Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the new term for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The rates of many STIs, including HIV/AIDS, are on the rise, especially in people aged 25 and under. But what do you do if you're infected with one? And how can you even tell for sure if you have?
What if I'm infected?
If you think you might have an STI (previously known as an STD), the first step is to get tested. It is best to go to your own doctor for testing, because he or she will know your medical history and will be best able to advise and treat you. If you are not comfortable talking to your own doctor, you may choose to visit another clinic, or check to see what STI testing services are available in your area by checking your local yellow pages, under "Birth Control Information Services" or "Clinics: medical."
Since STIs may occur in groups, the doctor will probably test for a number of different infections. This may involve taking swabs of the genital area, taking fluid samples from sores, and getting urine or blood samples. If you have been infected, you will need to tell all of the people you have had sex with, so that they can also be tested and treated. Although this can be difficult to do, it is important that your sexual partner(s) be informed. If they are infected and don't receive the proper treatment, serious complications may develop and they may unknowingly pass on the infection to others.
The next step is treatment. Some STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. Others, like HIV, HPV, herpes, and hepatitis B, are caused by viruses and cannot be cured. However, they can be treated. Treatments for viruses include pills, creams, freezing or burning of the affected area, and surgery. Be sure to finish your full course of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Find out when it will be safe to start having sex again, and talk to your doctor about ways to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections in the future.
If your STI cannot be cured, you will need to talk about this with your sexual partner(s). To prevent infection of your partner(s), you will need to use condoms and dental dams when having sex. For some STIs, there may be other steps you can take to avoid infecting your partner - check with your doctor. In some cases, couples where one partner is infected may decide to risk infection of the other partner, especially if they are trying to get pregnant. If this is the case, you should talk to your doctor. Even if your STI can be cured, it is important to protect yourself and others from being infected again.
How can I tell if I have an STI?
STI symptoms can vary considerably, depending on the infection. Many STIs have no symptoms at all. These can be quite dangerous, since you may pass them on or leave them untreated because you are not aware of them. In other cases, the symptoms may not show up for weeks to months.
STIs can also have symptoms that are similar to those of other diseases that have nothing to do with sex. If you think you may have been at risk for an STI, some symptoms you may have are:
- sores, bumps or blisters near your genitals, anus or mouth
- burning or pain when you urinate
- itching, bad smell, dripping, or unusual discharge from your genitals or anus
- pain in your lower abdomen
- for women: bleeding from your vagina between your menstrual periods
If you have no symptoms, but are concerned that you may have been exposed to an STI, the only way to find out for sure is to be tested. Check with your doctor or the local clinic about testing for STIs. You may also be able to find out about confidential testing services in your area by checking your local yellow pages, under "Birth Control Information Services" or "Health and Personal Care." It is also a good idea to ask to be screened for STIs at your annual physical exam.
Read more...
Sexually Transmitted Infections - Part 2
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sexualityandU.ca
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Conditions database - Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
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