Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise in the U.S. and around the globe. The World Health Organization reports more than 1 million new sexually transmitted infections are acquired daily — most of which are asymptomatic.
Stacey Rizza, M.D., an infectious diseases physician with Mayo Clinic, says there are many reasons for the continued rise in sexually transmitted infections in the last few years. She says educating people is crucial and an important step in reducing the risks of sexually transmitted infections, which can have long-lasting health effects on the person and society.
“We’ve seen the rate of many sexually transmitted infections going up in the last few years, particularly syphilis,” Dr. Rizza says.
Syphilis, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are bacterial infections and can be treated with antibiotics. These medications won’t help viral infections, like hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes. And not everyone with a sexually transmitted infection will have symptoms.
“That’s part of the difficulty of getting on top of the transmission is some people are asymptomatic, and they’re able to transmit it to others,” Dr. Rizza says.
Screening, understanding risk factors and prevention are crucial.
“The best way to prevent most sexually transmitted infections is with barrier protection during intercourse,” she says.
This means using condoms or female dental dams, for instance. For those at risk of HIV, there is medication referred to as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, and vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B.
Dr. Rizza says protecting yourself also means protecting others.
“If you have a new sex partner or if you have multiple sex partners, then we usually recommend getting tested every three months, even if you’re asymptomatic,” Dr. Rizza says.
Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections
You may be exposed to a sexually transmitted infection and not have any symptoms. In many cases, a person can be infected and not experience any symptoms of a disease.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
- Painful or burning urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Rash over the trunk, hands or feet
- Seek medical treatment if you have symptoms, especially if you’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
