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Risk Management encourages STI prevention

02/07/23

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and romance is in the air. With this in mind, it is important to stay informed and protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. Many people are asymptomatic and do not even know that they have an infection. Therefore, if you are sexually active it is important to be tested. 

 

Be Informed

Roughly one in five adults in the United States had an STI in 2018. Rates of STIs disproportionately affect individuals under 25, as well as those belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups. In 2018, there were 26.2 million new STI cases reported in the United States. Almost half of all new infections occurred in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Because many STIs do not present with any symptoms, these numbers are likely underestimated due to a lack of testing. 

For instance, 70% of herpes simplex virus (HSV/herpes) and 53%-100% of gonorrhea and chlamydia infections present with no or very few symptoms. STIs are easily spread, can strongly impact fertility and are related to higher rates of acquiring HIV. It is important to be tested after each partner to protect yourself and any future sexual partners.

 

Prevention

  • Chlamydia & Gonorrhea – Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections that are easily cured with antibiotics. These are both common STIs that may not present any symptoms. The best way to protect yourself from these infections is to wear condoms and get tested regularly. If left untreated, both chlamydia and gonorrhea can have more severe health impacts.
  • HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) – Herpes is a virus that may present with sores or may have no symptoms at all. There are multiple forms of herpes, including genital herpes, cold sores, and even shingles. It is estimated that one in six people in the United States have HSV. This virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact, primarily when there are open sores. There is no cure for this virus, but symptoms can be treated. While outbreaks can be annoying and sometimes painful, herpes is not deadly and normally does not cause any serious health issues. To protect yourself from HSV, practice safe sex, such as wearing condoms.
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are normally no symptoms associated with HPV, so many people do not know they have it. However, some types of HPV (there are over 200 types) can cause warts and some can lead to cancer. There is no cure for HPV, but the infection normally goes away on its own. To protect yourself from HPV, get the vaccine and practice safe sex. 

 

Infections listed above are only some of the STIs common in the United States. There are other STIs like syphilis, trichomoniasis, Hepatitis B, and HIV. The best way to protect yourself is through practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly. There is no shame in getting tested. There is also no shame in testing positive. Many people in the United States will come into contact with an STI in their lifetime. 

Once tested, prompt treatment of the infection can prevent long-term health problems. For infections that cannot be cured, treatment of the symptoms can help you live a normal, healthy life. 

For more information, contact Student Health Services at (940) 898-3826 or Risk Management at 940-898-4001 or risk@twu.edu.