High school sex ed class should have given us all the knowledge we need to make safe and informed decisions about our sexual health, right? Unfortunately, many of us sat through sex ed classes that never went into nearly enough detail about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), leaving major gaps in our understanding of sexual health. This guide is meant to help fill those gaps. We’re covering everything from common STIs like chlamydia and syphilis to STI prevention and treatment options to communicating with your partner about safe sex. Now, let’s dive into the facts that may have been missed in those dreaded sex ed classes.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

STIs are infections that spread primarily through sexual contact, which includes vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex. STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and can affect anyone who is sexually active.

Common STIs

Several common STIs can lead to serious health issues if not treated soon enough. Always consult your healthcare provider right away if you have any suspicion you may have an STI.

• Chlamydia: A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

• Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

• Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis progresses in stages, each with different symptoms.

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): A viral infection that can cause genital warts and, for some women It can lead to cervical cancer if not treated soon enough.

• Genital Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), leading to painful sores or blisters in the genital area.

• HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV is a viral infection that weakens the immune system, and if untreated it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

• Trichomoniasis: A parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.

STIs vs. STDs: What’s the Difference?

The terms STI and STD are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same. An STI is an infection, meaning the presence of bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the body. When that infection causes symptoms or health issues, it’s referred to as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is important to get an STI treated before it becomes an STD.

How Are STIs Spread?

STIs spread primarily through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs, like HPV and genital herpes, can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact when an active outbreak occurs. Others, such as HIV and hepatitis B, can be transmitted through blood, shared needles, or from a mother to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. However, certain factors can increase the risk:

• Having Multiple Sexual Partners: The more partners you have, the higher your risk.

• Not Using Protection: Not using condoms or dental dams increases your chances of contracting an STI.

• Young Age: Adolescents and young adults have higher rates of STIs due to a mix of biological and behavioral factors.

• Previous STIs: Having had an STI before can make you more susceptible to getting another one.

• Limited Access to Health Care: Not having access to regular health services, testing, and treatment increases your risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Common STIs?

Symptoms of STIs vary depending on the infection. Some common symptoms include:

• Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Often, there are no symptoms, but there can be pain during urination and unusual vaginal discharge.

• Syphilis: Begins with a painless sore, followed by rashes and flu-like symptoms.

• HPV: Some strains cause genital warts, while others may lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.

• Genital Herpes: Causes painful sores or blisters in the genital area.

• Trichomoniasis: Can cause itching, burning, or unusual vaginal discharge.

Long-Term Health Problems

If untreated, STIs can lead to severe health issues including:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Often caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea, PID and can lead to infertility.

• Cervical Cancer: High-risk HPV strains can cause cervical cancer if not detected early enough.

• HIV/AIDS: Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS, severely weakening the immune system.

• Infertility: Both men and women can become infertile due to untreated STIs.

• Pregnancy Complications: Untreated STIs can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or birth defects.

Why Is STI Testing Important?

Getting tested regularly for STIs is important if you are sexually active, especially because many STIs don’t show symptoms right away. Early detection allows for early treatment, which can drastically prevent complications and stop the spread to other sexual partners.

Types of STI Tests

Different STIs require different tests: Here are the tests commonly used:

• Blood Tests: Used to detect HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.

• Urine Tests: Common for detecting chlamydia and gonorrhea.

• Swab Tests: Swabs of the genitals, throat, or rectum can detect infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

• Pap Smears and HPV Tests: Pap smears check for cervical changes due to HPV, and specific tests can detect the virus itself.

When Should You Get Tested?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend testing based on factors like age, sexual activity, and risk level. Generally, you should get tested if:

• You have a new sexual partner.

• You have multiple sexual partners.

• You engage in unprotected sex.

• You experience symptoms of an STI.

• You’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

Treatment Options for STIs

Treatment depends on whether the STI is bacterial, viral, or parasitic:

• Bacterial STIs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis): Treated with antibiotics. Early treatment can cure the infection and prevent future complications.

• Viral STIs (HPV, Genital Herpes, HIV): These can’t be cured, but antiviral medications can manage symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to sexual partners.

• Parasitic STIs (Trichomoniasis): Treated and cured with antibiotics like metronidazole.

Following Treatment Plans

It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when being treated for an STI. This includes taking all prescribed medications, even if you start feeling better before they are gone. Stopping treatment early can lead to drug resistance and make the infection harder to treat.

STI Prevention and Safe Practices

Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from STIs:

• Use Protection Condoms and Dental Dams provide a barrier between skin contact that reduces the risk of transmission.

• Limit Sex Partners: Having fewer partners reduces your exposure risk.

• Get Vaccinated: Preventative vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV and hepatitis B.

• Regular Testing: Regular STI screenings can catch infections early and prevent complications and spreading.

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medication that can prevent HIV infection for people who are at higher risk.

Discussing Sexual Health with Partners

Talking about sexual health with your partners is so important. Be honest about your sexual history and STI testing, and agree on testing and using protection before engaging in sexual activity. Communication helps both of you stay safe.

Staying informed, getting tested regularly, and practicing safe sex can protect you and your partners from STIs and STDs. If you think you might have an STI, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious health issues and stop the spread of infection.

Remember, taking control of your sexual health is one of the most important steps you can take for your overall well-being.

I’m Dr. Michael Stokes, and I empower men to take control of their sexual health. Join me and start working toward a healthier and better-informed sex life. Contact me today.

References

National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention; About Division of STD Prevention

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine;Health and Medicine Division;Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice;Committee on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States; Crowley JS, Geller AB, Vermund SH, editors. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2021 Mar 24. B, STI Screening and Treatment Guidelines Issued by Health Professional Societies. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573163/

Ricco J, Westby A. Syphilis: Far from Ancient History. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Jul 15;102(2):91-98. PMID: 32667172.

Burd EM2003.Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer. Clin Microbiol Rev 16:.https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.16.1.1-17.2003