Sexually Transmitted Infections: Screenings Protect Your Health

Just as the name sounds, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that spread from person to person through sexual contact. STIs can be uncomfortable and also cause other serious health issues.

Some STIs often have no symptoms, so they can spread silently from person to person. It’s estimated that 20% of adults have an STI. In 2022, Texas had more than 135,000 cases of chlamydia, 58,000 cases of gonorrhea, and 2,700 cases of syphilis. In fact, Texas had the third-highest number of babies born with syphilis, passed on from their mothers.

STIs can occur in people of all ages. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms and talk to your health care provider about whether you should be getting regular screenings. 

Common STIs

The following are just a few of the 20+ STIs found in the US and Texas. It’s important to know what they are and how they can be prevented:       

Chlamydia: This is a common bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. It can affect both men and women, usually in the genital area. But it can also affect your eyes, throat, or rectum. Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms, which is why it can go unnoticed. If symptoms do appear, they might include pain when going to the bathroom or unusual discharge from the penis or vagina. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and can make it harder to have children later.

Gonorrhea: Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that can cause painful urination, unusual discharge, or a sore throat. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 10 days after you’re exposed. Some people have no symptoms at all. If gonorrhea isn’t treated, it can cause infertility. Plus, it may increase your risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Syphilis: This bacterial infection happens in stages. It starts with painless sores or ulcers, often on the genitals, anus, or mouth. These sores usually show up between three weeks and three months after exposure. The sores may go away on their own, but the infection can still spread to others through sexual contact. If syphilis is left untreated, it can cause damage to your heart, brain, and other organs and can even cause death.

HIV: This is a virus that attacks your immune system. Early symptoms can include a fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. These usually appear two to four weeks after you’re exposed. But some people don’t have any symptoms for years, so getting tested is important. If HIV isn’t treated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which weakens your immune system and makes it harder to fight infections and certain cancers.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which may show up weeks, months, or even years after exposure. Yet, most people don’t know they have HPV because they don’t have symptoms. If untreated, certain strains of HPV can lead to cancers, including cervical cancer in women.

Preventing STIs

There are several simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting an STI, including:

• Using condoms: Condoms are the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting an STI during sex.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B (a liver infection spread by blood and bodily fluids) can offer protection against these diseases.
• Limit your sexual partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners can lower the risk of exposure to STIs.
• Get screened: STI screenings should be part of routine health care for anyone who is sexually active.

Regular STI screenings are important because they can find infections before they cause lasting damage. This is why it’s important for people of all ages, especially those who are sexually active, to get tested. Even people who are in long-term relationships with the same sexual partner should consider getting regular screenings because their partners may have had previous sexual encounters that could put them at risk.

Innovista Medical Center offers STI screening for both teens and adults of all ages. Whether you're a teenager who is starting to become sexually active or an adult who is concerned about potential exposure, getting tested is an essential step for protecting both yourself and your partners. If you don’t have a provider you see regularly, click here or call us at 866-325-0301.