PRESS

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS by Gary J. Bell
Gary J. Bell MSW, LCSW is the Executive Director of BEBASHI

Reprinted from www.herrising.com

Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), also known as sexually transmitted diseases or venereal disease refers to more than 50 syndromes. Some of the most common STI's are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Genital Warts (also called Human Papilloma Virus or HPV), Herpes, Pubic Lice and Scabies. Most STIs are transmitted through the exchange of body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. However, there are some STI's, such as Herpes and HPV, that can be transmitted by kissing, caressing or direct contact with infected areas.

Sexually transmitted infections are serious, sometimes painful, and can cause long term damage. Some STI's infect your sexual and reproductive organs. Others, such as HIV and Hepatitis C can be life threatening. You can also have more than one STI at a time. Some STI’s may mask the symptoms of others. Even though STI’s can affect people of any age, almost 65% of all STI's occur in people younger than 25 years of age.

How are STI's are Spread:
STI's are spread during close, sexual activity. They are spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STI's (HIV and Hepatitis B) are also spread by contact with infected body fluids.
Most STI germs need to live in warm, moist areas--that's why they infect the mouth, rectum, and sex organs (vagina, vulva, penis, and testes).

Treatment
STI's include bacterial and viral organisms and parasites. Bacterial STI's, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, are relatively easy to cure with antibiotics, if diagnosed early. Parasites can be removed with special shampoos. Viral STI's, such as genital herpes, genital warts, and HIV/AIDS cannot be cured. However, there are treatments to relieve some of their symptoms.

If you think you have an STI…
Get checked out! Don't just hope the STI will go away. Many county health departments have special STI clinics. Your private doctor can also treat Sty’s. No matter where you get treated, your case will be kept confidential. You should also tell your sexual partner(s). If they are infected, they may spread the STI to others or reinfect you.

Symptoms
There are certain symptoms that may indicate that you may have an STI. However, it is important to understand that not all STI’s show symptoms. In fact, M.L. Lamb of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presented study results at the XIII International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, this past July showing that the majority of STI cases were asymptomatic, or "silent". The rates of asymptomatic STIs (including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) were nearly 50% in men and well over 50% in women. People can transmit STIs even if they have no symptoms. Here are some signs that may mean you have an STI. If you have any of these symptoms go to an STI clinic or a private doctor.

For Women:

• An unusual discharge or smell from your vagina
• Pain in your pelvic area, the area between your belly button and sex organs.
• Burning or itching around your vagina.
• Pain deep inside your vagina when you have sex.
  

For Men:

• A drip or discharge from the area around your penis.

For both Men and Women:

• Sores, bumps, or blisters near your sex organs, rectum, or mouth.
• Burning or pain when you urinate or have a bowel movement.
• Need to urinate often.
• Itching around your sex organs.
• A swelling or redness around the inside area of your throat.
• A flu-like feeling with fever, chills, and aches.
• Swelling in your groin or the area around your sex organs.
  

Protection
Abstinence is the only true “safe” sex. Monogamy, or only having sex with one partner whom you know for sure is not infected, is another method to reduce your risk. Other ways to reduce your risk include:

• Learning more about your partner(s) and their sexual history as well as past (or present) drug use
• Before you have sex, look closely at your partner, especially his/her genital area, for any signs of STI's--a rash, sores, redness, or discharge. If you see anything that concerns you, don't have sex.
• Use a latex condom (rubber) for vaginal, anal, and oral sex. You can also use the Reality condom, also referred to as the female condom. It is made of polyurethane, a strong substance that is also very effective in preventing STI’s. Both latex and Reality condoms are available for sale in drugstores and are often given out for free at STI clinics, AIDS services organizations and family planning centers.
• Ask for an STI check-up every time you have a health exam. If you have had more than one sex partner, get an STI check any time you think you might be at risk, even if you don't have any symptoms.

Understanding STI’s, listening to you body and most importantly, making your health a top priority are the best ways to prevent you from becoming infected with an STI.