In Full Bloom: Navigating STIs This Spring
Hello to our wonderful Tribeca AYAM community!
As all of us in NYC shed our winter coats, let’s also take a minute to peel back the layers of myths and stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
To put it in plainer words: here’s the truth about STIs, how to prevent them, and how we can detect them. Early detection can make all the difference in treatment and outcomes!
Let’s ensure that springtime love is safe love.
Why is STI screening important?
Adolescence and young adulthood are times of exploration and growing independence, which sometimes include sexual activity. This comes with the increased risk of exposure to STIs.
First and foremost, during any sexual activity, barrier protection is the ONLY way to prevent STI transmission (e.g., condoms!). As they say:
No glove, no love!
Still, since nothing is guaranteed, regular STI screenings are important and can catch potential infections early, when they are most easily treated or managed, and before more serious outcomes could occur.
Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so the only way to know for sure if you have one is to get screened.
Some curable STIs can become dangerous if they aren’t treated. For example, if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to chronic pelvic pain in a woman or make it difficult—or even impossible—for a woman to get pregnant later in life. The chance of getting HIV also increases if you have an untreated STI.
Types of screening available
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These are usually tested via a urine sample or a genital swab.
HIV: A blood test is the most common screening method for HIV.
HPV: While there’s no approved test for genital HPV in men, women can be screened for cervical HPV infections during a Pap smear.
Syphilis, Hepatitis, and Others: Blood tests are commonly used for these screenings as well.
A note on screening for herpes: Unlike most other STIs, healthcare providers do not screen for herpes unless symptoms are present.
Many people have been exposed to the herpes virus at some point in their life (often not even by sexual activity!), but only a small number will ever develop symptoms of an active infection. That is, many people “screen positive” but aren’t at risk for herpes lesions. Herpes is typically only diagnosed in patients who have active herpes lesions (by taking a skin swab), at which point it can be treated and prevented from recurring.
How often should you be screened?
The answer depends on your age, your sexual behaviors and other risk factors, which should be discussed with your healthcare provider. At Tribeca AYAM, our rules of thumb for most patients include:
- Before becoming sexually active with a new partner, to know your status. Talk to them about getting themselves tested, too! Make it a date?
- After becoming sexually active with a new partner, especially if you didn’t use protection and/or don’t know their status.
- Once a year at least for anyone sexually active! These tests aren’t fool-proof and sometimes infections don’t show up until later.
While we make sure to discuss when and if we plan to send STI testing during your visit, don’t assume that you’re receiving STI testing every time you give a urine sample or have a genital exam. If you think you need STI testing, tell your doctor about your concerns and what tests you would like or need.
Schedule an appointment with us any time for STI screening!
Personal and Private
Tribeca AYAM respects your privacy. For adolescents, the guidelines on parental consent for STI screenings can vary by state. Rest assured, we maintain strict confidentiality in all patient matters, in accordance with New York State laws. If you have any questions or concerns about STI testing, result reporting, or privacy, our doctors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Stay healthy, stay informed!
The Tribeca AYAM Team