Understanding STIs: Prevention and Risks

• STIs are very common with around 20 million new cases in the US each year, and should not be stigmatized.
• Over half of new STI cases occur in individuals aged 18-24, but only 12% of this group gets tested regularly.
• Social stigma and misunderstanding of risk contribute to the low testing rate among young adults.
• Marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by STIs.
• Individuals with vulvas/vaginas/uteruses are more susceptible to the effects of STIs.
• The CDC estimates that approximately 50% of people will contract an STI by age 25.
• Many STIs are asymptomatic or have asymptomatic periods where no symptoms are present.
• Examples of asymptomatic STIs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, most cases of Herpes, and most strains of HPV.
• Syphilis, Herpes (in someone with outbreaks), and HIV may present asymptomatic periods.
• Many STIs can still be contagious even when asymptomatic.

STI Prevention

• Abstinence is the practice of avoiding oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
• Reduce the number of sexual partners to lower the risk of STI transmission.
• Use protection, like condoms or dental dams, during sexual activity.
• Discuss STIs and prevention with sexual partners before becoming sexually active.

Communicating with a Partner

• Being direct, honest, and calm is important when telling a partner about a positive STI status.
• Preparation includes having information available and role-playing potential conversations.
• It is important to anticipate emotional reactions and remain calm.
• Allow your partner time to process the information and listen to their concerns.
• The HPV vaccine is available as Gardasil 9.
• Gardasil 9 targets 9 types of HPV: 7 high-risk and 2 low-risk.
• It protects against cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and throat cancers, as well as genital warts.
• The Gardasil 9 vaccine is administered in 3 doses over 6 months.
• It is recommended for everyone aged 9-26 years old.
• Individuals aged 27-45 may be recommended the vaccine depending on risk factors.

Testing

• If you experience symptoms, get tested.
• The CDC recommends that everyone aged 13-64 should get an HIV test at least once.
• Sexually active individuals with vulvas under 25 should get yearly tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV.
• Individuals over 25 with risk factors should also be tested for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV.
• Sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) should add yearly tests for Syphilis.
• MSM with multiple or anonymous partners should get tested every 3-6 months.
• If engaging in anal sex, discuss rectal screening with a doctor.
• For trans people, testing recommendations are determined by genital anatomy.

External Condoms

• Buy condoms and ensure enthusiastic consent before use.
• Check the expiration date and for an air bubble in the packaging.
• Open the packaging with clean hands.
• Unroll the condom a little to ensure it is not upside down.
• Apply water or silicone-based lubricant to the tip and outside of the condom.
• With the tip pinched, unroll the condom to the base of the penis, smoothing out air bubbles.
• After sex, hold the base of the condom and withdraw the penis.
• Dispose of the condom properly and use a new one every time.
• Internal condoms are more expensive and harder to find than external condoms.

Oral Sex Protection

• Use condoms for oral sex on a penis.
• Use dental dams for oral sex on a vulva/vagina or anus.
• If a dental dam is not available, cut a condom or use saran wrap.