STIs 101: Symptoms, Treatments, and Risks

Unfortunately, STIs are once again on the rise. With 20 million new cases reported every year, it’s important to stay aware of these illnesses and to know their symptoms and risks — as well as what you’ll need to do to be treated for them. 

At Macomb Medical Clinic, we offer a range of family medicine and care services that includes testing for and treating common STIs. Our providers — Mark S. Rosenberg, DO and Arthur Lieberman, DO — are well-versed in this issue and understand how to help patients feel informed and safe before and after a diagnosis. 

STIs 101

First off, you may be asking yourself what STI stands for. Sexually transmitted infections is the most current and up-to-date term. You may be more familiar with the term sexually transmitted diseases (or STDs), but the truth is STDs form as a result of STIs. It’s important to learn about the infection that causes the disease, how it’s transmitted, and how it can be prevented. 

There are a number of common STIs, including 

• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea 
• Chlamydia 
• HIV 
• Trichomoniasis 
• HPV 
• Herpes 

All of these conditions fall under the label of STIs, and because of their sometimes embarrassing symptoms, people don’t always reach out to their providers for help. But an STI is bound to get worse, not better, if left without treatment. 

STI symptoms 

Recognizing the common symptoms of STIs is paramount to getting treatment and feeling better. If you notice these signs in yourself or a sexual partner, it’s time to get checked out:

• Infection symptoms (sweating, fever, chills)
• Irregular odor or discharge coming from the genitals 
• Sores, bleeding, itching, and redness around the genitals or anus
• Difficulty or pain while urinating
• Pain in the abdomen 

It’s important to note that, while these are all telltale symptoms of STIs and STDs, symptoms may not occur at first or at all. This is why it’s important to be aware of your sexual history and your status as well as those of your partners. 

STI risk factors

Since it can be hard to tell if you have an STI just by the symptoms alone, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with these illnesses. Having unprotected sex is one of the biggest risk factors; this includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Using protection drastically reduces your chances for contracting an STI.

Certain activities also carry a higher risk factor for contracting an STI. These include sex with multiple partners, having sex with someone else who has multiple partners, or substance abuse. None of these activities are inherently the cause of contracting an STI, but they can increase the likelihood that you may get one. 

STI treatment 

Different STIs are treated differently. Those that are bacterial in origin can be treated with antibiotics, and the issue will clear up after this. However, viral STIs can’t be cured, and their symptoms can only be managed over time with antiviral medications. 

Whether you have an STI that can or can’t be cured, you must realize that treatment is always necessary. An untreated STI will only worsen, and you can develop serious symptoms, some of which can be deadly. Visiting your provider is the best, safest way to get the help you need. 

STI prevention

It’s possible to prevent contracting an STI, even if you have certain risk factors. Using protection during sex is always wise, especially if you’re with a new partner, but even if you’re with someone you know well. It also helps to get vaccinated against certain STIs and to get tested regularly. Make sure your partners are tested regularly as well. Ask your doctor about which vaccinations you might need.

Do you think you might have an STI? 

Let us help you get the testing and treatment you need to get healthy again. We’re always helpful, discreet, and considerate of our patients and want everyone to feel safe and secure. 

To make an appointment at our Sterling Heights, Michigan, office, call 586-315-2393, or visit us online. We’re here to help.