Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted by contact with blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or skin-to-skin contact. People under age 25 account for the majority of sexually transmitted infections.

STIs can be caused by a virus or bacteria. Bacterial STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. Viral STIs, such as herpes, hepatitis B, human papilloma virus (genital warts), and HIV (AIDS) can be treated but cannot be cured. (Antibiotics do not help infections caused by a virus.) The virus will remain in the person's body forever, often in a dormant state, but can be transmitted even when no apparent skin changes are present.

Chlamydia, genital warts, and herpes are the most common STIs among college students.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia often has no symptoms; in fact, approximately 90 percent of women and 50 percent to 70 percent of men have no symptoms. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and infertility. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria and can be cured with antibiotics.

Genital warts

Genital warts can be transmitted by skin-to-skin contact and are caused by a virus, and therefore cannot be cured. The visible warts can be treated with topical acid applications, cryosurgery (freezing), or laser treatment. If left untreated, genital warts can be itchy and irritating. Some types on the cervix can be pre-cancerous. A pap smear may detect wart virus on the cervix. If wart virus is present on the cervix, additional testing is required in order to decide what treatment is necessary.

Herpes

Herpes simplex can be spread by skin-to-skin contact. Herpes is a virus that causes "cold sores" around the mouth or blisters and ulcers in the genital area and is often very painful. Type I and Type II Herpes can be found orally and genitally. Antiviral drugs can decrease the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Herpes can be spread even when there are no visible skin changes.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacteria that causes symptoms approximately 98 percent of the time in males, but only about 75 percent of the time in females. Burning with urination and abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge are common symptoms. This infection can be cured with antibiotics.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that frequently has no obvious symptoms. It will sometimes cause a painless ulcer (chancre) at the site of the infection. A blood test is used to diagnosis syphilis. It can be cured with antibiotic treatment.

HIV (AIDS)

HIV (AIDS) is viral and can be present for years before symptoms appear. There are expensive and complex drug regimens that can assist the HIV-positive person in staying well and productive.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral STI that usually has no symptoms for many years. Chronic Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer. A vaccine is available which can prevent Hepatitis B infection more than 90 percent of the time. The vaccine is available at University Health Services (UHS) by making an appointment at the Allergy and Immunization Clinic; call 863-0774.

Lice

Pubic lice, body lice, and scabies are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact and often cause itching and rashes. Medications are available to treat these infections.

Prevention of STIs

The only way to be sure you are not being exposed to an STI is to avoid sexual activities which involve contact with blood, semen, and other body fluids, and avoid skin-to-skin contact. Other behaviors which give some protection from STIs are having a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, having honest communication with your partner, limiting the number of sexual partners, and always using latex or polyurethane condoms for intercourse, and latex dental dams for oral-genital contact. (Dental dams are available at the UHS pharmacy.)

Risky behaviors are more common with drug use and especially with alcohol use, as drugs and alcohol can cloud your decision-making skills. Therefore, avoiding drugs and alcohol may also give you some protection against risky behaviors. If you are sexually active, you are at risk of STIs. Get tested if you are at risk! Why take a chance? Confidential testing is available at University Health Services. And remember that regular check-ups are encouraged for all sexually active women and men.