How to Treat and Prevent STIs

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are among the most common infections in the US, with over 20 million Americans suffering from an STI every year. If you feel any symptoms, contact your provider as soon as possible. Remember to always have safe sex practices and always be open & honest with your partner.  

What are STIs?

STIs are infections spread through sexual contact. They can be transferred through mouth, rectum, genitals, skin, or body fluids. A lot don’t have immediate symptoms, so make sure you’re being open with your doctor about your sexual history and getting tested regularly, especially after having unprotected sex. 

How do I know if I have an STI?

Common symptoms for a lot of STIs are sores or bumps around the genitals, rectum, or mouth/throat, abnormal discharge (can be thick and/or frothy and discoloured, usually a yellow, green, or grey hue), and pain or itching in the infected areas. Even if these symptoms go away, still seek professional guidance, as you may still be infected.

What are some common STIs?

Chancroid, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, Genital Herpes, Scabies, Genital Warts, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis vaginitis, Hepatitis B, amongst others. 

How do I prevent STIs?

• Condoms: Use them, always! Latex condoms are recommended every time oral, vaginal, or anal sex occurs. 
• Limit your sexual partners: An ideal situation would be agreeing with a single partner to only have sex with each other. However, even with a verbal agreement, it’s still a safe bet to always wear condoms. 
• Abstinence: This is the only way to truly abstain from the risk of an STI. Even with this option, however, infections like HPV and herpes can still be caused by skin-to-skin contact. Some HPV infections can be prevented with a vaccination.
• Get immunized: The HPV and hepatitis B vaccines are traditionally administered to children around the age of 11 or 12. For HPV, men and women can receive the vaccine from ages 9 – 45 years old. 

Conclusion

For more information contact us or you can also read our guide on birth control here.