STIs and Protecting Your Sexual Health
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health concern affecting people worldwide. Young people and women are disproportionately affected by STIs, but there are ways to prevent contracting STIs, and many STIs have treatments to prevent illness. STI screening is essential to identify and treat infections early, prevent complications, and reduce transmission to others.
Protection
Safe sex practices are the best way to prevent STI infections from happening. Condoms work by creating a barrier that prevents bodily fluids from coming into contact with your partner's skin or mucous membranes. They are highly effective at preventing the transmission of many STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. However, they are not 100% effective at preventing all STIs, such as herpes and HPV, which can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, it's important to use protection consistently and correctly every time you have sex, and to get regular STI screenings to ensure early detection and treatment if necessary. If you have trouble finding a protection method that works for you, ask your doctor! They should be up to date on what may be helpful for you if you have a latex allergy, discomfort, or other concerns.
STI Screening
STI screening is recommended for all sexually active women, regardless of age, sexual orientation, or number of sexual partners, but the recommended tests vary depending on your country, sexual behaviors, and other factors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea for sexually active women under the age of 25. For women over the age of 25, screening should be based on individual risk factors, such as a new sexual partner or multiple partners, a history of STIs, or inconsistent use of barrier contraception.
In addition to chlamydia and gonorrhea, women at increased risk for HIV, such as those with multiple sexual partners, injection drug users, or those with a history of sexually transmitted infections, should also be screened for HIV. The CDC recommends that all adults aged 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare, with more frequent testing for those at increased risk.
Women who are pregnant should also be screened for STIs, as some infections can be transmitted to the baby during delivery and cause serious health complications. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends universal screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea at the first prenatal visit for all pregnant women under the age of 25 and for those at increased risk. Screening should be repeated in the third trimester for those at continued risk.
Women who have sex with women (WSW) may have unique STI risks and should discuss screening with their healthcare provider. WSW may be at increased risk for bacterial vaginosis, herpes simplex virus, and HPV-associated cancers, among other infections. Some STI testing recommendations may differ for WSW, such as testing for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Women who have undergone gender-affirming surgery should also discuss STI screening with their healthcare provider, as your needs may vary.
Discussing STI screening with your healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate screening schedule for you based on your individual risk factors. Early detection and treatment of STIs can prevent complications, improve health outcomes, and reduce transmission to others.
HPV Vaccination
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent certain types of cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women and is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, and some other cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls before they become sexually active, and comes in two-dose and three-dose formats. The first dose is usually given at age 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9.
The HPV vaccine is very effective at preventing the types of HPV that cause the majority of cervical cancer cases, and newer HPV vaccines cover more HPV subtypes than ever! Studies have shown that the vaccine can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers if given before exposure to the virus. The HPV vaccine is an essential tool in the fight against cancer caused by HPV. It is highly effective at preventing infection and the development of cancer, and it is safe and well-tolerated. If you have not yet received the HPV vaccine, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated!
Pap Smears and Cervical Screening
Cervical screening is a critical way to detect pre-cancerous cervical lesions. Depending on where you live and your risk factors, you may have access to two different tests. The “pap smear” is a test which looks at the cells of the cervix to look for abnormal cells, which come from HPV infection and can cause cervical cancer. There’s also a newer test called the “cervical screening test”, which tests for HPV infection directly. Both are effective methods of screening for pre-cancerous signs! It is essential to attend cervical screening appointments regularly, even if you feel well and have no symptoms. Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screening is so important.
During the test, a healthcare provider will collect a small sample from the cervix and send it to a laboratory for analysis. While the procedure may feel uncomfortable, it shouldn’t cause any pain. If you’re nervous about your exam, talk to your provider! They may be able to offer you additional support!
If abnormalities are detected, further testing or treatment may be needed. Depending on where you live and the type of screening, recommendations may vary. We recommend checking with your provider for specific advice about when you should get tested! Cervical screening is recommended for women between the ages of 25 and 65, and it is usually done every three to five years. Women who have never been sexually active, or those who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may not need to be screened.
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