In an age where healthcare awareness is more crucial than ever before, understanding how to reduce your STI risk is essential. Whether you’re navigating a new relationship or maintaining a long-term one, taking proactive steps to guard against sexually transmitted infections and prevent their risks should be a top priority. From regular screenings to safe sex practices, here’s some information on how to protect yourself.
How Do You Get an STI?
About 20 million new STIs are transmitted annually in the U.S. STIs are typically spread by sexual activity in which a virus, parasite, or bacteria passes between partners through their blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. You can also pass an STI to an infant during pregnancy or childbirth and in rare cases, through blood transfusions.
How Common Are STIs
It’s estimated that 90 percent of sexually active men and 80 percent of sexually active women will get an STI in their lifetime. Despite this, the shame and stigma associated with STIs persist. It’s possible to get an STI even when you’ve only had one partner or been in a monogamous relationship because STIs can be symptomless, or dormant. Recently, the rates of STIs have increased, so getting tested regularly is important.
Symptoms of an STI
Sometimes STIs are symptomless. That’s why it’s important to know what puts you at risk, recognize any symptoms you might have, talk to your partner about STIs, and get tested regularly to prevent them. Some symptoms include:
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Pain or burning during urination
- Sores and bumps on genitals, rectum or mouth
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pain in the abdomen or during sex
- Rashes on hands, feet or torso
- Unusual vaginal odor
Who’s At Risk?
Everyone who is or has been sexually active is at risk for an STI. But those with the highest risk:
- Have more than one sexual partner or have had multiple partners in the past
- Have a partner who has multiple partners or has had multiple partners in the past
- Has sex with someone who has a current STI
- Has a history of having STIs in the past
- Uses intravenous drugs or has a partner who does
- Is young (STIs are most common in people 15-24)
- Misuses alcohol or drugs, which can impair judgment, leaving you more at risk
How Can I Best Protect Myself?
Protecting yourself from an STI starts with open communication and informed choices. Being aware of your partner’s sexual health and history can significantly reduce risks. Engaging in mutually monogamous relationships and maintaining open discussions about STI testing histories with your partners are proactive steps. Regular STI screenings are also essential for maintaining sexual health, even when in a monogamous relationship. These practices help create a safe environment for everyone involved as some STIs can go undetected well after infection.
Using a latex or polyurethane condom the correct way every time you engage in anal, vaginal, or oral sex also reduces the chances that you will contract an STI.
Getting vaccinated against HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and Hepatitis B, an infection passed through blood, semen, and body fluids, is an excellent start to protecting yourself from these diseases.
Be aware that some sexual activities, especially unprotected anal sex, carry a higher risk of transmitting STIs. This is due to the fragility of rectal tissue, which can easily tear and expose you to infections.
Why Protecting Yourself is Important
Many STIs that are not effectively treated and cleared up can cause long-term medical problems and health complications that you want to avoid. Untreated STIs can lead to pregnancy complications, pelvic pain and PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), infertility, heart disease, cervical and rectal cancers caused by HPV, arthritis, and eye infections.
If you’re concerned about your vaginal health, don’t hesitate to take action. Our advanced at-home vaginal health diagnostic test is expertly designed to assess and clarify any underlying issues, providing you with a comprehensive overview of your vaginal health. We encourage you to discuss the benefits of MyPathAdvantage with your doctor and determine if our testing kit is the right step toward maintaining your well-being.