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| Hello, and welcome to our sexual health miniseries! Over these 2 days, you'll learn how certain safer sex practices can help you make decisions that protect and support your health. |
| STI and STD 101 |
| First, what's the difference between an STI (sexually transmitted infection) and an STD (sexually transmitted disease)? |
| STIs are transmitted through bodily fluids or by skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some infections never become a disease, especially when treated quickly. Some viruses, like human papillomavirus (HPV), may even go away on their own. However, an STI will progress to an STD if the pathogens that caused the infection end up damaging cells and disrupting their functions. |
| For this email series, we'll use the term "STI." |
| Depending on the type of STI, symptoms can include: |
| | • | pain or discomfort, especially during urination or sex | |
| | • | sores, blisters, or rashes around the mouth or genitals | |
| | • | unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis or vagina | |
| However, most STIs don't present any symptoms. This means they can go unnoticed and unknowingly pass between partners. Complications of untreated STIs can pose serious health risks, including infertility. Getting tested is necessary to know your status and help protect yourself and your partner(s). |
| How do STI tests work? |
| A doctor might not be able to make a diagnosis just from a visual or physical exam, especially if you're asymptomatic. Further testing is needed to confirm your status, including: |
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| | • | specialist procedures (e.g., colposcopy) | |
| An STI panel may test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Your doctor can recommend specific tests by learning more about your sexual history and lifestyle. You can also ask your doctor to include testing for certain STIs. |
| If you notice unusual symptoms or are concerned that you might have an STI, it's essential to see a doctor or gynecologist as soon as possible. If necessary, they can run tests and offer a diagnosis and treatment plan. |
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| Testing recommendations |
| According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): |
| | • | Most people ages 13 to 64 years should be tested at least once for HIV. | |
| | • | Sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. | |
| | • | Men who have sex with men should be tested for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C at least once per year or more frequently for those with multiple partners. | |
| | • | Pregnant people should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C during early pregnancy. | |
| | • | People who have had oral or anal sex should talk with a doctor about throat and rectal testing options. | |
| You may also want to get tested if: |
| | • | you're starting a new relationship | |
| | • | you or your partner have multiple partners | |
| | • | you have concerns about your partner's fidelity | |
| | • | you haven't been tested in a while | |
| If you're not experiencing symptoms and want to know your status, you could try using a testing kit in the privacy of your own home. Many affordable and accurate options, when conducted correctly, offer fast results, with a follow-up call from a medical professional if you test positive. These kits are also an option if you don't have access to an in-person facility. |
| Price and access to a doctor's office shouldn't prevent you from getting tested. Most local health departments offer free STI testing, and retail pharmacies in some states offer free HIV and syphilis at-home testing kits. Many charities, health organizations, and colleges also provide no or low cost options. |
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| That's a wrap on Day 1! We'll be back in your inbox tomorrow to discuss what happens if you test positive for an STI and ways to protect your sexual health. See you then. |
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