More than 30 different infections can be transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex where there is skin-to-skin contact. The World Health Organization advises that when used correctly and consistently, latex condoms are one of the best methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and should be used whenever possible in all vaginal and anal sex. Although highly effective, condoms do not offer protection for all STIs.
Because you may only experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, the absence of symptoms is not a reliable predictor of who may or may not have a STI. That means getting tested is a highly effective way to protect yourself.
STI vs. STD: What’s the Difference?
STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites spread primarily through sexual contact and result in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STIs pass from one person to another in blood, semen and other bodily fluids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Detecting the presence of an STI in women is particularly important because symptoms are not always visible, and an untreated sexually transmitted infection may result in future fertility or health problems or pass to infants during pregnancy and childbirth.
What Are The Symptoms of STIs?
Common symptoms of STIs that you should be aware of for you and your partner include abnormal or discolored discharge from the vagina or penis, swelling or itching in the genital areas, a burning sensation when passing urine, frequent urination, rash, painful sex, and sores or warts around the vagina, penis, mouth or anus.
Most importantly, these infections do not always have symptoms. Therefore, routine testing is important to prevent transmission and complications resulting from these diseases.
What if I Have an STI While Pregnant?
You can still contract STIs while you are pregnant, and experience the same problems as women who are not pregnant. Having an STI while you’re pregnant can also impact the health of your unborn baby.
If you have an STI while pregnant, it can cause premature labor (labor prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy) and infection in the uterus after birth. Additionally, some STIs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, genital herpes, and HIV can pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth, or after delivery through breastfeeding.
If you pass an STI to your baby, the harmful effects may include:
- Low birth weight
- Brain damage
- Eye infection
- Chronic liver disease
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Stillbirth
STI Testing with Advantia Health
All sexually active women should get tested for STIs on a regular basis. Even if you don’t have symptoms, routine STI testing is essential for good health.
STI testing is particularly important if:
- You’re in a new relationship with a new partner.
- You’re sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship (your partner may have multiple sexual partners).
- You exhibit any symptoms of a STI mentioned above such as: genital itching, rashes in the genital area or abnormal discharge.
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Advantia Health offers STI testing and health screenings for HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
What are the Treatment Options for STIs?
Treatment options will depend on the specific infection. In some cases, where the STI is caused by a bacteria (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea), a course of antibiotics is all that is needed. Other STIs, such as those caused by viruses (such as genital herpes or HIV), have no cure and may require more detailed treatment and life-long management.
How to Care for Myself and Baby if I Have an STI
If you are pregnant, regular prenatal care that includes STI testing can help you prevent some of the complications that are caused by an STI. For STIs that can be treated with antibiotics, your doctor can prescribe those that are safe to take during pregnancy.
For STIs that are caused by a virus, antiviral medicines may be available to lower the risk of transmitting the infection to your baby during pregnancy. A cesarean section can also help lower the risk of transmitting an STI during delivery.
You should disclose all medical concerns to your doctor and discuss the possible side effects of medicine or existing STIs on your unborn child and your newborn. You should also talk to your doctor, nurse or lactation consultant about the risk of passing an STI to your baby while breastfeeding.
Your Advantia Health provider understands that discussing intimate health concerns, especially a possible STI, can be difficult. We’ve cultivated an environment that fosters trust, respect and empathy because we recognize that when you feel at ease, you can openly communicate your concerns and goals. Your Advantia Health provider can help answer your questions, help you navigate tests and tailor a personalized healthcare plan that meets your specific needs. Book your appointment today!
