Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) can make you feel anxious and uncertain, but understanding them can help you maintain your health and well-being.
Knowing the most common STIs, their prevalence, and their symptoms can empower you to take control of your sexual health and seek treatment. You're not alone—many people face these challenges. Our team at Woodlands OBGYN Associates is here to support you.
As part of our comprehensive gynecological services, we provide sensitive and thorough care for STIs. We prioritize your comfort and confidentiality, offering treatment plans to manage and prevent infections. Our expertise and compassionate approach ensure you receive the highest standard of care in a supportive environment.
What Are the Most Common STIs?
Knowing the most common STIs, how often they occur, and their symptoms will help you stay sexually healthy and get the right treatment when needed. Here are some of the most prevalent STIs:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The most common STI; Often asymptomatic; it can cause genital warts and various cancers (cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, vaginal).
- No cure for the virus itself, but genital warts can be treated with prescription medications or removed by a healthcare provider. There are vaccines that protect against the most dangerous types of HPV.
- Chlamydia: Very common. Often asymptomatic, though one can experience abnormal discharge and burning sensation during urination.
- Easily cured with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Sexual partners should also be treated to prevent re-infection.
- Gonorrhea: Common. Often asymptomatic; painful urination and increased discharge; testicular pain in men.
- Treated with a dual therapy of antibiotics, typically an injection of ceftriaxone and an oral dose of azithromycin. Partners should be treated to prevent re-infection.
- Herpes: Very common; caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2. Often asymptomatic; painful blisters or sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
- No cure, but antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) can manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.
- Syphilis: Less common but increasing in certain populations. Painless sores initially; skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions in the secondary stage; severe medical problems in the tertiary stage.
- Easily cured in early stages with penicillin or other antibiotics. Late-stage syphilis can be managed but not fully cured.
- HIV/AIDS: Significant global impact. Flu-like symptoms initially; chronic HIV is often asymptomatic; AIDS involves severe infections and rapid weight loss.
- No cure, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus, help prevent transmission, and allow individuals to live longer, healthier lives.
- Trichomoniasis: Common. Often asymptomatic; genital itching, discomfort during urination, and unusual discharge.
- Easily treated with a single dose of antibiotics, usually metronidazole or tinidazole. Sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection.
What Are the Most Common Symptoms of STIs?
Many STIs do not present symptoms. Some become symptomatic in later stages of infection. For this reason, it is important to be diligent about protection during sexual intercourse, and also to talk to your doctor about appropriate screenings for you and your partner. Some of the signs that may occur with an STI include the following:
- Vaginal discharge
- Bumps or sores, either in the vaginal area or elsewhere on the body
- Painful sex or bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
- Genital warts or growths
- Genital itching
Keep in mind that symptoms may vary based on the infection that has developed and that some symptoms may feel more like the flu than an STI.
How to Tell if You Have an STI
There are two ways to know if you have an STI. One is that you've developed symptoms such as a foul-smelling discharge or itching or burning in the genital area. The other is to get tested. STI screenings can be very important and also very reassuring! This is because so many people don't develop symptoms from their STI.
So, if you've had unprotected sex, even oral sex, screening is an appropriate aspect of your routine wellness exams. Our medical team is very discreet and compassionate when discussing STIs. We understand that this conversation can feel awkward, and we’ll do everything we can to make you comfortable. If you are a candidate for STI testing, your screening may involve giving a urine sample, having your blood drawn, or your provider swabbing cells from an area of your body.
If you're questioning whether you might have an STI or be at risk of developing a sexual infection, please don't hesitate to contact us! We can help you understand your risks and screening options.
How Often Should I Get Tested for STIs?
Your doctor will recommend screening frequency after consulting with you about your sexual habits. Generally, STI testing is recommended annually. However, in some cases, a doctor may advise more frequent screenings.
How Can I Prevent STIs?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of sexually transmitted infections occur every year. These types of infections are fully preventable with the following:
- Refrain from having unprotected sex. Always use a condom!
- Limit the number of sexual partners you have in your lifetime.
- Get the HPV vaccine.
- Have an open, honest conversation with your partner about sex, preferably before engaging in sexual intercourse together.
- Get STI screenings as recommended by your doctor.
Why Choose Woodlands OBGYN Associates?
Our experienced physicians, Dr. Syal, Dr. Everson, Dr. Westmoreland, and Dr. Rielly, bring extensive expertise and compassionate care to every patient. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care, prenatal and postnatal care, gynecological surgeries, and menopause management, all within our state-of-the-art facility.
Our team always prioritizes your comfort and well-being first and foremost. That’s why we created a welcoming and supportive environment where you can discuss any sensitive health issues. Conveniently located in The Woodlands, TX, we offer flexible scheduling, including same-day appointments for urgent concerns. Choose Woodlands OBGYN Associates for exceptional, patient-centered women's health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Common Treatment Options for STIs?
Many of the most common sexually transmitted infections are caused by bacteria, allowing doctors to treat them with antibiotics. Viral STIs, such as HPV, HIV, and herpes, cannot be cured but can be managed with appropriate medication.
How Can I Tell the Difference Between STI Symptoms and Other Health Issues?
STI symptoms can often mimic those of other health issues. Common signs include unusual discharge, genital sores, itching, and pain during sex. However, many STIs can also be asymptomatic or present flu-like symptoms. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and testing if you suspect you have an STI.
Can I Get an STI From Oral or Anal Sex?
Yes, STIs can be transmitted through oral and anal sex. It's crucial to use protection such as condoms or dental dams during these activities to reduce the risk of transmission.
What Should I Do if My Partner Tests Positive for an STI?
If your partner tests positive for an STI, it's important to get tested yourself, even if you don't have symptoms. Avoid sexual contact until both you and your partner have been treated and cleared by a healthcare provider. Communication and mutual support are key during this process.
Are There Any Long-Term Effects of Untreated STIs?
Yes, untreated STIs can lead to serious health complications. For example, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, potentially leading to infertility. HIV, if untreated, can progress to AIDS, and untreated syphilis can cause damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.
Can STIs Be Transmitted Through Kissing or Casual Contact?
Most STIs are not transmitted through casual contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils. However, some STIs like herpes can be spread through kissing if sores are present on the mouth. It's best to avoid intimate contact if you or your partner have active sores or symptoms.
What Should I Expect During an STI Screening at Woodlands OBGYN Associates?
During an STI screening, we may ask you to provide a urine or blood sample or take swabs from your genital area, mouth, or rectum, depending on the types of STIs being tested for. The process is usually quick and done with sensitivity to your privacy and comfort.
Are There Any Vaccinations Available to Prevent STIs?
Yes, vaccines are available for certain STIs, such as the HPV vaccine, which protects against the human papillomavirus, and the Hepatitis B vaccine. It's important to discuss vaccination options with your healthcare provider.
How Do I Talk to My Partner About STI Testing?
Open and honest communication is key. Approach the conversation with care and concern for both your health and your partner's. You can start by expressing your desire to maintain a healthy and responsible sexual relationship and suggest that getting tested together can be a positive step.
Can I Get an STI More Than Once?
Yes, it is possible to get an STI more than once. For example, you can be reinfected with chlamydia or gonorrhea if exposed again. Practicing safe sex and regular screenings are important to prevent recurrent infections.
Get Informed and Get Help in The Woodlands, TX
Obstetricians and gynecologists have a long-standing tradition of providing preventative care to women. An annual well-woman visit is an excellent chance to talk with us about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing health risks. This visit serves as the cornerstone of your gynecologic care.
Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) are an unfortunate part of life. They’re also on the rise again as the fear of HIV has declined. Many STIs, such as chlamydia, HPV, hepatitis, or HIV, can occur without symptoms and may be found only by screening.
Discuss any concerns you may have with your Woodlands OBGYN Associate physician by calling to schedule an appointment. All discussions are confidential.
Call us today at 281.364.9898 to learn more or to schedule an appointment!
