, we offer prompt diagnosis, including same-day rapid STI testing for women, with rapid STI testing for men awaiting FDA-approval. Our providers are here to help you get the treatment you need. Be open and honest so we know how to help protect you and any future partners.