STI's are real - General information for teens

'STI's' or 'STD's' which is 'sexually transmitted infections/diseases' is not just a scary story made up by adults with the hope that teens will not engage in sex, it is a reality and you need to be aware of it if you are or planning on being sexually active.  

Any race, gender or age person can get it if they have intercourse with another person who has the infection or in some cases get in contact with their bodily fluids.

An infection transmitted through sexual contact, caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.Most common types

Human papillomavirus infection  An infection that causes warts in various parts of the body, depending on the strain.

Genital herpes A common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores.

Chlamydia A common, sexually transmitted infection that may not cause symptoms.

Gonorrhea A sexually transmitted bacterial infection that, if untreated, may cause infertility.

HIV/AIDS HIV causes AIDS and interferes with the body's ability to fight infections.

Syphilis A bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact that starts as a painless sore.

Read more about each of the STI's if you want extra information

STIs have different symptons, but the one thing that are the same for all of it is, they are 'sexually transmitted'. Wearing a condom can protect you from most of them, unless you have a sore that comes in contact with the infected bodily fluids.

It is important that you protect yourself against these infections and have yourself tested on a regular basis if you are in a sexual relationship or have multiple partners.

If you see any changes in your body that is out of the ordinary or lumps or bumps are forming or you have an unknown discharge from your genitals, or it is sore when you urinate or you have difficulty passing urine, you have to go and see a doctor.  These signs do not always turn out to be an STI, but it is better to be sure, so that you can get treatment and not infect others.

Some people do not show any symptoms or changes and that is why it is important to have yourself and your partner tested before you engage in a sexual relationship.

Most of the STI's can be treated with medication, but HIV/AIDS cannot be cured, but it can be managed. The testing will be quick and easy, maybe a little uncomfortable if you have to get an examination or do not like having your blood drawn, but sometimes just a urine sample will be enough.

 Depending on your symptoms, the doctor or nurse may:

Check your genitals visually.

Touch your penis and testicles to check for discharge, pain or sores.

Take a swab from your urethra (the opening of the penis).

Take a swab from a lesion or sore.

Ask for a urine sample.

Take a blood test.

 

The sooner you get treated, the sooner you can get help and the less damage it will do to your body.  Some STI's can cause a lot of damage in the long term or even to an unborn child.  It is your responsibility to look after your own health and also not do any harm to others.

Read more on the effects of different STI's on https://www.lloydsonlinedoctor.ie/blog/female-health/long-term-effects-of-stis/

Believe it or not but you can be infected with more than one STI at a time, so do you get the picture why it is very irresponsible to have unprotected sex or sleep around?

Luckily there is help if you suspect that you were in contact with an infected person.

If you are in a serious relationship and you feel ready and old enough to engage in sex, it is important that you speak to your partner about what you need from them.  Talking about having protected sex or getting tested for a STI is not always at the top of your list of what you would like to talk about, but it is important.  Besides from having the risk of contracting a STI, you can also get pregnant if you are a girl.  So, protect yourself and your future.

Even though there are ways to protect you from contracting a STI, they are not fool proof and the only way how you will be sure not to ever contract it, is to stay celibate until you are in a committed relationship with a trustworthy person who have tested negative.

 Many STIs are spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, or semen. They can also be spread through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, such as sores in the mouth. You may be exposed to infected body fluids and skin through vaginal, anal or oral sex. 

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