Let’s talk about sex…and the health questions that often go unspoken. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions globally, yet they remain shrouded in stigma and misinformation. This blog post aims to shed light on this vital topic, providing you with factual information, and empowering you to make informed choices about your sexual health.
STIs are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, oral sex, and close physical contact like heavy petting. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause them and may present with a range of symptoms or be asymptomatic. These include gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, trichomoniasis, HIV, and parasites such as pubic lice. Other diseases that can also be transmitted by sexual contact are Hepatitis B & C. All are preventable, many are curable.
Clinical manifestations of STIs are often asymptomatic (no symptoms) or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and you might not know it. That is why getting an STI test is important. You need to get yourself checked if you are:
- Sexually active, regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and sexual behavior. Oral and anal sex can also transmit some STIs.
- Have multiple sexual partners. Get tested every time you change partners.
- Anyone who engages in sexual behaviors that could place them at risk for infection or shares injection drug equipment.
- Pregnant women. Some STIs can be transmitted to the baby.
The only way to avoid STIs is not to have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Lowering the chances of STIs if you’re sexually active can be done by using protection a.k.a. condoms/ dental dams the correct way. It’s important to remember that many people with an STI may be unaware of their infection. STIs often have no symptoms and are unrecognized. This goes to people with long-term monogamous relationships, one of the partners might contracted STIs from their past partners. That is why it’s also important to have both parties tested and get negative results. So when was the last time you got tested?
