Let’s speak about intercourse. OK, now that we acquired 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 the event you’re having intercourse you’re in danger.
In our new survey of ladies and other people assigned feminine at beginning ages 35 to 64, we discovered that greater than half of the respondents didn’t know in regards to the rise in STIs. And practically 8 out of 10 respondents stated they weren’t involved about getting an STI.
“Gonorrhea, chlamydia and, particularly, syphilis have risen over the latest years,” stated 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 resulting from 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 practically 9 out of 10 respondents stated they commonly see their healthcare supplier (HCP), practically half stated 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 might not ask the query,” Roberts stated. “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 actually need one, and I’ll have one other dialog with them once more emphasizing the significance.”
Eight out of 10 of our respondents felt comfy 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 the majority HCPs need you to ask questions and converse up about sexual well being. “We see all kinds of sufferers day-after-day, so you’ll not be alone when discussing your sexual well being,” she stated.
Right here’s extra on the important thing findings of our STI consciousness survey:
76% of respondents stated they weren’t involved about getting an STI
If you happen to’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 turn into extra frequent within the U.S. over the previous 10 years
Youthful respondents have been extra more likely to know in regards to the improve in STIs in comparison with the opposite respondents.
Like syphilis, sure myths about STIs are nonetheless hanging round
About 15% of respondents stated you’ll be able to solely unfold STIs when you’ve gotten signs. This isn’t true. Total there was a lack of understanding about frequent STIs and how you can stop STIs.
Some respondents have by no means heard of frequent infections like trichomoniasis
Solely 35% stated they’ve heard of trichomoniasis, and solely 7% have heard of Mgen — an STI that may trigger infertility if left untreated. These frequent STIs could cause critical well being issues and infrequently haven’t any signs.
Virtually 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 stated spermicide (12%), contraception capsules (5%) and IUDs (5%) provide STI safety, which isn’t true. These strategies of contraception may 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 accomplice.
Most respondents stated they really feel comfy 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 assume it’s TMI to speak about STIs with relations.
… nevertheless, truly having the dialog is one other story
Extra youthful respondents stated their HCP asks about sexual well being and provides STI testing in comparison with the opposite respondents.
Total, the lack of understanding about frequent STIs means extra training is required to assist folks 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 stated.
What you don’t know can damage you relating to your sexual well being.
This useful resource was created with help from Hologic,a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.
