Who really wants to talk about them? We do. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) previously called Sexually Transmitted Diseases are something that should be talked about and should be discussed. If you are sexually active you are at risk of developing an STI. STIs are a serious issue but can be especially dangerous for pregnant women and their babies. It is important to understand what they are and why you should be tested if there is a chance that you may have been infected; pregnant or not.
STIs can have a negative effect on your body (with or without symptoms) and it is important to take your reproductive and overall health seriously to have a successful pregnancy and go on to deliver a health baby. Most people will not hesitate to get checked out for other illness and ailments, but there seems to be a stigma that comes with sexually transmitted infections. Your sexual health is very important, so please be proactive and get tested.
WHAT
What is an STI? Simply put, an STI is an infectious process that is passed by sexual activity. Some of the most common STIs are Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. While there are many different kinds of STIs there are a few that are very easily passed and spread from person to person because there can sometimes be no symptoms. Yep, you read that right. You can be infected with an STI and have no symptoms. This is where a lot of people get caught up, because with most any other sickness or infection, you have some sort of symptom. Common cold? Stuffy nose, headache, sore throat. Stomach flu. Vomiting, nausea. This is why getting tested and having an open, honest discussion with a medical provider about your sexual health is so crucial.
It is important to be able to recognize symptoms when they do occur. Some of the more common symptoms that occur with an STI are:
- Changes near the mouth, anus, penis, vagina (bumps, sores or warts)
- Skin rash
- Painful urination
- Severe itching near the penis or vagina
- Discharge
- Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina
- Painful intercourse
WHO
Who is most susceptible to contacting an STI? Anyone and everyone. STIs do not discriminate. STIs infect men, women, people of all ages and people of all races. Almost half of all STIs are diagnosed in people younger than 25 years old. It is important to remember that having an STI does not mean you are “dirty” or unclean. STIs are such a taboo topic simply because of how they are transmitted, but the importance of education and understanding must override the stigma that comes with it.
RISKS of an STI during pregnancy
Not only are there symptoms and overall health complications that can come with contracting an STI, there are specific risks that come with having an STI during pregnancy. You will see that the risks to baby are even greater than they are to the mother. These are listed below:
Risks to mom-
- Labor and delivery complications including premature birth
- A possible need for a cesarean section delivery- certain STIs can be transmitted to the baby during birth and a C-section reduces this risk
- Uterine infection after birth
- More
Risks to baby-
- Blood infection
- Blindness
- Premature birth or low birth weight; increase in neonatal death
- Stillbirth
- Acute hepatitis
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Brain damage
- More
HOW to protect yourself and your unborn child
We’ve discussed what an STI is and who can get them, but how do we prevent them? There is a very simple answer to this: abstain from sexual activity. The only way to remain 100% free of an STI is to abstain from sexual activity until you are in a committed marriage relationship. You will hear that condoms and different forms of protection protect you from STIs; this is a common myth. There is always a small chance that you can become infected with an STI even with using forms of protection. Abstaining until marriage is the safest way to protect yourself- physically, mentally and emotionally.
The PLC staff cares about your sexual health and the health of your unborn child. If you feel you need more information on your sexual health or need STI testing, please contact the PLC Health Clinic at 419-238-9177 or visit our website at www.plchealthclinic.org to speak with one of our nurses or to schedule an appointment.
*Sources available upon request
