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DoxyPep 100mg
Post-exposure prophylaxis to help prevent bacterial STIs.
- Take Within 72 Hours
- Cuts Bacterial STI Risk
- Simple As-Needed Dose
Metronidazole 500mg
Antibiotic for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis.
- Treats BV & Trich
- Proven Antibiotic
- Short Treatment Course
Valacyclovir 500mg
Antiviral that controls and suppresses herpes outbreaks.
- Controls Outbreaks
- Daily Suppression Option
- Reduces Transmission
The more you know about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the easier it is to protect yourself.
April is sexually transmitted infection (STI) Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn the basics of STIs. The United States experienced record levels of combined syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia cases in 2018. STIs are common, but are also treatable.
The Internet contains multitudes of information about sexual health, so it is important to have access to medically accurate information to stay safe. Read ahead for a comprehensive refresher on STIs.
What are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. More than 30 different viruses, bacteria, and parasites are known to cause STIs. Some people refer to STIs as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The eight STIs linked to the greatest incidence of infection throughout the world are shared below.
Common bacterial STIs Include:
- Chlamydia. This is one of the most common STIs in the United States. It often does not cause severe symptoms, but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated. Chlamydia is most prevalent in young women and it is common for women to experience repeat infections.
- Gonorrhea. This STI is sometimes accompanied by a chlamydia infection. Gonorrhea is sometimes referred to as “the clap” or “the drip.” It is very common and often does not cause severe symptoms, but can lead to health complications if left untreated.
- Syphilis. This STI has reemerged in the United States over the past decade. It is a three-stage STI that is accompanied by sores, rash, and other symptoms. Syphilis is especially dangerous to pregnant women and can lead to severe birth outcomes, such as stillbirth.
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS. It is most commonly spread through unprotected sex or the sharing of needles and syringes. Though it stays in the body for life, modern treatments have significantly improved quality of life and length of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus). This viral infection is the most common STI in the United States. It can be spread through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections are harmless and go undetected, but several strains of the virus can lead to complications such as genital warts or cancer. This infection is easily prevented with the HPV vaccine.
- Herpes. This common virus is known to cause sores on the genitals and sometimes mouth of those who are living with the virus. Herpes outbreaks can be painful, but typically do not lead to serious complications.
- Hepatitis B. This virus is easily spread to those who are not vaccinated for Hepatitis B through sexual contact. The virus can lead to liver disease, but treatments are available to those living with the infection.
The most common parasitical STI is:
- Trichomoniasis (Trich). Millions of people become infected with “trich” every year. Though it usually does not appear with noticeable symptoms, it can cause irritation and discomfort of the genitals, especially during urination. This parasite is easily treated with antibiotics.
How Do You Know if Someone Has an STI?
The most common symptom of all STIs is – no symptoms. This means that many people currently living with an STI do not realize they have one. Men are more likely to experience STI symptoms than women for STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. The only way for someone to know if they have an STI is to be tested.
How Do You Prevent STIs?
Fortunately, STIs can be prevented. When people know the facts about STIs, know their sexual health status, and take precautions, they are practicing “safer sex.”
Prevention methods include:
- Abstinence
- Reduced number of sex partners
- Mutual monogamy
- Vaccination (HPV and Hepatitis B)
- Male condom use
- Female condom use
- Dental dam use
- PrEP (HIV only)
How Do You Treat STIs?
Many STIs can be cured, and for those that cannot, treatment is available to help manage symptoms and prevent transmission to other people. Treatment for STIs include antibiotics, antivirals, and pain management remedies. For example, antivirals, such as Valtrex, help people to manage painful herpes outbreaks.
The four STIs that are currently 100 percent curable include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
There is nothing shameful about having an STI, especially when there are more effective treatments available than ever before. Those interested in ordering sexual health treatments online can now have medications delivered right to their front door. View your options for erectile dysfunction and sexual health treatments online at eDrugstore.com today!
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).