Let’s discuss intercourse. OK, now that we obtained your consideration, we imply sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Wait, don’t go! We get it. Nobody desires to consider STIs, however charges have increased in recent years. Which means, in case you’re having intercourse you’re in danger.
In our new survey of girls and other people assigned feminine at start ages 35 to 64, we discovered that greater than half of the respondents didn’t know concerning the rise in STIs. And almost 8 out of 10 respondents mentioned they weren’t involved about getting an STI.
“Gonorrhea, chlamydia and, particularly, syphilis have risen over the latest years,” mentioned Tomeka Roberts, M.D., an OB-GYN and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council. “I see lots of people getting relaxed about condom utilization. This can be as a consequence of elevated entry to issues like birth control pills and IUDs. Additionally with Covid, there was a discount of individuals coming to the physician. This has improved, however we nonetheless see a lower in screening.”
Though almost 9 out of 10 respondents mentioned they commonly see their healthcare supplier (HCP), almost half mentioned their HCP doesn’t ask about STI testing and sexual well being.
Read: 6 STIs You Need to Know About >>
“I do know I, as a gynecologist, ask my sufferers if they want an [STI] screening however some major care suppliers could not ask the query,” Roberts mentioned. “And even when the affected person tells me no to an [STI] screening I ask extra about their sexual historical past to see in the event that they really want one, and I’ll have one other dialog with them once more emphasizing the significance.”
Eight out of 10 of our respondents felt snug speaking to their HCP about STIs, however for many who don’t, stigma may play a part in avoiding the dialog. However Roberts famous that almost all HCPs need you to ask questions and communicate up about sexual well being. “We see all kinds of sufferers on daily basis, so you’ll not be alone when discussing your sexual well being,” she mentioned.
Right here’s extra on the important thing findings of our STI consciousness survey:
76% of respondents mentioned they weren’t involved about getting an STI
For those who’re having intercourse, you’re in danger for STIs. The youthful respondents and people with two to 5 sexual companions have been essentially the most involved about getting an STI.
Lower than half of respondents knew STIs have develop into extra frequent within the U.S. over the previous 10 years
Youthful respondents have been extra more likely to know concerning the enhance in STIs in comparison with the opposite respondents.
Like syphilis, sure myths about STIs are nonetheless hanging round
About 15% of respondents mentioned you’ll be able to solely unfold STIs when you have got signs. This isn’t true. Total there was a lack of awareness about frequent STIs and the best way to stop STIs.
Some respondents have by no means heard of frequent infections like trichomoniasis
Solely 35% mentioned they’ve heard of trichomoniasis, and solely 7% have heard of Mgen — an STI that may trigger infertility if left untreated. These frequent STIs may cause severe well being issues and infrequently haven’t any signs.
Nearly all respondents knew condoms defend towards STIs ….
It’s nice to see condoms getting the love they deserve.
… however some respondents thought different contraception strategies defend towards STIs (they don’t)
Some respondents mentioned spermicide (12%), contraception drugs (5%) and IUDs (5%) supply STI safety, which isn’t true. These strategies of contraception might help defend towards being pregnant however don’t defend towards STIs.
85% knew the place to get examined for STIs
Respondents with two to 5 companions have been extra more likely to know the place to get examined for STIs in comparison with respondents with one or no associate.
Most respondents mentioned they really feel snug speaking about STIs with their HCP …
It’s good to see a majority of individuals (80%) reported feeling open to speaking about STIs with their HCP. It’s additionally cool that nearly half of the respondents don’t suppose it’s TMI to speak about STIs with members of the family.
… nevertheless, really having the dialog is one other story
Extra youthful respondents mentioned their HCP asks about sexual well being and provides STI testing in comparison with the opposite respondents.
Total, the lack of awareness about frequent STIs means extra schooling is required to assist individuals make knowledgeable choices about their well being. “Girls ought to discuss with their healthcare supplier as a result of some STIs don’t have signs,” Roberts mentioned.
What you don’t know can damage you in relation to your sexual well being.
This useful resource was created with assist from Hologic,a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.
