A STIcky Situation

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STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), formally known as STDs, are plagues in our communities. These infections, at times, are untreated and unspoken of because people are sexually unprotected and uneducated. The truth of the situation is these infections have STIgmas without symptoms which allow the perfect opportunity for it to grow and spread to others, unknowingly.
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We easily tell the next person they are sick with a cold or have allergies. We also make doctor’s appointments for pap smears, immunizations, and sick visits. People wash their hands and use hand sanitizer to protect against germs all the time, in some cases, excessively. The same attitude we have with these examples has to be deposited into our communities in order to break the epidemic of STIs. We should program our thoughts about these infections as being real and preventable, and not just another STIcky Situation that can’t be resolved.

Fixing the Situation

Preventing: Protect by using condoms or practicing monogamy (having one mate) or abstinence (avoid having sex).
Testing: Ask your doctor for a STI test. Clinics such as Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia and Philadelphia’s Health Centers #1 (Broad and Lombard) and #5 (20th and Berks) offer free STI testing on weekdays. You can also purchase an over-the-counter STI test at your local pharmacy (CVS, Rite AID, and Walgreens).

Most common STIs
***Most STIs are SILENT meaning NO SYMPTOMS***

Gonorrhea/Chlamydia- commonly silent, sometimes discharge from genitals, bleeding between periods for women or painful urination is present. These STIs are typically treated with an oral antibiotic (Azithromycin) and an injection (Ceftriaxone). Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are usually treated together. These infections are becoming resistant to treatment (antibiotics are no longer killing infection), hence, the use of two forms of antibiotics to kill off infection, effectively. If these STIs are not treated, both women and men could potentially become infertile and/or more susceptible to other STIs.
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​Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Most commonly causes abnormal cervical cells or genital warts (one bump or a group of bumps on genital or oral area) which can be removed or left untreated to disappear on its own. HPV also causes certain cervical cancers which are treatable when caught early. Pap smears are annual screenings that detect HPV and cervical cancer. That’s why it is very important to schedule and show up to annual Pap smear appointments in order to be aware of cervical cancer status and overall genital health. A three step optional series of vaccinations called Gardasil are started at 11-12 years old for females and males to prevent certain types of HPV. According to the CDC, there aren’t any treatments for HPV itself. The only treatments that are available are for the problems that HPV causes, such as genital warts, cervical cancer, abnormal cervical cells, and the rare condition of Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP).

​HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)- ​HIV is a virus that weakens human’s immune systems by attacking essential fighter cells, very similar to the flu virus. The major difference from HIV and any other virus is that the human immune system is deficient (can’t protect) against the virus while the body can usually fight of viruses. When HIV has successfully overtime attacked and invaded most of the body’s fighter cells, the virus become AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV. In this stage, people have very weakened immune systems making them become susceptible to infections that healthy immune systems are able to fight called opportunistic infections. Most people with HIV don’t look or feel sick. According to AIDS.gov, some people within 2-4 weeks of being infected with HIV feel flu like symptoms. Most people do not present any ailments until they are progressing towards AIDS. Unfortunately, HIV/AIDS do not have a cure but there are treatments for the virus called antiretroviral therapy (ART) that keeps HIV from growing and multiplying. People live a lot longer with HIV now than ever before with advanced ART, some call the infection a chronic disease.

JAE will have more to come with these STIcky situations moving forward, covering each STIcky situation in depth. If you have any question regarding these topics, please don’t hesitate ask. There is so much information out there about STIs. Just let me be that filter for you. Remember be safe physically and sexually, one is just as important as the other