How Will My Life Change If I Get an STD or STI?
Sexually transmitted diseases and infections are typically acquired through sexual contact. The viruses, bacteria or parasites that cause the condition may transmit from individual to individual in blood, semen or other bodily fluids.
These infections can also be transmitted non-sexually, such as during childbirth or through blood transfusions.
What's the difference between an STD and an STI?
Sexually transmitted diseases and infections can be traced back at least as far as 1500 BCE, and were commonly referred to as venereal diseases, named for Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Treatment for a sexually transmitted infection throughout history was no picnic either.
The term, "venereal diseases" evolved into the more scientific term, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), in the 1970s. It wasn't until 1999 that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of the term, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to lessen the historical and political baggage.
Although STI has been introduced into our vocabulary, the definition is open to interpretation. Many trusted sources make no distinction between the two terms.
But following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one definition is that an STI is just that: an infection. These infections are caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses that enter the body via the anus, mouth or vagina and can spread to other parts of the body causing a range of symptoms.
All sexually transmitted diseases are preceded by an undiagnosed STI, but not all sexually transmitted infections result in the development of an STD. The longer a STD goes untreated, the more likely it is to develop into a full-blown STD, which may cause permanent damage to the body.
Some of the most common STDs, according to the CDC, include:
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Genital herpes
Human papillomavirus (HPV) and trichomoniasis are STIs, the latter caused by a parasite.
It should also be noted that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus, and if not treated, can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a disease.
Signs and symptoms of an STI
Sexually transmitted infections can have a range of symptoms or be completely asymptomatic. This is the reason why STIs often go unnoticed until complications occur.
The signs that might indicate an STD or STI include the following:
- Abdominal pain
- Anal itching
- Burning during urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Fever
- Lower abdominal pain
- Odorous vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Sores on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Swollen and sore lymph nodes, particularly in the groin
- Vaginal bleeding unrelated to menses
National guidelines recommend testing annually for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. For those who have multiple or anonymous partners, testing should be more frequent, every three to six months. Regular STI screening could save your life.
Living with STDs or STIs
Testing positive for a sexually transmitted disease or infection is very common. You may feel like you're the only one who has this condition but know that you are not alone.
Millions of people throughout the world receive an STI diagnosis every day. One in five Americans have an STI or STD, according to 2018 CDC estimates.
Having an STI is nothing at all to be ashamed of. It simply means you're a person who got an infection from someone, like the flu.
Follow your doctor's directions to treat the condition. If you're having regular sex with anyone or you've recently had a casual hook-up, let them know, so they can get tested and treated as necessary.
Dating with STDs/STIs
"If you're going to have a new partner, it's important for you to both get screened before you have sex," said Sara Moskowitz, APRN-C, a nurse practitioner at NYU Langone's Preston Robert Tisch Center for Men's Health in New York City.
"Be honest about whether you're in a monogamous relationship or not and use protection until or after you're in a monogamous relationship," she said.
"If you test positive for an STI, you need to let all previous partners know pretty much from your last negative test until your new positive one. Then abstain from any sexual activity usually until about a week after treatment."
"Honesty is the best policy," said Paul Pavlov, M.D., a family physician at North Bay Family Medical Clinic in Biloxi, Mississippi. "The conditions you have to live with are HIV and herpes. Everything else can be cured."
When you're ready to tell the person that you've been dating that you have an STI, be well informed about the condition. You may want to provide them with literature or resources to help answer whatever questions they have.
Communicating openly about your STI or STD and how to approach STI or STD treatment will increase the likelihood the relationship will grow and move forward.
How to talk to your partner about STDs/STIs
Talking about this subject with your partner can be difficult, but it's very important. By telling your partner about your STI status, you will not only get their support but you'll remind them that you're still deserving of love and acceptance.
Discussing STDs and STIs, getting tested and ways to have enjoyable, safe sex will improve your relationship and intimate experiences with your partner. Being open and honest with one another and being aware of your STI status can maintain intimacy and trust.
Research the realities of living with an STD or STI to help you shrug off the stigma often associated with the condition. Show your partner evidence and research revealing that they are not as terrifying as sex education campaigns and news reports in popular media make them out to be.
It can be intimidating to start a discussion about such a sensitive topic at first, but you'll find that as you learn more and share your knowledge, it becomes less difficult.
Prevention and aftercare
It has to be said that abstinence is the only 100 percent effective way to avoid an STD or STI. But that's not particularly practical.
There are basic guidelines you can follow to help reduce your risk of getting an STI:
- If you're sexually active, staying with one uninfected partner will lower your risk of getting an STD or STI.
- If you suspect you might have an STD or STI, avoid sex with new partners until you have both been tested.
Vaccinations are available for HPV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
- Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, does not protect you against being infected, but it does protect against certain cancers and is recommended for routine vaccination at age 11 or 12 years old.
- The hepatitis B vaccine is normally given to newborns.
- The hepatitis C vaccine is typically given to one-year-olds.
Perhaps the most convenient prevention method is to use condoms and dental dams, although the caveat here is that they must be used consistently and correctly.
For example, you should never use an oil-based lubricant with a latex condom because the oil will break the condom. Silicone or water-based lube is best for most kinds of condoms.
Here are some other suggestions:
- Don't drink alcohol excessively or take substances as they can impair your judgment and open you up to risky sexual situations.
- Don't engage with people who don't respect consent.
- Talk with your partner about your STD or STI status, especially if you have been recently tested. Don't be shy about asking about their status.
"Make sure to give yourself time for the antibody to cure you before you go and have sex again," Pavlov said. "Also, aftercare will be much more effective if you take precautions before having sex with somebody."
Resources for patients and caregivers
Becoming a subject matter expert is a great place to start your journey if you suspect you may have been infected. Here are recommended places to visit online for the facts:
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