Kara Reller, PA-C, Women’s Health at Winona Health
April is sexually transmitted infection awareness month, and I’d like to share some helpful facts. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases spread by sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, and anyone who has had sex is at risk for getting and spreading an STI.
You probably learned about STIs (once called STDs) in health class. There are a lot of them – gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, HPV, herpes, HIV, syphilis and more. Many STIs can come with symptoms (vaginal discharge, odor, pain, or sores). One of the hardest pieces of news to hear about STIs is that many have no symptoms. This means a well-meaning partner can transmit an STI without knowing it. Good people get STIs, and good people spread STIs.
In Women’s Health, we recommend annual testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia in all of our sexually active patients under age 25. We also recommend testing for all of our patients over the age of 25 who have a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, or a partner with unknown health status. We offer STI screening to all of our patients at their annual preventive visits, and we encourage all of our patients with symptoms to get tested. Recommendations for specific tests are made individually based on your history and risk factors.
If you think you have an STI, don’t panic! Make an appointment, and hold off on sexual activity until you get tested. All sexually transmitted infections are treatable. Many (like gonorrhea or chlamydia) are curable with an antibiotic. STI testing is confidential. That means that you do not need a parent or guardian’s consent to get tested. Routine screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia can even be completed with a simple urine test (no pelvic exam required!).
We see STIs every day and know the impact STIs can have on relationships and self-confidence. It’s understandable to feel upset about testing positive for a sexually transmitted infection. We’re here to help you through it. Our Winona Health Women’s Health team will help you navigate a new diagnosis and even brainstorm ways to talk to your partner or future partners about sexually transmitted infections. If you are worried about STIs or just due for routine annual screening, please make an appointment!
If you are not a woman or don’t identify as a woman, you can seek care from your regular primary care provider in family or internal medicine. Urgent Care is also available if you need urgent testing, or if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms.
To make an appointment to talk about STIs (or if you need to talk about birth control, period concerns, or are due for a routine checkup) you can call 507.457.7701. Your Women’s Health team is here and ready to help without judgment.
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