Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise! Since 2013, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have all sharply increased – with more than two million of these infections reported in 2017 alone. Today, as these STDs continue to surge, we face a climbing number of babies born with syphilis, an increasing risk of infertility and getting or giving HIV, and the looming threat of untreatable gonorrhea.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections, are infections spread by sexual contact. Except for colds and flu, STDs are the most common contagious diseases in the US. Common STDs include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, and hepatitis.
Most of these diseases are treatable, which is why it is so important to have STD screening.
Unfortunately there are many barriers to screening. In my office young women decline screening because, A: they believe they haven’t been exposed since they have only had one partner or one sexual encounter, and what are the chances of getting a disease from only having sex once? B: don’t want testing because their parents may find out they are sexually active, or C: don’t have insurance coverage.
All of these are poor excuses for a test that could prevent many future medical issues. If caught early, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia can all be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated you can become infertile and need surgery or IVF to get pregnant, if you can get pregnant. HIV treatment is very effective now and early diagnosis will lead to a better chance of not developing AIDS.
There are many ways to prevent yourself from contracting an STD.
The most effective is abstinence, or not having any sexual encounters, but that is NEVER GOING to happen and really shouldn’t. Every woman deserves to have a happy, satisfying sexual life but she should be educated about how to prevent pregnancy and STDs. So, what should a woman do?
Condoms are the best method to prevent STDs. There are other barrier methods on the market, like the female condom but they are harder to use and difficult to find in stores. Hopefully, there will be some new female barrier products on the market soon.
Get the vaccination for Human Papilloma Virus!! It greatly decreases your risk of getting HPV 16 or 18 which cause most of the cervical cancers, rectal cancers and throat cancers.
Always know whom you are sharing a sexual encounter with! Sounds obvious but many women don’t ask a new partner about their sexual past.
I believe every woman should have STD screening before starting a new sexual relationship and she should insist that the partner also have testing. You should share your results with each other.
IF SOMEONE WON’T SHARE THEIR STD SCREENING RESULTS WITH YOU, THEN THEY ARE NOT WORTHY OF YOUR AFFECTION!