Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Prevention, protection, and peace of mind.
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80% of people with an STI don’t show symptoms.
1 in 5 people in the United States has an STI.
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One out of two sexually active people will contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by age 25.
Each year, 1 in 4 teens contracts an STI.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can affect people of all genders. Having any type of sex with another person, (oral, anal or vaginal) puts you at risk for contracting an STI. Sharing physical items such as clothes, bed sheets, razors, toothbrushes and needles, also puts you at risk for contracting an STI.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that STIs are preventable, and most are easily treated if caught early. Talking to your partner prior to sexual activity, practicing safe sex and getting tested frequently are all ways to reduce the risk of contracting an STI.
Our health centers offer STI education, testing, and treatment including but not limited to the following:
Crabs or Pubic Lice
Crabs or Pubic Lice are in the body’s pubic area. They will go anywhere on the body with coarse hair if not treated. Crabs or Pubic Lice is curable.
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is a common and highly contagious infection, usually spread through sex. Genital outbreaks, are typically herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) or the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), usually causes cold sores. Genital herpes treatment includes medicines to help sores heal faster and prevent outbreaks. Genital Herpes is treatable, but not curable.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STDs in the U.S. It is easily spread because it often causes no symptoms. If symptoms show, they may include: abnormal discharge or pain during intercourse. It is curable.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common STI. It is also known as “the clap” for a white drip that is an associated symptom. Gonorrhea is curable.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a highly contagious disease that is spread primarily through sexual contact. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, rashes, and hair falling out. If untreated, it can lead to heart disease, brain damage, and blindness. This is a curable STD/STI in the first two stages.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, also known as “Trich”, is an infection caused by a parasite. Symptoms include foul smelling discharge, painful urination and genital itching. It is curable.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV/AIDS weakens a person’s ability to fight infections. It is contracted through unprotected sex or needle sharing. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, and shingles. Once infected you take medication to suppress your viral load, thus decreasing the chances of infecting your partner. HIV is treatable, but not curable.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)/Warts
There are more than 150 strains of the HPV virus. Some clear naturally in the body while others lead to warts or cancer. Any gender can be infected. The CDC recommends all children start this two-shot (Gardasil 9) vaccine series at age 9 as you build the best immunity before being exposed to the virus. You can get the vaccine up to age 45. (3 shots after age 15)
If you test positive for an STI, our providers can treat you to cure or manage them. Call the health center nearest you for an appointment today.
FLCH Reproductive Health is supported by the NYS Family Planning Program. Donations are not a prerequisite to care.