Sexually transmitted infections, STIs, can infect anyone who is in contact with an infected partner, but many times, you are unaware of any risk. Although sexual activity is the highest risk mode of transmission, there is also a risk of sharing needles or being exposed to an infected person's sore, blood, or bodily fluids. The rates of STIs have increased tremendously in the past ten years in the United States and have not spared our community.
Unfortunately, we are at a time where many STIs are asymptomatic, showing "no symptoms," yet they can be easily transmitted to others. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations have recommended screening for populations of certain ages, groups, and risky activity, anyone who is sexually active should be screened at least once a year.
The largest age group that accounts for 50% of STIs is 15 – 24-year-olds. However, the rates in adults aged 55 years and older have doubled. The increase in older adults can be attributed to erectile dysfunction drugs, hormone therapy, people living together in assisted living facilities, new partners due to divorce or the death of a spouse, and lack of education.
Symptoms of an infection may present at any site that was exposed sexually: vaginal, penile, rectal, and oral. To be tested appropriately, it is important to be honest with your medical provider about what activity has been encountered.
Common symptoms include discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum, along with dysuria, which refers to discomfort, pain, or burning sensation during urination. Additional symptoms may include painful or painless sores and lesions at the location where sexual activity or skin-to-skin contact occurred.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the most common STIs in the United States, with 30% of cases having both. Chlamydia, for many years, has been more prevalent than Gonorrhea.
Other common STIs are Genital Herpes, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, Genital HPV, and Trichomoniasis.
Nationwide, there has been a tremendous increase in syphilis, but more alarming is the tripled increased rates of congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis is when an infected mother passes the infection to her baby during pregnancy or at birth. If an infection is detected during pregnancy and treatment is delayed, the baby may be at risk of serious health issues such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and birth defects. Pregnant women should promptly seek medical prenatal care to undergo screening for STIs and HIV. In the United States, it is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) that all pregnant patients be screened for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, again during the third trimester, and at birth. In Texas, the same guidelines are a law under the Texas Health and Safety Code, § 81.090.
Most of the time, STIs can be easily treated with antibiotics and without any long-term complications. However, in some instances, you will need lifelong treatment, like for HIV. Although there is no cure for HIV, we are now in a good place where persons living with HIV can live long and healthy lives. In most cases, if the person is compliant, they can control HIV and prevent complications. There is no cure for Genital Herpes, but there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms and the spread to others.
Several vaccines are accessible to provide protection against sexually transmitted infections like HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss whether this is an option for you or your child.
Abstinence is the only way to prevent STIs, along with monogamy, if all participants are compliant.
Test and know your status!
Reuben E Ybarra, LVN, DIS
Reuben has been a public health nurse for Victoria County since January 1995 and a CDC-certified Disease Intervention Specialist since April 2001. In 2010, Reuben also became a Responsible Entity (RE) for all the pediatricians in Victoria, DeWitt, Calhoun, and Jackson counties enrolled in the "Texas Vaccines For Children" CDC Program.
