Sexually Transmitted Infections
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Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) are caused by having having sex with a current or previous sexual partner that has an STI.
Whatever the reason might be, if someone thinks there’s a chance they have an STI, the best thing to do is to get tested. A lot of people are scared or embarrassed and that’s completely normal, but it shouldn’t get in the way of good decision-making.
General Symptoms
The following are a list of symptoms which MAY indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted infection. It is important to speak with a health professional if any of these symptoms are present. Please note that even if you don’t have any of the following symptoms, that does not mean you are STI free for certain. Some STIs have no symptoms for a long period after infection.
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- Pain/burning with urination
- Frequent urination
- Unusual discharge from penis or vagina
- Pain and/or bleeding during sexual intercourse
- Irregular bleeding (not during a woman’s period)
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the testicles
- Sores or bumps on or near the genitals, anus, or throat
- Itching of genitals
- Fever and/or chills
Testing
STI testing has become much easier in the past few years for both men and women. WSTC follows the latest guidelines recommended by medical associations.
Pap smears
Pap smears
Women should begin pap smears at age 21. This is a recent change in guidelines. Teenaged women do not get cervical cancer, so screening at an early age is no longer recommended. WSTC does pap smear screening for our clients 21 and older and we can also do pap follow up exams if a client has an abnormal pap result.
STI screening
For women, if a client is having symptoms of a vaginal infection (discharge, odor, itching) the practitioner will collect a sample of the discharge from her cervix. This is a quick exam, usually less than 3 minutes.
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Men can be tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea with a urine sample.
Women and men who have bumps, blisters, rashes and sores will be examined by a practitioner. Sometimes a lab test will be done using a swab—this is quick and painless. Sometimes practitioners are able to tell what the bumps or rash is just by looking at it. WSTC does have ways to treat skin infections such as warts, herpes, ingrown hairs and irritated skin.
HIV Testing
HIV testing is simple and clients get results in 15 minutes. Testing does required a finger poke and a drop of blood to perform the test.
Syphilis
Syphilis is tested in certain situations. Syphilis is most common in men who have sex with men. We will review clients sexual history and if a client feels he/she is in need of testing or if he/she wants help from staff to determine whether or not testing is needed, we will help with that. Syphilis testing requires a blood draw from the clients arm.
Talking about STI's
If a person finds out they have an STI, it’s very important that they talk with their sexual partner or partners and inform them of their test results. Obviously, this is not the kind of conversation that anyone wants to have.
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So how does a person tell their partner they have an STI?
- If this is someone you’re in a relationship with or at least still in contact with, it’s important to tell them face to face; no emails, text messages, or even a phone call. It’s better to have the conversation in person. Find a private place, shut off the cell phone, and make sure the two of you won’t be disturbed.
- It’s important when telling one’s partner about the test results, that a person remains calm. There’s no way to know how a partner will react to the news that they are at risk for an STI. They could be angry, frightened, shocked, or all of the above. So it’s important to keep ones cool and not give in to the temptation to get angry or defensive. Just tell the person what the test results were, what the health care provider said, and that it’s important that they go get tested too.
They will probably have a lot of questions and a person should do their best to answer, but it’s not one’s job to be a doctor and know everything about STIs. The best thing that a person can do is contact a health care provider and arrange to come in for testing; the provider will also be able to answer difficult questions.
If a person’s most recent sexual partner or partners are not in contact anymore, they still need to be told about the STI test results. Try and find an email address and send them a message. Know where their house or apartment is? Then maybe do it the old fashioned way and write a letter. Note, one doesn’t have to write a novel, just the basic information about what the STI test results were and that the person might be at risk and should get tested.
Once again, telling a partner that one has an STI can be stressful and scary, and doing so is a very brave and mature thing to do; something that takes real guts. By doing so you will be helping to protect their health and maybe the health of others as well. This is a chance to step forward and take responsibility. And remember, you’re not alone. Professionals at WSTC are willing to help advise and assist you every step of the way.
