It is easy to think that a sexually transmitted infection (STI) will never happen to you. You continue to tell yourself “I practice safe sex” or “I don’t sleep around” and don’t get tested. The truth is if you are sexually active, you are at risk for an STI. Here is why you should get tested today! Some people still call them STDs, but as we share this information, we will use STI.
You can contact an STI even if you are using a condom or other barrier methods.
No prevention method is 100 percent effective at protecting you from an STI. A significant number of people use these methods incorrectly and reduce their effectiveness. Even when used correctly, there are still small chances that you may still contact an STI from sexual contact.
If you are sexually active, it is a good idea to get tested regularly to be sure that you do not have any STIs.
You can contract an STI without having “sex.”
Sexual contact, including oral, anal, and digital sex, can all transfer STIs. Any contact with the genitals is enough to transfer an STI from one person to another. Even if you are engaging in sexual contact that won’t result in pregnancy, you are still at risk for STIs.
STIs are “silent” and show no symptoms.
Many common STIs have no noticeable symptoms. It is possible for someone to have an STI and not know it. This makes it possible for someone to unknowingly pass on an STI without knowing that they have it themselves. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure that you are free of any STIs.
When left untreated, STIs can cause serious damage to your body.
Curable STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). When left untreated, PID can lead to infertility in both men and women. Other STIs have other effects if left untreated. Syphilis can lead to blindness, loss of motor skills, dementia, and damage to the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys, and bones. While HIV and HPV can lead to reduced life expectancy and different types of cancer.
At the end of the day, you can never be too safe when it comes to your sexual health. If you are sexually active, get tested today! At Solutions Mobile, we can provide STI education and testing referrals. Make your appointment today!
