STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) 101: The Most Common STIs in the US
Published: 07-19-2021 | 1 MIN READ | Author: Prism Health North Texas
HPV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea
HPV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are the most common STIs (a.k.a. STDs) in the United States. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are curable, and there’s a vaccine to prevent HPV. However, severe and long-term health issues like infertility, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), and cancers can occur if they’re left untreated.
Any sexually active person can get an STI and it’s possible to be reinfected after completing treatment. Creating a safe space with all our sexual partners for an open line of communication about our shared sexual health is a great way to reduce the risk of STIs getting involved.
It Doesn’t Always Burn
Genital warts, discharge, and burning urination are some of the most common tell-tale signs that you may have a sexually transmitted infection. However, many people don’t know they have an infection because they don’t have any symptoms.
HPV is believed to infect about 80% of the sexually active population in the United States because most people don’t know they have it.
75% of women and 50% of men show no symptoms of chlamydia.
50% of women and 10% of men show no symptoms of gonorrhea.
Therefore, it’s essential to get tested regularly or, at the very least, once a year. Testing is the only guaranteed way to know if you have been infected while being sexually active.
What Can I Do?
Many people are abstinent which is one way to avoid STIs altogether, but for others, reducing their number of partners, condoms, lube, and open communication are just some of the many ways that they can protect themselves and have happy, healthy sex lives! What you choose to do is up to you and it’s going to depend on your unique level of risk.
Taking any precautions to protect yourself from infection, actively protects everyone in your sexual network.
All Prism Health North Texas locations offer STI testing AND treatment for little to no cost. Get tested, get treatment if you need it, and stay healthy friends!