Reader’s Request Fridays: Everything You Need To Know About STIs
Welcome to Reader’s Request Fridays. As a reminder, I’ll be addressing one reader email per week, so if you have a specific question you’d like answered or a topic you’d like covered, please email me. If you’re interested in counseling, call (415) 658-5738 or visit my Appointments page to schedule a consultation.
This week is a continuation of Karen’s question from the last Reader’s Request Fridays.
This week, I’ll do a quick breakdown of the major Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Many people take a bury-their-head-in-the-sand type of approach when it comes to STIs. We all know how prevalent they are, and many of us would rather ignore the facts than have to change our behaviors.
If you’re one of the avoidant types, see if you can get through this entire article. I know the realities of STIs are difficult to come to terms with, but you can’t keep yourself safe if you don’t educate yourself.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the spread of bacteria during contact with the genitals or anus.
It is the most common STI in the US, with over three million new cases each year. Most people who transmit chlamydia have no symptoms, but those who do may experience pain or swelling, strange discharge, or uncomfortable urination.
Untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women and epididymitis in men.
Chlamydia can be easily tested for, and can be cured with a simple dose of antibiotics.
Genital Warts
Warts are caused by certain strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Warts are passed from skin to skin contact.
They are small growths on the skin around the genitals, anus, and mouth. They are usually flesh-colored, and appear bumpy like a head of cauliflower.
One million new cases are diagnosed every year.
In many cases, the body will get rid of the virus on its own, and the warts can disappear. Other people choose to get warts frozen off or surgically removed.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacteria infection.
Like chlamydia, gonorrhea tends to be asymptomatic. When symptoms do appear, they are similar to chlamydia – pain, swelling, and abnormal discharge.
About 750,000 new cases of gonorrhea are diagnosed every year.
Untreated, it can lead to infertility in women. Gonorrhea can easily be tested for, and it is treated with antibiotics.
Herpes
Herpes is caused by one of two strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus.
Herpes are small open sores, often appearing as clusters, that can develop on the mouth, genitals, or anus. We commonly refer to the sores that develop around the mouth as cold sores.
Herpes can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and there does not need to be an open lesion for transmission to happen.
8 in 10 Americans have oral herpes, and 1 in 4 have genital herpes.
The first outbreak is usually the most severe. Symptoms may disappear for weeks, months, or even years, before reappearing at some point. Many people who get the virus don’t have any symptoms. T
here is no cure for herpes, but there are medications you can take to suppress the development of an outbreak and lessen chances of transmission.
HIV/AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
It is passed through contact with the genitals, anus, or blood.
About a million people in the US have AIDS.
HIV attacks the immune system and makes our bodies unable to handle infections and illnesses that it would otherwise be completely capable of eradicating.
People with HIV can be symptom-free for years, even decades. Symptoms, when present, often resemble a flu – swelling, fever, and fatigue.
There is currently no cure, though in recent years, effective treatment has insured that people can live for decades with HIV.
Human Papilloma Virus
There are dozens of strains of HPV. Some strains cause genital and oral warts. Other can cause cancer, most frequently cervical cancer. Many others are simply cleared by the body without causing any symptoms. Other strains can remain dormant for decades before creating symptoms.
HPV is so common that almost 75% of people will have the virus at some point in their lives. HPV is incredibly infectious, and can spread from skin-to-skin contact even with the use of condoms or dental dams.
There is no cure for HPV, but there is a vaccine that protects women against the strains that cause cervical cancer.
Syphilis
Syphilis is another bacterial STI.
It is incredibly common, with around 60,000 new cases each year.
Many people with syphilis don’t have any symptoms. Some people may develop a small, open ulcer, called a chancre. Chancres last about a month.
If treatment is not sought, symptoms worsen to include rashes, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and weight loss. Eventually, serious damage to the heart and brain occur. Fortunately, syphilis can be treated with a simple course of antibiotics.
There are several important take-aways here:
- Know your body. If you know what your genitals (and the rest of your body, for that matter) usually look, smell, and feel like, you’ll be better able to notice symptoms.
- Know your risk. All sexual contact is risky in some way. I’ll be posting a detailed list of sexual activities, by risk level, in the coming weeks. One of the scariest thing about STIs is that so many of them are asymptomatic. You may think you’re healthy and being safe, and have no idea that you’re actually infected.
- Know your resources. Use websites like Planned Parenthood to help you learn more, locate testing centers, and get support.