Searching for the right answer

Men and women are sometimes hesitant to ask a health care provider about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because of the fear of finding out that they might have an infection. In my practice, I\'ve heard various comments which reflect the uncertainty surrounding this topic. Some say, "Why worry, it could never happen to me! I don\'t have any symptoms, doesn\'t that mean I\'m OK? I've never really had sex before but I\'ve done other things. Do I need to be tested?" The answer is yes, if you and your partner have ever had any close contact of the genitals or oral-genital contact without the use of a condom or barrier protection. There does not need to be penile penetration or ejaculation for infection to occur; some STI transmission can occur with genital to genital skin contact and oral-genital contact. \nTwo of the most common STIs that we diagnose and treat at the IU Health Center are chlamydia and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the United States. We are only beginning to realize the importance of this disease. It causes an estimated 4 million new infections annually, primarily among adolescents and young adults. Most women who have chlamydia do not experience early symptoms. In women, untreated infections can progress to involve the upper reproductive tract and may result in serious complications. Without treatment, 20-40 percent of females with chlamydia may develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can cause chronic pelvic pain and harm to reproductive organs. Most males who have chlamydia do experience early symptoms such as discharge from the penis or painful urination. Fortunately for males, there is an easy urine test to determine if they are infected. If males are undiagnosed and not treated, there is a risk of epididymitis-infection of the tiny tubes in the testicles-possible scarring and infertility. \nHPV is a virus that occasionally causes genital warts or cervical cell changes in women but in most cases infects people without causing noticeable symptoms. Approximately 25 types of HPV can infect the genital area. These types are divided into \"High Risk\" and \"Low Risk\" based on whether they are associated with cancer. Infection with a \"High Risk\" type of HPV is one risk factor for cervical cancer, which causes approximately 4,500 deaths among women each year. No cure for HPV exists currently; however there are research studies in progress working towards a vaccine. Those women who receive a diagnosis of HPV, usually as a result of a pap smear, should understand that most strains of HPV are not associated with cancer and appear to clear from the body, on their own, over time. A diagnosis of HPV in males only happens if he does have actual genital warts or a sexual partner has been diagnosed. Currently, there is no test for males.\n If you are considering a full STI screening at the Health Center, this would include: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. Hepatitis B screening for immunity may also be done if you have not previously been immunized. \nYour quality of life in the future depends on the choices you make now and the efforts you take to protect your sexual and reproductive health. Prevention, early testing and treatment and communication are the keys to staying healthy.