Sexually transmitted diseases, also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are bacteria and viruses transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex. The most common are chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma genitalium, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV.
HPV
This STI has been around for a while but rarely discussed until recently. HPV has gained a lot of attention since vaccines have been developed to target the most high-risk strains of the virus that can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is available to both males and females from ages 9-26.
"The reason to vaccinate is so that when a child does become sexually active in the future, the immune system will be ready," says Dr. Ashby.
Read More: Staying Protected: Vaccinations Aren't Just for Children
Studies have shown that after a college female’s first sexual experience, there is a 29% chance she will acquire some type of HPV. After three years, about 50% of those young women will be infected.
You cannot completely protect yourself from HPV by using a condom since the virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact. There is no cure for HPV, and the majority of young women who acquire it will fight it with their own immune system. Treatment is aimed at treating the problems that HPV can cause, such as abnormal Pap smears and genital warts. The rate of HPV in females increases as the number of lifetime sexual partners increases. Oropharyngeal (mouth and throat) HPV has also been isolated from males and females and leads to an increased risk of oral cancer, especially in smokers. This is why getting the vaccine is so important.
Hepatitis C
This is another STI that has recently become part of the conversation although not really a new player. Newer treatments have become available that are quite effective and incidence ranges from about 1%-3%.
“Most people with hepatitis C are asymptomatic, and routine annual screening bloodwork will not pick it up,” Dr. Ashby says. “Instead bloodwork specifically for hepatitis C screening must be ordered."
Risk factors for hepatitis C include receiving a blood transfusion before 1990, having sex with an infected partner, sharing needles and other paraphernalia for illicit drug use, and sharing razors, toothbrushes or other personal care products that may have blood on them. Healthcare workers are at especially high risk. Experts recommend routine testing for all people born between 1945 and 1965, especially those at high risk.
STI Screening
Screening for most STIs can be done at the same time you get your Pap smear or with a simple urine test. Bloodwork is required for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis.
“Some women perceive that their risk is only high for cervical infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, and forego bloodwork,” Dr. Ashby says. “However, complete screening often requires a combination of tests.”
You should be screened if you are having unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, infertility or painful intercourse. You should also follow current screening recommendations:
- All women younger than 26 who have had sex should be screened yearly for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Older women who have had sex with more than one partner and do not use condoms should be screened yearly for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- All men and women who do not have a stable partner or are having sex with more than one partner should be screened for all STIs.
- All men and women born between 1945 and 1965 should be screened for hepatitis C.
- Pregnant women should be screened for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV and hepatitis B.
- All teenagers who are sexually active should be screened yearly for HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Download the Guide: Screenings Women Need
Unfortunately, the number of sexual partners per person has risen in the last 25 years among all age groups, so the incidence of STIs is also rising.
”The good news is that the majority of these sexually transmitted infections can be treated with antibiotics and antiviral medications,“ Dr. Ashby says.
For some infections, such as herpes, medication can be taken on a daily basis to drastically reduce the chances of infecting a partner. Prevention with vaccines for HPV and hepatitis A and B, as well as the proper use of condoms, will reduce the chances of acquiring an STI.
Dr. Ashby warns that male condoms made out of sheep intestine and other natural materials do not protect against STIs and the use of hormonal birth control can prevent pregnancy but not sexually transmitted infections.
Read More: 5 Topics to Cover with Your Teenage Daughter
Talk to your health care provider about your risks and need for proper screening. With early identification of these sexually transmitted infections you can prevent and treat uncomfortable symptoms, infertility, pain, and sometimes even more serious problems such has HIV, hepatitis and cancer.
Need a provider with whom you can discuss your sexual health? Request an appointment with a Beaufort Memorial women’s health provider.
