It is important for many reasons to be aware of the prevention and risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) because untreated STI’s can lead to long term problems such as infertility or chronic serious illnesses such as Hepatitis B or HIV.
STI’s affect individuals of all ages and types of people. See the section below for an overview of how serious the problem is especially for young people
The best way to prevent long lasting damage to body tissues and functions is to prevent them by reducing risk factors:
- Abstinence, monogamy, or reduction of sex partners
- Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex
- Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B and HPV
- Get screened for HPV, Hepatitis B, HIV, chlamydiaCDC Website
- If exposed to unprotected sex, get tested
Many STI’s can be treated successfully like other types of infections with the appropriate antibiotics. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides information that is based on research. It is also a rich source of information on each type of STI, and recommendations for screening and vaccination. Use the link below to learn more about these: http://www.cdc.gov/std/
Vaccinations
Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV. HPV vaccines for males and females can protect against some of the most common types of HPV. It is best to get all three doses (shots) before becoming sexually active. However, HPV vaccines are recommended for all teen girls and women through age 26 and all teen boys and men through age 21, who did not get all three doses of the vaccine when they were younger. You should also get vaccinated for hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger. (Source: CDC)
Screening and Testing
- All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
- Annual chlamydia screening for all sexually active women age 25 and under, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners.
- Yearly gonorrhea screening for at-risk sexually active women (e.g., those with new or multiple sex partners, and women who live in communities with a high burden of disease).
- Syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, and hepatitis B screening for all pregnant women, and gonorrhea screening for at-risk pregnant women starting early in pregnancy, with repeat testing as needed, to protect the health of mothers and their infants.
- Screening at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea for all sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM who have multiple or anonymous partners should be screened more frequently for STDs (i.e., at 3-to-6 month intervals).
- Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months). (Source: CDC)
If you know you are infected you can take steps to protect yourself and your partners.
Be sure to ask a healthcare provider to test you for STDs — asking is the only way to know whether you are receiving the right tests. And don’t forget to tell your partner to ask a healthcare provider about STD testing as well.
Many STDs can be easily diagnosed and treated. If either you or your partner is infected, both of you need to receive treatment at the same time to avoid getting re-infected. (Source: CDC)
Use the helpful link below to find where you can go for testing, by entering a zip code:
Herzing University, Clinical Nurse Educator Rogers Memorial Hospital, Joan has several years experience working with survivors across the lifespan.
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