5 STIs and How to Prevent Them

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you probably think, but most people aren’t willing to discuss the topic openly, which only helps perpetuate the stigma that surrounds the problem and fosters the spread of disease.

According to recent CDC data, over 2.4 million STI cases were diagnosed in 2023, just in the United States. That includes over 1.6 million cases of chlamydia, 600,000 cases of gonorrhea, and 209,000 cases of syphilis. Just under half of these cases occurred in the 15-24-year-old group.

It’s true that most sexually active people will develop some form of STI in their lifetime. What’s important, though, is learning about what infections are possible, how each of them spreads, and recognizing them early enough to get the necessary medical attention they deserve so you can treat them effectively.

That’s why at Primecare Family Practice, board-certified family practitioners Maryline Ongangi, APRN, FNP-C, and Lewis Nyantika, APRN, FNP-C, offer primary and preventive care services, including testing for and treating STIs.

As disease prevention is always better than disease treatment, the team is taking this opportunity to educate our patients about five common STIs and how you can help prevent them.

What are the five most common STIs?

Here are the five most common STIs diagnosed, in descending order.

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It  affects the genital tract, urinary tract, and sometimes the eyes.

Some 70-80% of people with the infection have no symptoms at all, which has led to it being called "the silent infection."

Chlamydia can be detected by either a urine test or a simple swab, and the infection can be treated and cured by a course of antibiotics. Left untreated, though, it may lead to serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility in women.

2. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and it affects the genitals, rectum, throat, and eyes.

Like chlamydia, many people with gonorrhea don't have symptoms. When they occur, they can include:

• Yellow/green discharge from the penis or vagina
• Painful or burning urination
• Sore throat (from oral sex)
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (from anal sex)
• Vaginal bleeding between periods

Again, like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be detected by a urine test or swab of the infected area.

But while it’s treatable with antibiotics, the bacterium has become increasingly resistant to many drugs, making the infection a significant public health issue.

3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses and is believed to be the most common STI, with studies suggesting around 75% of sexually active people being infected by the virus during their lives. Most people never develop symptoms or health issues, but some strains can lead to genital sores, while others can lead to certain cancers.

While testing in women is usually conducted along with a routine Pap smear, there's no test for the virus in men.

The virus is incurable; however, a vaccine exists that prevents HPV infection and the development of genital warts. Doctors recommend that children aged 11-12 get the vaccine because it's most effective before they become sexually active.

4. Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by two types of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The infection affects about one in six Americans aged 14-49.

Many people never develop symptoms, or the symptoms are so mild that they’re not noticeable.

Doctors can diagnose the condition with a sample from an active sore on the genitals, rectum, buttocks, or thighs, and blood tests can detect antibodies to the herpes virus.

There’s no cure for the infection, but antiviral medications reduce the frequency and severity of recurring outbreaks and lower the risk of transmitting the virus to a partner.

5. Trichomoniasis

The infection is caused by a parasite that infects the genital tract. It's the most common STI globally, but it often remains undiagnosed, in part because about 70% of those infected don't have symptoms.

Trichomoniasis ("trich") can also be diagnosed with a urine specimen or a genital swab, and it's easily cured with a single dose of metronidazole or tinidazole, two antibiotics.

How to prevent STIs

The most effective way to prevent any STI is abstinence, but that’s not always practical, as sex plays an important role in many relationships.

If you’re sexually active, getting tested regularly for common STIs – and having your partner get tested, too – can put your mind at ease that you won’t be transmitting anything harmful.

Another effective method is barrier contraception, such as a condom or a diaphragm. These prevent bodily fluids from passing on to your partner, thereby also preventing the transmission of disease.

If you want to learn more about STIs and how you can prevent them, Primecare Family Practice can help. Call the office at 817-873-3710 to schedule, or book online with us today.