Unfortunately, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highly contagious. They are most often passed through sexual contact, such as unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has an STI.

You can also contract an STI like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C through unsterile body piercings or tattooing equipment. STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis can pass from a mother to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Who Can Get an STI?

Anyone sexually active can get an STI. The Cleveland Clinic reports that more than 25 million sexually transmitted infections occur each year in the United States. The CDC states that young people aged 15-24 accounted for 50% of reported STIs. 

The number of STIs could actually be higher because often people don’t have symptoms and therefore, don’t know they have one. In addition, because there are usually no immediate symptoms, people put off getting tested.

Why Should I Get Tested If I Don’t Have Symptoms?

Just because you don’t have symptoms, it doesn’t mean you don’t have an STI. Women are more susceptible to STIs. Left untreated, they can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs, which can cause serious complications, including infertility.

If you are faced with an unintended pregnancy and considering abortion, get tested for an STI first because of the possibility of bacteria entering your reproductive tract.

What Are The Most Common STDs?

While there are many STIs to be aware of, here’s a list of the most common:

• Chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive health complications if untreated. 
• Gonorrhea can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat, and if left untreated, may lead to significant health issues.  
• Trichomoniasis often presents with itching, burning, and discharge in women.

What Should I Do?

You should get regularly tested for STIs. The CDC recommends that everyone who is sexually active between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine medical care.

At You Medical, we offer limited STD/STI testing and treatment. Receive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a nurse consultation and follow-up at no charge.

We understand that it isn’t easy to consider having an STI. It’s not a topic you want to discuss, but we care about your health and safety. 

Please request a no-cost, confidential appointment to meet with a medical professional at You Medical. You matter to us.