How common are STI's?
The United States has an epidemic of sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). Over 70 million Americans currently have
an STI . 19 million new cases occur each year. Half of these are in
people under 25.
How do you get
them?
You get STIs during sexual activity. This includes
vaginal sex, oral sex] and anal sex. A few—HPV and herpes—can even be
spread by contact with infected skin. Others, such as HIV and
hepatitis, can be spread through needle-sharing. You can get STIs from
someone who has no symptoms.
What are the
symptoms?
Most people with STIs have no symptoms. Even without
symptoms, they can still pass on the infection. Some STIs cause
symptoms such as an abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina,
burning sensation when urinating and abdominal pain. Skin changes can
also occur; these include rashes, ulcers and warts.
What are the
complications?
In women, complications from infection include pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID), tubal pregnancy, infertility and cervical
cancer. In pregnant women, STIs can lead to miscarriage, stillbirths,
preterm delivery and birth defects. In men, HPV infection can cause
penile cancer. Some STIs, such as HIV, can be life-threatening.
Can they be
treated?
Most bacterial STIs can be treated and cured
with antibiotics. Treatment does not guarantee that complications have
not already occurred. A few viral STIs can be treated and
occasionally cured. However, other viral STIs can be treated for
symptoms, but not cured. These include HIV and herpes. An HPV vaccine
has recently become available and is recommended for young women.
However, this vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that
cause cancer and warts. How long it works is also unknown.
Can they be
prevented?
Yes, STIs can be prevented. Avoid all sexual activity
if you are single or be faithful to one uninfected partner for life.
This is the only way to avoid the risk of an infection.
There are also a number of ways to reduce
the risk of infection. The fewer people you have sex with, the lower
your your risk of getting STIs. Correct and consistent condom use can
also reduce (but not eliminate) your risk of getting most STIs.
Consistent condom use (100%) during vaginal sex
reduces your risk for:
- HIV by 85% [18-22]
- Gonorrhea by about 50% [18,25-28]
- Chlamydia by about 50% [18,25-28]
- Herpes by about 50% [18,27-28]
- Syphilis by about 50% [16,18,25-27]
- HPV by 50% or less [18,22-24]
Few studies have been done to see whether condoms reduce the risk of STIs, including HIV, during oral sex or anal sex. Waiting to have sex until you are in a faithful, lifelong relationship (such as marriage) is the only certain way to avoid being infected sexually.
*Information from the Institute for Medical Health