‘Tis the season of the unwanted gift! Unfortunately, the days following holidays continue the trend of increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

STIs can infect anyone who comes into contact with an infected partner, but many times, individuals are unaware they are at 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 sores, blood, or bodily fluids. The rates of STIs have continued to increase over the past 10 years in the United States and in our local community.

Many STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms, but can still be transmitted to another person. Although the CDC and other health organizations have recommended screening for populations of certain age groups, populations, and risky activities, anyone who is sexually active should be screened at least once a year.

The largest age group that accounts for 50% of the STI cases is individuals ages 15 – 24 years old. However, the rates in adults ages 55 years and older have doubled. The increase in the 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 a lack of education.

Symptoms of an infection may present at any site that was exposed during sexual activity. It is important to be honest with your medical provider about any activities you have engaged in to ensure you are tested appropriately.

Common symptoms may include discharge and dysuria, which is discomfort, pain, or burning during urination. Other symptoms may include painful or painless sores and lesions at a site that was used during sexual activity or skin-to-skin contact.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the most common STIs in the United States, with 30% of cases having both. For many years, Chlamydia has been more prevalent than Gonorrhea.

Other common STIs include Genital Herpes, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, Genital HPV, and Trichomoniasis. There is no cure for Genital Herpes, but treatments can help reduce symptoms and prevent spread to others.

Nationwide, there has been a tremendous increase in Syphilis, but more alarming is the tripled increase in rates of congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis occurs when an infected mother passes the infection to her baby during pregnancy or at birth. If the infection is not detected and treatment is not given early in the pregnancy, the baby is at risk of serious health conditions, including miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and birth defects. Any female who is pregnant should seek medical prenatal care as soon as possible to be screened 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 law under the Texas Health and Safety Code, § 81.090.

Most STIs can be easily treated with antibiotics and do not cause long-term complications. However, in some instances, lifelong treatment is needed, such as 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 with treatment, they can control HIV and prevent complications.

A few vaccines are available that can help protect against certain STIs, including HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B. Speak with your health-care provider to determine if 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.

Reuben E. Ybarra, LVN, DIS, has served as a public health nurse for Victoria County since January 1995 and has been a CDC-certified Disease Intervention Specialist since April 2001. In 2010, he also became a Responsible Entity (RE) for pediatricians in Victoria, DeWitt, Calhoun, and Jackson counties enrolled in the “Texas Vaccines for Children” CDC Program.