College is a time for exploration, and “hooking up” with people falls into that category. While most people think they will never contract an STI, we are not invincible. In fact, one in two people will contract an STI at some point in their lives. While there are many ways to prevent STIs – regular testing, only having sex with one partner who is also clean, using condoms – sometimes life happens. The condom breaks, or your partner has an asymptomatic STI, or the condom simply doesn’t cover the entire genital area – STIs can happen to anyone.
However, having any STIs isn’t the end of the world, and it helps to be educated about them! Below are some of the most common STIs, their consequences, treatments, and more information you should know in order to stay safe and have fun – responsibly.
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)
HPV is the most common STD – in fact, almost everybody will contract it at some point in their lives. And you’re not alone – 14 million people are infected each year. It spreads like most STIs – through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. HPV sounds scary – and it can be, as some of its 100 strains can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer – and there is no cure. But most of the time, HPV has no symptoms, and it eventually goes away on its own. Of course, if you want to be proactive, you should get a series of vaccinations to help prevent the most common strains that cause genital warts and cancer.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV) 1 AND 2
Herpes is the most-heard STI. Everyone has heard (or said) the petty “I hope she gives him herpes” after discovering their ex has moved on. And just like the phrase, herpes itself is pretty common.
There are two types of herpes – HSV-1, which is oral herpes, and HSV-2, which is genital herpes. More than half of the adult population have HSV-1, and 16% have HSV-2. Most people think of herpes as a painful ordeal that will destroy their lives, but it’s estimated that 90% of people with herpes don’t even know they have it!
People with herpes may have “outbreaks,” which are episodes when you have blistering around the mouth, pelvic, anus, thigh, or butt regions. The rest of the time, the disease is asymptomatic. (Though don’t be fooled – just because someone doesn’t show any signs of an STI doesn’t mean they don’t have one! #themoreyouknow #cuePBSstar) Unlike other STIs, it doesn’t cause any permanent damage. It might be a lifelong thing – at least, until they discover a cure – but it won’t kill you! And if you want to reduce your chances of having outbreaks or infecting someone else, there are antivirals on the market that can help with that, too.
CHLAMYDIA (THE CLAP)
Chlamydia, or “the Clap,” is very well-known. (As the Falling In Reverse line goes: “You gave me the clap, bitch!” followed by two claps.) And it’s also very common – over 1 million people are diagnosed each year. Does it burn when you pee? Do you have abnormal discharge? It might be worth getting tested if you’ve recently had sex with somebody new (though you should be getting tested after having new partners regardless of whether you have symptoms or not!). And it’s best to do so quickly: chlamydia can cause permanent damage, such as an inability to conceive. Put a stop to it by talking with your doctor and getting a prescription for medication that can get rid of the infection.
GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea seems to be as well-known as chlamydia, and it shares its symptoms, too. It’s also very common (are you seeing a trend here?), with the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) reporting 400,000 cases (though they believe the number of people infected is far higher, and only half of the cases were reported).
Gonorrhea can be treated with two medications prescribed by a doctor. And it’s best to be treated: untreated, it can lead to an array of problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, inability to conceive, and disseminated gonococcal infection (which can be life threatening and characterized by arthritis and swelling in the tendons and skin) to name a few.
SYPHILIS
First and foremost: syphilis can be treated. With the right antibiotics, it’s possible to rid yourself of the infection. The unfortunate part is that you may not notice you have it, which leaves it untreated. Syphilis’s symptoms occur in stages: in the primary stage, there is a single, painless sore that eventually heals on its own. In the secondary stage, non-itching rashes and sores on the mouth, vagina, or anus appear. The bottom of your feet or palm of your hands may have reddish spots. Symptoms of sickness – headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, and so on – may also appear. In the latent stage, all symptoms disappear, and syphilis remains dormant and asymptomatic in your body. Numbness, paralysis, and dementia are symptoms of the late stage. It can also damage internal organs and eventually cause death.
So, once again: definitely get checked regularly. And know your body: it can help you to notice abnormalities, like slight rashes or sores.
HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)
Let me make it known now: HIV does not equal AIDS. They are not interchangeable terms. Yes, HIV can develop into AIDS – but it can also be treated so it doesn’t.
With that in mind, 44,000 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2014. HIV spreads through bodily fluids, like semen, blood, and vaginal fluids. Its symptoms resemble those of the flu… which can make it hard to distinguish whether it’s actually the flu or HIV.
HIV – not AIDS – can cause a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick. And, yes, like I mentioned, it can develop into AIDS. But there are antiretrovirals (ART) that can stop it from doing just that. HIV can be managed like any other STI, despite the scare tactics used in our everyday lives.
So, with this knowledge in mind, know that you are not alone should you contract an STI, and there are ways to manage – or even cure – it. Talk to your doctor – they’ve heard it all before, they won’t tell your parents, and they only want to help you. And – not to sound like your freshman health teacher – don’t forget: while there are many forms of birth control, only condoms are the best way to protect you from STIs if you’re sexually active!
Now, go have some fun.