February 12, 2025

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections and Treating Them: What You Need To Know

3 min read

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an infection that can be spread by sexual contact. It includes vaginal sex as well as oral, anal, and genital sex. STIs may have severe health consequences if untreated. This includes infertility as well as cancer and death. STIs may be preventable or treatable if the right steps are taken. This article discusses the prevention and treatment of STIs. It also highlights the importance of getting tested.

Preventing STIs

The use of condoms or dental dams during sexual activity is one way to help prevent STIs. It’s important to practice safe sex, which includes using dental dams and condoms while sexually engaged. Here are a couple of other ways to protect yourself from STIs.

  • Get vaccinated: Vaccines can be obtained for certain STIs. These include the human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as hepatitis B. These vaccines may provide long-lasting coverage against these viruses.
  • Limiting Your Sexual Partners Is Important: The higher your sexual partner count, the greater your risk of contracting STI.
  • Avoid Sharing Sex Toys: If you use sex toys, clean them thoroughly both before and afterward.
  • Communicate To Your Partner: Ask your partner questions about their sexual past and STI status.

Treating STIs

If you think you have an STI, you must get tested as soon as possible. STIs that are caught early can often be cured using antibiotics. Here are several common STIs as well as their treatment options.

Chlamydia: Chlamydia infection is treated by antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe either a single dosage of antibiotics or a more prolonged course of medication, depending on the severity of the infection.

Gonorrhea: As with chlamydia infection, gonorrhea, too, can be treated through antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for a single dosage or longer treatment if the infection has been severe.

Syphilis: Syphilis (a bacterial infection) can be treated by antibiotics. Treatment time may range from several weeks to months, depending on where the infection is at.

HPV (human papillomavirus): There is no cure, but there are treatments to treat the symptoms that it causes, such as warts on the genital area. HPV vaccines can also protect against certain strains.

How to Test for STIs?

STI testing is an important step in preventing these infections and treating them. If you’re sexually engaged, you should get tested every year. This can be increased if multiple sexual partners are involved or if high-risk sexual behaviors are being practiced. Here are a few common STI types:

  • Blood test: Antibodies can be tested to determine if a person has HIV or syphilis.
  • Urine testing: A urine sample can test for certain STIs.
  • Swab test: Swab tests involve taking a sample to test for STIs. This can be taken from the genitals.
  • Physical exam: The physical exam can detect the visible symptoms associated with certain STIs.

Conclusion

Womens health in NJ has access to many resources and services regarding UTI treatment. From visiting a doctor or gynecologist to over-the-counter medications, a variety of options are available for treating this condition. Women’s health should always be taken seriously, and taking steps toward preventing future UTIs is also essential. Urine testing can help identify any potential underlying infections and complicate matters if not looked into sooner rather than later. Still, with the right medical care and preventive measures, women in NJ can remain confident that their health is being taken very seriously.

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