April is STI Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to learn more about these common infections. STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. These are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The World Health Organization says there are 30 different viruses, bacteria and parasites that can cause STIs. Every day, about 1 million new STI cases are reported around the world. That’s why it’s important to understand your sexual and reproductive health and learn how to reduce your risk with safer sex practices.
What Are the Most Common STIs?
There are different STIs, also known as STDs, but here are the seven most common ones with typical symptoms you may or may not experience:
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- Chlamydia: This STI can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include: unusual vaginal discharge, painful urination, pain during sex, stomach pain, discharge from the penis and pain in the testicles.
- Gonorrhea: This STI can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include: pain during sex, vaginal bleeding, painful urination and ye
- llow or green discharge from the vagina or penis.
- Syphilis: This STI can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include: painless sores near the location of contact (mouth, vulva, penis, etc), fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes
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- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): It has no cure, but medicine can help treat visible symptoms like warts. HPV can also cause cellular changes in the body that might develop into pre-cancer or cancer over time. Symptoms for warts include: painless, flesh-colored bump or bumps on the vulva, penis, or anus.
- Genital Herpes: There is no cure, but medicine can treat symptoms and prevent passing to a partner(s). Symptoms include: painful blisters or open sores on or around the vulva, penis, or anus.
- Trichomoniasis: This STI can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include: genital itching, discharge from the penis, frothy vaginal discharge, and burning with urination or during sex.
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- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): This STI cannot be cured, but medications can improve quality of life and prevent passing to a partner(s). Symptoms include: night sweats, rash, mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, , weight loss, fever and lesions.
Why Is It Important to Be Tested for STIs?
If you don’t see a provider for sexually transmitted infection testing, serious health problems can develop and make it harder to have children in the future.
Find a Provider Near You
If you think you have an STI or have not been tested in a while, you can visit a health center for testing. Every county in New Jersey has an NJFPL-supported health center with low-cost or free services. Click the link above to find a health center near you and make an appointment.
If you are experiencing any form of abuse and/or violence, please know that you are not alone. Help is available.
The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence offers lifesaving tools and immediate support 24/7 to empower victims and survivors of domestic violence to find safety and live free of abuse. Their toll-free 24/7 hotline is available at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) or text LOVEIS to 22522.
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault offers medical, legal, and support services for survivors of sexual violence. Their toll-free 24/7 hotline is available at 1-800-601-7200.
Your safety comes first; all calls are confidential. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.