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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are diseases, infections and/or, syndromes that can be transmitted through bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. They can be painful, unsightly, and dangerous to those who have them (some can cause sterility, neurological damage, cancer, or even death). Examples of STIs include: hepatitis, syphilis, herpes, genital warts, and HIV. STIs can be transmitted through childbirth from a mother to a baby, unsafe vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and bodily contact with an infected area. Symptoms typically occur in and/or around the genitals, anus, mouth, and eyes. Not all STIs, however, produce symptoms. 75% of women and 15% of men with chlamydia, for example, are asymptomatic. So, it is entirely possible to unknowingly transmit an STI to someone else. Persons of any race, religion, sexual orientation, social status, or gender can be infected. Even STIs that sound exclusive to women, such as vaginitis, can be transmitted to males. Some estimates say that one in four people will be affected by an STI sometime in his/her life. It is especially important for college students to practice safer sex or abstinence since 65% of all people with STIs are under the age of 25. Some STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, can be cured fairly easily. Others, such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV, cannot be cured, although there are some treatments available to reduce their symptoms. Various symptoms to look for include unusual discharge from the genitals; swelling, pain, sores, or a rash on the genitals; unusual non-menstrual bleeding; pain during urination or defecation; a sore throat for several weeks. If you are sexually active and notice any of these symptoms, please see a health care worker as soon as possible. Detecting and treating an STI early on will decrease the chances of permanent damage. SSIS has many references for places to get tested. In addition, the Brandeis Health Center provides free STI screenings (not including HIV testing) for Brandeis students. Abstinence is the only foolproof way to prevent STI transmission. If you do choose to have sex, however, practicing safer sex greatly reduces your chances of acquiring or passing on an STI. Sources:
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