What STI's Are
Sexually Transmitted Infections, or STI's, are diseases and syndromes which can be transmitted through bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. Hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV are all STI's. STI symptoms occur most often in and around the genitals, anus, mouth, and eyes. STI's are often transmitted through unsafe vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STI's are also transmitted through bodily contact with an infected area. Herpes and genital warts can be transmitted in this way.
Not all STI's produce symptoms. 75% of women and 15% of men with chlamydia are asymptomatic. It is entirely possible to transmit an STI that you don't know you have to someone else.
STI's can be painful, unsightly, and even dangerous to those who have them. Some cause sterility, neurological damage, cancer, or even death. STI's can be transmitted to a baby during childbirth.
STI's can infect any person of any race, religion, sexual preference, social status, or gender. Even STI's which 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 since 65% of all people with STI's are under 25.
Some STI's, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis, can fairly easily be cured. Others, such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV, cannot be cured, although there are some treatments available to reduce their symptoms.
Some symptoms to look for are unusual discharge from the genitals; swelling, pain, sores, or a rash on the genitals; unusual non-menstrual bleeding; pain during urination or defacation; 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 will decrease the chances of permanent damage. SSIS has many references for places to get tested.
Abstinence is the only fool-proof way to prevent STI transmission. If you choose to have sex, however, practicing safer sex greatly reduces your chances of acquiring or passing on an STI.
Sources:
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDs), http://h-devil-www.mc.duke.edu/h-devil/stds/gen.htm, 2/10/98.
STD Services: Information for Students: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Defined, http://www.stdservices.on.net/std/definition.htm, 2/10/98.