Let’s discuss intercourse. OK, now that we received your consideration, we imply sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Wait, don’t go! We get it. Nobody needs to consider STIs, however charges have increased in recent years. Which means, for those who’re having intercourse you’re in danger.
In our new survey of girls and folks assigned feminine at beginning 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 result 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 repeatedly 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 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 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 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 the majority HCPs need you to ask questions and communicate 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
In case you’re having intercourse, you’re in danger for STIs. The youthful respondents and people with two to 5 sexual companions had been probably the most involved about getting an STI.
Lower than half of respondents knew STIs have turn into extra widespread within the U.S. over the previous 10 years
Youthful respondents had been extra more likely to know concerning the improve in STIs in comparison with the opposite respondents.
Like syphilis, sure myths about STIs are nonetheless hanging round
About 15% of respondents mentioned you may solely unfold STIs when you’ve gotten signs. This isn’t true. Total there was a lack of expertise about widespread STIs and how one can forestall STIs.
Some respondents have by no means heard of widespread 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 widespread STIs could cause severe well being issues and infrequently haven’t 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 capsules (5%) and IUDs (5%) provide STI safety, which isn’t true. These strategies of contraception may help 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 had 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 members (80%) reported feeling open to speaking about STIs with their HCP. It’s additionally cool that just about half of the respondents don’t suppose it’s TMI to speak about STIs with relations.
… nevertheless, really 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.
Total, the lack of expertise about widespread STIs means extra training is required to assist folks make knowledgeable selections about their well being. “Girls ought to discuss 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 relation to your sexual well being.
This useful resource was created with assist from Hologic,a HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.
