Sexual health is an important aspect of overall wellness, which is why Midwest Express Clinic offers confidential, convenient and sexual healthcare at urgent care locations across the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland region. The experienced urgent care providers and medical staff at Midwest Express Clinic want to empower patients with the knowledge that will help them take charge of their sexual health.
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a term used to describe infections that are spread through sexual contact. This article will also cover the common risk factors and proper prevention practices.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are infections spread through sexual contact that are caused by bacteria (chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis), viruses (HPV, HIV and hepatitis B virus), parasites (trichomoniasis, scabies and pubic lice). Many STIs are asymptomatic, which means they could go unnoticed without appropriate medical testing. While some STDs cause symptoms such as genital sores, pain, discharge or rashes, other STDs can remain undetected without lab testing. An untreated STD could result in more serious health problems such as organ damage, cancer or infertility.
STIs are primarily spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some infections, such as herpes and HPV, can be spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, not just through bodily fluids. Oral sex is also a mode of transmission for many STIs. Microorganisms causing STIs can be present in mucosal membranes and bodily fluids such as blood, semen, saliva, and urine. HIV, Herpes and Hepatitis B and C can be passed from an infected person to others, including from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Common Types of STIs Include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomonas
- Genital herpes
- HPV
- HIV
- Hepatitis B and C
- Syphilis
Symptoms and Complications of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can present with a wide variety of symptoms, and in some cases, may not cause noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge, genital ulcers, pelvic pain, and discomfort during urination. However, the impact of sexually transmitted infections can go far beyond these initial symptoms. If left untreated, STDs can lead to serious health complications. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are known to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain in sexually active women. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is another significant concern, as it can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause recurring outbreaks of painful genital ulcers. AIDS is a late stage of HIV resulting in severely decreased ability to fight infections and an increase in the risk of acquiring rare, deadly infections or cancer. Untreated syphilis can lead to vision and hearing loss, heart impairments, paralysis and psychosis. Additionally, having an STD can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV infection. Young adults and sexually active individuals should be especially vigilant, as early detection and treatment are key to preventing these potentially life-altering complications.
Common Sexual Health Risk Factors
There are several key risk factors that increase the likelihood of contracting an STI including:
- Unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex
- Multiple sex partners and not disclosing sexual health history with each sexual partner
- Having sex with an infected partner
- History of STIs
- Skipping essential immunizations, such as the HPV vaccine
Recognizing these risks can help individuals take proactive steps to safeguard their health and their partners’ health. STI prevention is crucial, and taking steps to prevent sexually transmitted infections through safe practices and regular testing is highly recommended.
Strategies To Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections
Prevention begins with education and safe sex practices. Condoms, while not 100% percent effective, greatly reduce the risk of contracting an STI when used properly. Additional prevention strategies include having open communication with sexual partners about your sexual health, as well as staying current on vaccinations. Routine sexual health testing is also vital to proper STI prevention. Because many STIs show little to no symptoms, routine sexual health testing helps health care providers flag these issues early, which reduces the possibility of developing further health complications and mitigates the spread of infection. A health care professional can provide guidance on STI diagnosis and recommend appropriate tests, such as a blood test, to accurately detect certain infections. Most STIs are treatable, but early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing complications.
For most healthy adults, it is recommended to get tested for STDs annually. Patients who have been sexually active with multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex may benefit from STD testing every six months. Pregnant women should be regularly tested for STIs to prevent transmission to their infants.
Treatment and Management by a Healthcare Provider
Receiving a positive diagnosis for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can feel overwhelming, but working closely with a healthcare provider is the best way to ensure effective treatment and management. The approach to treatment depends on the specific sexually transmitted infection. Most bacterial infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be cured with antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider. For viral infections like HIV or herpes, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission, even though these infections cannot be completely cured. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and complete the full course of any prescribed medication. In addition to medication, your provider may recommend safer sex practices, such as using latex condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners, to help prevent spreading the infection. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor your health and ensure the infection is under control, protecting both your well-being and that of your sexual partners.
Reducing Stigma Around Sexually Transmitted Infections
Stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be a major barrier to seeking care and having open conversations with sexual partners. It’s important to remember that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may occur in anyone who is sexually active. Reducing stigma starts with education and open dialogue. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment for patients. Organizations like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control are also working to promote awareness, disease control, and prevention strategies to help normalize STI testing and treatment. By fostering a culture of education and support, we can encourage more people to seek timely care, disclose their status to sexual partners, and protect their reproductive health.
Testing For Sexually Transmitted Infections at Midwest Express Clinic
Midwest Express Clinic provides walk-in sexual health testing in a discreet, judgment-free environment. Testing is available for a range of sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomonas, HIV and herpes. Results are typically available within 48-72 hours through the MEC online patient portal or the Quest Diagnostics online portal. Midwest Express Clinic accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare. For those without insurance, affordable self-pay pricing is available. Urine-based testing starts at $180, blood-based testing at $150 and combined urine and blood testing at $250. A follow-up visit with an urgent care provider is available for $40, not including prescribed medications or injections.
If a test is positive, your urgent care provider can offer personalized treatment options and provide recommendations to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Make Your Sexual Health a Top Priority
Understanding the difference between STIs and STDs, recognizing personal risk factors and recognizing personal risk factors and practicing safe sex are vital to maintaining sexual health. Midwest Express Clinic makes it easy to stay on top of your sexual well-being with convenient, discreet, and reliable STD testing and treatment. This is available daily at 50+ walk-in clinics across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. To find a clinic near you, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
