We don’t like to talk about it, but it’s crucial to understand—sexually transmitted infections.
You know the ones. The ones your mom warned you about in awkward conversations that you’ll never forget? The ones you had to get tested for in college after you thought it was a good idea to get frisky with that guy from your history class who smelled like Old Spice? We’re talking about those kinds of infections. And if you’re wondering, yes, we are going to talk about them here.
We know that discussing STIs can be uncomfortable, but we need to have this conversation so we can all stay healthy and happy. There’s literally no reason not to get tested—especially when you’ve got access to a women’s health clinic Montreal like ours that makes the process easy and private. So, let’s dive in!
1. Chlamydia:
It’s the most common STI in North America, and it’s one that’s hard to know about unless you’re getting tested. Chlamydia has no symptoms, so unless you do a full STI panel, you might be dealing with it for months without knowing.
It’s important to know that chlamydia can be very treatable. But unless you go to the doctor and get treated right away, it can also lead to long-term health complications. And that’s even scarier to think about. So, if you know you’re vulnerable, take it seriously and get tested!
2. Gonorrhea:
This is another infection that doesn’t cause any symptoms, so you may not even realize you have it. But if you’ve been having unprotected sex, you should probably know if you have it.
If you have gonorrhea, you might start having a discharge from your vagina. And it might start off just yellow and then develop a greenish tint, or even a gray colour. If you notice any of this, it’s time to see a doctor!
Gonorrhea is more prevalent than chlamydia, and it’s on the rise, too. We recommend going to your doctor to get tested for it any time you think you’re having sex, even if you don’t have symptoms.
3. Syphilis:
We know that syphilis is the third most common STI, and that’s why it’s so important to get tested if you think you’ve been exposed. This STI is known as the “Great Imitator.” You might be having symptoms (i.e. open sores on your genital area), but it’s easy to mistake for something else. Especially if you’re not up to date on your shots.
If you have syphilis, it can progress to other diseases that are extremely dangerous.
4. Human Papilloma Virus:
We know that everyone is aware of this by now since it’s basically the buzzword in every girls-gone-wild post on Instagram. HPV is an infection that affects millions of women each year, and it can be deadly.
You might have heard that you can get HPV from an exchange of saliva (and yes, you are actually right). There are over 150 strains of HPV, and not all of them cause health issues. But some strains will lead to oral or genital warts, while others can lead to cervical cancer, throat cancer, and even certain types of cancer in the prostate. That’s why it’s so important to get your shots on time!
It’s time to put down the birth control and go see your doctor! It’s the first step to getting your life back.
5. Genital Warts:
Also known as “Condylomata Acuminata,” genital warts are an ugly STI. As the name suggests, they look like growths or thick warts. They’re also sometimes accompanied by blisters. If you have warts, it means that your immune system isn’t able to properly fight them off, which leads to them being more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.
Suppose you’ve been sexually active for some time; your chances of having warts increase. And if you have warts, you’ll also have to get tested regularly because you’re more likely to get re-exposed if you don’t wear condoms.
6. HIV:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, and it slowly attacks and destroys the immune system, making its host vulnerable to infections and disease. HIV is most commonly spread through sexual intercourse or sharing injection drug equipment with an infected person. It is now easier to detect HIV with the help of a rapid hiv test kit.
The infection can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or birth or through breastfeeding. There is no cure for HIV, but taking medicine every day can control the virus so that people with HIV can enjoy healthy lives and prevent transmitting the virus to others.
