Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Types of STIs

STIs can be either bacterial or viral.

  • Bacterial STIs can be cured with antibiotics, but any damage done prior to treatment is irreversible.
  • Viral STIs can not be cured but managed with medications

Below is a list of STIs our clinic tests and provides treatment. Please click here for more complete information on Sexually Transmitted Infection

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Ureaplasma
  • Mycoplasma
  • Herpes
  • HIV
  • Syphilis

Possible Symptoms

  • Discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Rashes and sores on skin
  • Painful urination
  • Blisters, sores, and itching on or around the genitals
  • Damage to internal organs
  • Fever and headaches
  • Abdominal pain
  • Strong odor
  • Permanent damage from STIs include: chronic pelvic pain, infertility, cervical cancer, major body organ damage.
  • If you have experienced any of these symptoms it is very important to get tested for a SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE. Make an appointment today to discuss your symptoms and learn about STI testing.

Facts About STIs

  • STIs in the U.S reach all-time high for 6th consecutive year (i)
  • 15-24 year olds account for almost half of all new STI infections (i)
  • 1 in 5 people in the US have an STI for a total of 68 million new infections and 26 million new STDs (ii)
  • STD’s can be bacteria, virus or other organisms that are transmitted through genital or sexual contact with someone who has the disease/infection
  • STDs can be passed on in two ways
    • Skin to Skin Contact with infected area
    • Contact with infected body fluids (Blood, Semen, Vaginal Fluid or Breast milk)
  • Most people infected with an STI don’t know they are
  • You can het an STI the first time you have sex
  • You may get an STI from someone who does not know he/she is infected
  • You can’t tell who has a STI by looking at them
  • Many STIs can be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy or birth.
  • Although condoms are known to reduce the risk of acquiring certain STIs, abstinence is the only 100% effective method towards protecting against STIs

A Word about Oral Sex and STIs

It important for you to know the facts regarding oral sex. A survey by the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) reports >50% of 15-24 year olds have performed or received oral sex. Having Oral sex avoids the risk of pregnancy, but is not risk-free from STIs. Transmission of STIs include but are not limited to gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, trichomonas, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma. (iii)

What is Oral Sex?

According to the CDC “Oral sex involves using the mouth, lips, or tongue to stimulate the penis (fellatio), vagina (cunnilingus), or anus (anilingus) of a sex partner. The penis and testicles and the vagina and area around the vagina are also called the genitals or genital area.” (iv)

Sexual Exposure

 

References:
i https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
ii https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/prevalence-incidence-cost-2020.htm
iii Goldstein, R., Halpern-Felsher, B., Adolescent Oral Sex and Condom Use: How Much Should We Worry and
What Can We Do?, Journal of Adolescent Health, Vol 62 issue 2, April 01, 2018
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.01.002
iv https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/stdfact-stdriskandoralsex.htm