Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Also referred to as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

:: Are You at Risk?

• Are you sexually active?
• Do you have more than one partner?
• Has your sexual partner had other sexual partners?
• Have you known your partner for less than one year?
• Have you changed sexual partners since you were last tested for STI’s?
• Have you ever had oral or anal sex?

Remember, when you have sex with someone, you are exposed to everyone they’ve had sex with before you.

:: Did You Know?

• One in four will get an STI in their lifetime.
• More than 70 million people have an incurable STI.
• Half of all STI’s occur in people younger than 25.
• One in four teenage girls has an STI.
• Infection with an STI often has no symptoms.
• Infection with an STI is possible without intercourse.
• It takes only ONE sexual partner to be at risk if that partner has had one or more other sexual partners.

:: What Causes STIs?

• STI’s can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.
• Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral STI.

:: How Do You Get STIs?

• Any sexual activity.  This includes vaginal sex, oral sex and anal sex.
• HPV and herpes can be spread by contact with infected skin.
• You can get STI’s from a person who has no symptoms.

:: What Are Possible Symptoms of an STI?

• STIs often have no visible symptoms, so you or your partner may not even know you have one.
• Some common symptoms include: pain or burning while urinating, rashes, sores, blisters, itchiness, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina and pain during sex.

:: What Are Some of the Possible Complications?

• Pelvic Inflammatory disease
• Ectopic Pregnancy (pregnancy somewhere other than the uterus)
• Infertility
• Cervical Cancer or Penile Cancer
• Miscarriage or Stillbirth
• Preterm delivery
• Death

:: What are the Available Treatments?

• Most bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics and cured.
• Treatment does not reverse any damage that may have already occurred.
• Viral STIs can be treated for symptoms, but not cured.
• An HPV vaccine has recently become available and is recommended for young women.  The HPV vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that cause cancer and warts.

:: How Can I Prevent Myself from Getting an STI?

• The only way to be 100% safe from STIs and HIV/AIDS is to abstain from all sexual activities until you and your uninfected partner can remain faithful to each other for life.
• Correct and consistent condom use can reduce (but not eliminate) your risk of getting most STIs.
• Consistent and correct condom use during vaginal sex reduces your risk for:
• HIV by 85%
• Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes and Syphilis by about 50%
• HPV by 50% or less

If you think you may be infected with an STI see a healthcare provider right away. Care Net offers free STI testing and treatment for women. Call us 24/7 to make an appointment for confidential testing. 1-800-395-HELP or 608-259-1605.

For more information on Sexually Transmitted Infections see www.medinstitute.org.

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

Sources:
1. “The Facts about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),” The Medical Institute, http://www.medinstitute.org/content.php?name=stifacts
2. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/std