How to Avoid STDs/STIs

STIs are sexually transmitted infections, and STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. They are almost the same thing, but some are more treatable than others. Basically, an STI is an infection transmitted through sexual contact. The term STD generally refers to an STI that has caused disease or symptoms. Many organizations, including the CDC, increasingly use STI because someone can have an infection without having symptoms or developing disease.

These infections are transmitted sexually. Because they are transmitted sexually, the CDC states, “abstaining from vaginal, anal, or oral sex is the only way to completely avoid STIs. STIs pass from one person to another through oral, anal, and vaginal sex, as well as genital skin-to-skin contact.”

There are ways to reduce the risk of contracting an STI, but abstaining is the only way to completely avoid contracting one.

Several birth control methods can prevent pregnancy, but condoms can help reduce the risk of contracting some STIs. The three more common birth control methods are condoms, oral contraceptives, and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants.

Condoms can provide protection against chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, they do not provide protection against herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and others. This is because they are highly effective at preventing infections transmitted through genital fluids but can’t provide protection from the skin that isn’t covered by the condoms. For preventing pregnancy, they are effective, but they do have a typical use failure rate of 13%. Condoms don’t have any side effects with use unless someone is allergic to the material.

Oral contraceptives and LARCs do not provide protection against any STIs. They are more effective at preventing pregnancy with oral contraceptives having a typical use failure rate of 7% and LARCs having a typical use failure rate of 0.4%. However, the list of possible side effects is a bit longer. Some side effects could include irregular bleeding, blood clots, depression, and mood swings.

It is recommended to be regularly tested for STIs, some STIs don’t show symptoms but can still cause damage to the reproductive system. The CDC recommends that all sexually active women under 25 be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. People may need additional or more frequent testing depending on their sexual history, symptoms, and other risk factors.

The Well offers free STI testing and treatment to patients with a positive pregnancy test and their partner. Contact us to learn more. You can also get tested at a hospital or through your healthcare provider.

Again, according to the CDC, “no protective method is 100% effective. And condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STI or pregnancy.” It’s important to be aware of the risks and what we may be exposing ourselves to.