Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

 

Introduction

Sexually transmitted infections are common among LGBTs.  They are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are acquired through sexual activity.

 

There are several STIs to know about.  These include:

These STIs can affect the body in different ways.  At one end of the spectrum is HIV/AIDS, a deadly disease that is treatable with available medications.  Other STIs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C, are also potentially deadly but can be treated.  At the other end of the spectrum are many of the most common STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which are treatable and curable.  However, if they are not treated correctly, they can lead to serious health problems.

 

STIs can occur in the penis, vagina, mouth, anus/rectum, skin, eyes, bladder, and prostate.

 

Depending on which STI you may have – and depending on when you were infected – symptoms can include:

  • Discharge from the vagina, anus, or penis
  • Burning or pain when you urinate
  • Itching or irritation of the genitals
  • Warts or bumps on or around the genitals
  • Redness or swelling of the genitals
  • Sores, blisters, or rashes
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pain in the testicles (balls)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or fever
  • Persistent sore throat
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)

The Bad

Many people with STIs have no symptoms. This can sometimes make them difficult to diagnose.  And because many people do not know they have an STI, they can easily be passed to another person. 

 

The Good

STIs are preventable!

 

There is absolutely no doubt that safer sex practices reduce the risk for many STIs.  There are also cures for some of the STDs.  Those that cannot be cured can be treated to help prevent them from causing serious health problems and to reduce the risk of them being transmitted to other people. 

 

Why it’s LGBT

The LGBT community has historically experienced high rates of STIs.

 

What to Do

Most STIs won’t go away on their own.  Seek treatment from a healthcare provider, such as your primary care doctor, an infectious disease specialist, a dermatologist, or at an STI clinic. 

 

Tools

A number of simple, painless, and quick tests are available, through your healthcare provider or an STI clinic, to look for sexually transmitted infections.  These include:

  • Urine sample (chlamydia and gonorrhea)
  • Throat culture (gonorrhea)
  • Rectal culture (gonorrhea)
  • Blood test (syphilis)
  • Blood or oral HIV testing
  • If blisters or open sores are present, a culture may be performed to test for herpes
  • Other STIs can be visually diagnosed by our health care providers


STI testing and treatment is available through the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic, with appointment and walk-in services available.

 

To learn more about safer sex to prevent STIs, a number of guides can be access through TheBody.com.