What is STI?

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s/STD’s) are infections that are acquired through unprotected sexual contact, via bodily fluids or even skin-to-skin contact. 
• STI’s may be contracted through oral, vaginal, anal sex, and sometimes by genital touching.
• Some STI’s can be passed to infants through childbirth or breastfeeding.
• Untreated STI’s may lead to serious long-term health consequences, especially for young woman.
• There are about 20 million new STI infections in the United Sates each year.
• Half of all new STI infections are among young people ages 15-24.

Most Common STDs

Chlamydia- Azithromycin and/or Doxycycline antibiotics cure the infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from having sex until the infection is gone. That is after 7 days.

HPV- There is no cure for HPV. There is a vaccine available (Gardasil 9) in a 3 dose series of shots.

Herpes- There is no cure or herpes-the virus stays in the body and may cause recurrent outbreaks. Medications  such as Acyclovir can help treat symptoms, reduce the frequency of outbreaks, and reduce the likelihood of spreading it to sex partners.

Gonorrhea- Azithromycin and an injection of Ceftriaxone antibiotics cure the infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from having sex until the infection is gone after 7 days 

Syphilis- Bicillin antibiotic injection treatment can cure syphilis, but medication can’t cure damage already done. Both partners must be treated and avoid sexual contact until the sores are completely healed after 7 days. One or 3 injections are required depending how long syphilis is in the body

Trichomoniasis- Metronidazole can cure the infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Both partners should abstain from having sex for 7 days after treatment.

Hepatitis A- There is no cure for HAV, but there is a vaccine available to protect you from getting HAV. 

Hepatitis B-There is no cure for HBV, but there is a vaccine available to protect you from getting HBV.

Hepatitis C- HCV is the only Viral Hepatitis that can be CURED. Antiviral medications can cure HCV in 8-12 weeks. Unfortunately there are NO vaccines available to protect you from getting HCV.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus  

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS but anti-retroviral treatment (ART) can slow the progression of HIV disease and delay the onset of AIDs. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve a person’s chances of living a longer, healthier life.