The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control shows 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STI on any given day in 2018. A whopping 20 percent of the population, with cases of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Congenital Syphilis all on the rise by up to 185% since 2014. STIs can be a taboo subject for some people, so many Americans are unaware of the prevalence of STIs in our own communities.
STI prevention needs to be discussed. This starts by answering frequently asked questions and putting common myths to rest. We spoke with an Arizona doctor to do just that.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should Someone Receive STI Testing?
STI screenings for both men and women are typically recommended starting at age 20 for anyone who is sexually active, has multiple partners, or is getting into a new relationship. However, Dr. Natasha Bhuyan from One Medical Group in Arizona says even though there are recommended guidelines, the most important thing is that everyone sees their primary care provider regularly. Regular visits ensure you get the tests personalized to your individual healthcare needs.
“Everyone between the ages of 13 to 64 should get an HIV test at least once. People who have risk factors for HIV, such as needle sharing, should get tested annually or more,” Dr. Bhuyan says. “People who are pregnant automatically get routine STI screening as part of their prenatal care, including HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Men who have sex with men or people who have anal intercourse should also get tested for things like gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV.”
Your doctor will be able to discuss the screening options that are right for you based on your individual health history and lifestyle factors.
Why is it so Important to Get Tested?
Dr. Bhuyan says while there are a range of symptoms related to sexually transmitted infections, some can have no symptoms at all. Alternatively, someone could have an STI and not recognize the symptoms or confuse it with something else. Get regular STI screening to not only protect yourself, but also protect the community.
Some STIs can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated.
“Most STIs can result in serious health outcomes. For example, untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to inflammation of reproductive organs and infertility in both women and men,” Dr. Bhuyan says. “Untreated syphilis can cause a range of adverse outcomes in pregnancy, including stillbirth. Syphilis can also cause things like blindness or brain damage in adults. Untreated HIV can lead to a range of other infections and even death.”
Common Myths
Myth: “If I only have sex with one person, I do not have to get screened regularly.”
Fact: “Even if you are only sexually active with one person, you still may have additional risk factors that require you to get tested. We also have to be aware that your partner may not disclose all of their sexual partners,” Dr. Bhuyan says.
Myth: “STI testing is expensive.”
Fact: “There are many low or no cost options for screening, and most insurance plans cover them as part of preventive care,” Dr. Bhuyan says.
Myth: “STIs can be transmitted through toilet seats.”
Fact: STIs are transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.
Myth: “I cannot get the same STI more than once.”
Fact: “People can get the same infection multiple times. Sometimes, if a partner is untreated, they can pass the infection back to the patient,” Dr. Bhuyan says.
Learn More About STIs
Additional STI resources are available on the Centers for Disease Control website. You can also schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss any questions you may have about STI symptoms, testing, and more. If you have not seen your doctor in over a year, we recommend you schedule an appointment as soon as possible to make sure you are current on all recommended health screenings.
Need assistance? If you are covered by a healthcare plan that partners with Arizona Care Network, you can contact our concierge for help scheduling an appointment. Call 602.406.7226 or email members@azcarenetwork.org.
