Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections

By Kristin Kuber, FCP Health & Wellness Center Health Educator

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about STIs and the importance of discussing sexual health with healthcare providers and, if sexually active, partners. It’s also an opportunity for parents to talk to their children about safe sex.

STIs don’t discriminate. They affect people of all races, ages and sexual orientations. It is estimated that each year there are at least 19 million new cases of STIs in the United States. About half of all new cases occur among young people 15-24 years of age. It is also estimated that half of all people in the United States will have an STI at some point in their life.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are spread through sexual contact (oral, vaginal and anal). STIs often cause no immediate symptoms, making it easy for individuals to pass infections to their sex partners without even knowing it.

Common STIs include: HIV/AIDS, HPV, Herpes, Hepatitis, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Some of these infections are curable while others result in lifetime infection. It is important for individuals to get tested for STIs. If a person tests positive, it is important that he/she receive treatment as soon as possible because - if left untreated - some STIs can cause sterility and death.

STIs are preventable, and there are many decisions that you can make to lower your risk:

• Practice abstinence - I00 percent effective. This means choosing not to have any kind of sex (oral, vaginal and anal) with someone.

• Use condoms.

• Mutual monogamy - Only have sex with your partner.

• Communication - Talk with your partner(s) about STIs prior to sexual activity.

• Get tested - Prior to having sex make sure that you and your partner are tested for STIs.

• Get vaccinated - Vaccines are available for HPV and hepatitis.

• Avoid alcohol and drug use to increase your ability to make good decisions and practice safe sex.

If you have questions about STIs or think you might have been infected, talk to your doctor. They will provide you with more information and help you determine what tests or treatments you may need.

If you are interested in condoms, stop in at the FCP Health & Wellness Center’s Community Health, and ask for a brown bag. Condoms are free to tribal members and their families.

References: http://www.cdc.gov/ Features/STDAwareness/; http://www. ashastd.org/std-sti.html