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 elevated in recent times. Meaning, in the event you’re having intercourse you’re in danger.
In our new survey of girls and folks assigned feminine at delivery 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 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 Girls’s Well being Advisory Council. “I see lots of people getting relaxed about condom utilization. This can be as a result of elevated entry to issues like contraception drugs 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 mentioned they often see their healthcare supplier (HCP), practically half mentioned their HCP doesn’t ask about STI testing and sexual well being.
Learn: 6 STIs You Have to Know About >>
“I do know I, as a gynecologist, ask my sufferers if they want an [STI] screening however some main care suppliers might 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 might play a component 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 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 probably the most involved about getting an STI.
Lower than half of respondents knew STIs have turn out to be extra frequent within the U.S. over the previous 10 years
Youthful respondents have been extra prone to know in regards to 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 might have signs. This isn’t true. General there was a lack of awareness about frequent STIs and 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 could cause critical well being issues and infrequently don’t have any signs.
Virtually all respondents knew condoms shield in opposition to STIs ….
It’s nice to see condoms getting the love they deserve.
… however some respondents thought different contraception strategies shield in opposition to 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 can assist shield in opposition to being pregnant however don’t shield in opposition to STIs.
85% knew the place to get examined for STIs
Respondents with two to 5 companions have been extra prone to know the place to get examined for STIs in comparison with respondents with one or no accomplice.
Most respondents mentioned they really feel snug speaking about STIs with their HCP …
It’s good to see a majority of contributors (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, truly having the dialog is one other story
Extra youthful respondents mentioned their HCP asks about sexual well being and affords STI testing in comparison with the opposite respondents.
General, the lack of awareness about frequent STIs means extra training is required to assist folks make knowledgeable selections about their well being. “Girls ought to speak with their healthcare supplier as a result of some STIs should not have signs,” Roberts mentioned.
What you don’t know can harm you in terms of your sexual well being.
This useful resource was created with assist from Hologic,a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.
