Your Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections

For a comprehensive table of STIs, go here.

Why STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and not STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)?

Using the term "disease" implies some obvious illness with recognizable symptoms. In fact, many of the most common sexually transmitted viruses and bacteria cause infections that have no symptoms in the majority of people, or ones so mild they are easily overlooked. You can be infected with organisms that cause HPV, chlamydia, herpes, and HIV and transmit them, but have no symptoms of disease.

We want people to be aware for their own safety and that of their partner.

What are STIs?

STIs are infections caused by organisms that are inherently no different than those that cause colds or chicken pox, but they need to stay warm and wet so they are transmitted mainly through body fluids---blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. Which means you have to get close to share them. Among them are chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Some organisms are a little less picky and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) falls into this category, and it is no accident that it is the most commonly contracted STI. Lice, scabies and molluscum contagiosum are examples of infections that can be spread by close contact, but also through shared clothing and linens.

Can they be cured?

Like other types of infections it depends on what is causing it. Bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomonas can usually be cured with the appropriate antibiotic. Unfortunately, delay in treating infections can result in long term consequences. Viral infections can not be cured with medications, but some viral infections like herpes and HIV can be suppressed. This reduces symptoms and/or the chance of transmitting the infection. Other viral infections including those caused by HPV are eventually cleared by the immune system in the majority of people.

Regardless, preventing infection with safer sex practices beats any other strategy.

Some STI Statistics

• One in two sexually active people will have a sexually transmitted infection by age 25.
• Less than half of adults 18-44 have ever been tested for a STI other than HIV.
• It is estimated that one in five Americans have genital herpes, yet up to 90% of those with herpes are not aware they have it.
• At least 80% of sexually active women will have a genital HPV infection by age 50.
• Each year there are about 3 million new cases of chlamydia, most of which are in young adults. It is recommended that all sexually active women under 26 be tested annually for chlamydia. However, only 30-45% were actually screened.
• At least 15% of the infertility in American women is due to damage from untreated STIs. Regular condom use can reduce this by 60%.

From the American Social Health Association

Prevent STIs:  Easy as ABC

Abstinence

Abstinence (not having oral, vaginal or anal sex) is the best way to protect yourself against STIs and it is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. There are many reasons people choose abstinence. Be sure when you choose sexual activity it is the right decision for you.

Be Faithful

If you choose to be sexually active there are ways to lower your risk of infection. Being mutually monogamous in addition to limiting your number of partners reduces your chance of exposure. Remember what you learned in middle school health class—when it comes to STIs you are having sex with everyone your partner ever had sex with. If you or your partner have had other partners talk about STI testing; know what your options are and exactly what each of you has been tested for.

Condoms

Using condoms and dental dams correctly and consistently will lower your risk of infection. They are available free of charge at the Student Health Center.