April is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Awareness Month. STIs, also labeled sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are much more common than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every year almost 20 million adults in the U.S. contract a sexually transmitted infection. The most common STIs, some of which may surprise you, are:
- Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
- Gonorrhea
- Genital Herpes
- Syphilis
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Syphilis, a disease that is commonly thought to have disappeared years ago, is of key concern to the CDC during this year’s awareness month. The rate of cases is higher than it’s been in more than 20 years; with 24,000 U.S. cases reported in 2015 representing a 20% increase since 2014 alone.
Leading the charge in lowering the risk of infection and understanding how to protect your health, last year the CDC developed an approach that is easy to remember: Talk. Test. Treat.
Talk
Talk openly and honestly with your partner(s) and with your healthcare provider. Though these conversations can be difficult and emotional, it is important to discuss your personal sexual practices with your provider in order to assure the best treatment. Partners need to discuss their testing status and commit to reducing risk factors as well as overcome personal barriers to the use of tools, such as condoms, for safer sexual practices.
Test
Because many of the most common infections display no symptoms or very mild, often overlooked symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested. Careteam+ provides a confidential and caring environment to evaluate your risks and administer the testing necessary.
Treat
If you test positive for an STI, Careteam+ will work with you to provide the correct treatment. Some STIs can be cured with the right medication. It is important to abstain from sexual activity while in treatment to avoid spreading infection. Other STIs are not curable but are treatable with a combination of medications. Careteam+ will discuss with your options and determine the appropriate treatment for your condition.
