What is an STI or STD? Do I have one?

Have you heard about STIs or STDs but aren’t sure what they are? The letters STI /STD stand for sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

STIs are infections and viruses that you get through sexual contact, including oral, anal, vaginal sex and genital touching. Many STIs have no symptoms, and you can pass them without knowing it to sexual partners. While some STIs are easy to treat and cure, others have no cure.  A lot of people get STIs every day.

Maybe you’ve heard of these common STIs: 

  • Chlamydia (“the clam”)

  • Herpes 

  • Gonorrhea (“clap”)

  • Syphilis 

  • Trichomoniasis (“trick”) 

  • Hepatitis B 

  • HIV/AIDS 

  • HPV (human papilloma virus) which cause genital warts

How do I know if I have an STI?  

Many people with STIs have no symptoms at all to let them know they’re sick. They end up spreading their STIs to their partners without knowing it.  Some people do have symptoms with an STI, like these below....  

  • Sores or warts on the genital area 

  • Pain or burning when you pee 

  • Itching and redness in the genital area 

  • Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis 

  • Blisters or sores in or around the mouth 

  • Abdominal pain 

  • Fever 

Can my STI be cured?  

It depends. Currently, these four STIs can be cured with antibiotics:

  • Syphilis 

  • Gonorrhea 

  • Chlamydia 

  • Trichomoniasis 

If you test positive, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that you take for a few days. Tell your partner to get tested and treated also. But remember, you can catch any STIs again if new partners are infected. 

There are four STIs that can’t be cured: 

  • Hepatitis B 

  • Herpes  

  • HIV/AIDS 

  • HPV   

However, a doctor can prescribe medication & treatment to lessen the symptoms and to slow down its spread. You may need to take several medications over a number of years for treatment. 

 

What if I don't get tested and treated?  

If you don’t seek treatment after a positive STI test, then you may have life-long health problems which could lead to infertility, organ damage, or certain types of cancer. Plus STIs left untreated can increase your risk of acquiring another STI, including HIV. Think of it this way, if you have a urinary tract infection but don’t treat it with antibiotics, it could get worse over time, spread to your kidneys, and cause severe damage. The important thing is to get tested and treated right away.

If you don’t get treated for STIs, there are risks:

  • Chlamydia & Gonorrhea- If untreated, can lead to infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. 

  • Syphilis- Can lead to dementia, heart damage, brain damage, kidney or eye disease, Loss of motor skills and blindness. 

  • Genital herpes- If untreated, can lead to meningitis, or bladder problems. 

  • HIV- causes a suppressed immune system which can make you more likely to catch other disease and illnesses. 

  • HPV- If untreated, can lead to penile cancer or cervical cancer. 

  • Hepatitis B- can lead to liver damage, liver cancer, or cirrhosis of the liver. 

What if I’m pregnant? Should I get tested?

Yes! If you are pregnant, get tested for STIs, including HIV, as a part of your medical care. STIs can complicate your pregnancy and may have serious effects on both you and your developing baby.  Sometimes an STI will spread from a woman to her child during pregnancy, vaginal birth, and/or breastfeeding. Most of these problems can be prevented if you receive testing for STIs starting early in pregnancy and repeated close to delivery, as needed.

 Why do people not get tested for STIs? 

1) Don’t understand how to get STIs

You can get an STI from any sexual contact. Even if the person you're having sex with looks healthy, they could be infected. Don't take their word for it. Your health is important!

2) Won’t talk with their doctor

Take your health seriously. Visit your doctor and ask them about STIs. They can give you up-to-date information about STIs and can test you or refer you for testing.

3) Not taking precautions to avoid STIs

If you're sexually active, take the precautions to avoid getting an STI. Using a condom is one way to protect yourself, but sometimes they break. Talk to your partner and ask them to get tested too. If a partner is unwilling to be tested for an STI, it may be time to end the relationship because they don't value your health.  Respect yourself! The more partners you have the higher your chances of getting STIs.

4) May feel ashamed  

You should never feel embarrassed or ashamed about being sick. Many STIs are treatable infections. Your health is important. Don't give in to fear or shame. It’s important that you take care of yourself and get the treatment right away.

 At NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers, we provide up-to-date information to protect your health. Our clinics offer free STI testing for our patients. Our staff is non-judgmental, professional and kind. Many of us have been in your situation, so we understand what you're going through. 

 Take care of yourself!

Now that you know about STIs, take care of yourself and get tested, even if you are afraid to find out. You are worth it! We are available to help you. Please contact us at 703-278-5433 (in Fairfax) or 703-780-4700 (in Alexandria) or on novapregnancy.org today.

Mai Bean