Rates of STIs Continue to Rise: What Every Sexually Active Woman Needs to Know

Being aware of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important for anyone sexually active, and it’s especially important today when the rates of many STIs are increasing dramatically. In fact, between 2016-2022, the rates of several common STIs increased, including a 45% increase in gonorrhea infections and a 52% increase in syphilis.

At OB/GYN Associates of Conroe, Richard Roberts, MD, provides comprehensive gynecology care, including discreet screening and treatment for STIs. Here’s what he wants his patients to know about STIs and their risks for acquiring or transmitting infections.

STIs can be hard to detect

Many STIs cause few or even no symptoms early on, which means the infection can progress without you knowing it. It also means you might spread an infection to someone else without knowing you’re doing so. Regular screening is important for making sure you get the care you need while preventing transmission to others.

STI symptoms can vary

STIs can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the type of infection and other factors. Those symptoms can vary from one person to another, too. Some common symptoms to look for include:

• Vaginal or penile discharge
• Rash, bumps, or lumps in the genital or anal area
• Pain or burning during urination
• Itching or burning around your genitals or anus
• Sores or blisters around the genital, anal, or oral area
• Pain during sex
• Pain in your pelvic area or lower back

As the infection spreads, you can have systemic issues like fever or general flu-like symptoms.

STIs can affect developing babies

If you’re pregnant, STIs can be passed along to your baby before birth and during the birth process. The CDC reports rates of congenital syphilis have skyrocketed in recent years, posing significant health threats for newborns.

Oral sex doesn’t prevent STIs

While vaginal intercourse is a common way to transmit STIs from one person to another, you can still pass or catch STIs through anal intercourse and oral sex. What’s more, STIs can be transmitted from one person to another even when penetration doesn’t occur, simply through contact with fluids.

Not all STIs can be cured

Advances in medical treatment mean many STIs can be successfully treated and eradicated, but there are some STIs that can’t be cured but they can be managed. That includes herpes, HPV, and HIV. Having regular medical care ensures your treatment stays on track to reduce potential complications for you and your partner.

You can take steps to reduce your risks

STIs can be treated, but ideally, it’s best to avoid them. While abstinence offers the best protection, it’s not a practical solution for most of us. 

These tips can help:

• Use condoms and mouth dams consistently and correctly
• Limit your number of sexual partners
• Don’t have sex with a new partner until they’ve been tested
• Don’t have sex when you’ve used drugs or alcohol
• Get vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis
• If you’re at high risk of HIV, use preexposure prophylaxis (PreP)

Finally, be sure to communicate openly about STI concerns and practices with your partner.

Regular screening is a must

If you’re sexually active, regular STI screening is one of the most important and responsible things you can do to protect yourself, your partner, and if you’re pregnant, your developing baby, too. The CDC maintains a list of screening recommendations on its website, but in general, the agency recommends regular and ongoing screening for sexually active people.

Schedule your screening today

STIs can cause serious complications for your health and your partner’s health, too. Regular screening combined with preventive strategies can help you stay healthy and avoid serious problems that can affect your overall wellness and your fertility.

Dr. Roberts performs STI screening on its own or as part of an annual well-woman exam. To schedule your screening, call 936-756-7788 or book an appointment online with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.