The CDC estimates that there were around 68 million STIs that were transmitted in 2018, with nearly half of those occurring in folks ages 15 – 24. The most common STIs are HPV, herpes, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. People can contract STIs through contact with skin, genitals, mouths, rectums, or bodily fluids (sexual or otherwise!).
The most important thing to remember with STIs (besides that we shouldn’t judge folks for having any!) is that many people don’t show symptoms of STIs. That’s right, many people don’t show symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get tested regularly (even if you don’t think you have an STI!) and communicate with your partner(s).
Getting tested keeps your health and the health of the people you hook up with in your control. Aim to get STI tests every time you have a new partner or around every 3 months. People in monogamous relationships (dating just one person) should still get tested at least every year or so, since not every STI is transmitted sexually and some can take months or years after transmission to show symptoms.
The following are some symptoms of STIs that you’d want to get checked out by a medical provider:
- Unusual bumps or sores on the genitals or anus
- Burning when you pee
- Pain during sex
- Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus
- Skin rash around the genitals or anus
STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea are treatable through medication, but others like herpes and HIV cannot be cured. However, living with chronic STIs is becoming easier and easier to manage, with medication to help symptoms and limit the ability to transmit the infection to other people. At the end of the day, knowing your STI status and that of your partner(s) is one of the most important things you can do for your sexual health!
