Do I have a Sexually transmitted infection?

When you are sexually active, you may feel that pregnancy is your greatest concern. However, STDs/STIs (sexually transmitted diseases/sexually transmitted infections) are possibly even more worrisome. You are only at risk for pregnancy approximately five to six days per month (around the time of ovulation), but you are at risk for getting an STD/STI every time you have sex.

THE BASICS

There are now more than a dozen STDs, several of which are chronic, life-long infections. In the United States, estimates from the CDC indicate that one in five people had an STI on any given day in 2018, with nearly 26 million new STIs acquired yearly. Almost half of these occurred in people ages 15 to 24. This costs the U.S. healthcare system about $16 billion per year. [1]

WHAT ARE STDS?

Sexually transmitted diseases are diseases passed from one person to another through sexual activity (e.g. vaginal, oral and anal sex, outercourse or mutual masturbation). STDs can be transmitted through bodily fluids and through sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. This is because some STDs are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Some STDs can also be passed from a pregnant person to the baby. This can happen during pregnancy or when giving birth. 

It is important to remember that not everyone infected with an STD will experience signs or symptoms, or symptoms may be mild. However, STDs can still cause severe damage and can be passed to your partner(s) without your knowledge. You can spread the disease at any time- you do not have to be experiencing symptoms in order to be contagious. 

STDS AND STIS… WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

The terms STD (sexually transmitted disease) and STI (sexually transmitted infection) are often used interchangeably. Having an STI means that a person has an infection that has not yet developed into a disease. At this time there may or may not be symptoms present. An STD refers to the infection itself that has caused damage in a person’s body—though, like sexually transmitted infections, STDs may or may not be accompanied by symptoms. STI is the broader of the two terms. All STDs are STIs, though not all STIs become STDs.

PREVENTION

Condoms are not as effective as you might think when it comes to preventing the spread of STIs. Using a condom correctly during sex can only reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting certain STIs- it cannot eliminate the risk entirely. There are some vaccinations for some STIs but not for all. The only sure way to avoid infection is to abstain from engaging in sexual activity. If you think you may have an STI, call us to make an appointment. Facing the possibility of a sexually transmitted disease is scary, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

TREATMENT

Some STIs can be treated with medications such as antibiotics, but there is no cure for STDs caused by viruses. Medicines can help with symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection. Early detection is essential for effective treatment. 

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.