Welcome back to Vitamin G, our safe space where we explore the ins and outs of all aspects of wellness. For today’s topic, we’re breaking down STDs. Zillennials are at a pivotal age where they are exploring their sexuality and forming habits that can impact their long-term health. The once-taboo topics permeate all spaces, from pop culture to politics, with Gen Z’ers at the forefront of the conversations.
Though Gen Z’ers are way more open about conversations regarding sex, there are sometimes misinformed discussions, specifically when the topic of STDs comes up. We all probably remember the infamous discussions in middle school about STDs from Herpes to Chlamydia, but we never went any further. Providing accurate and comprehensive information about STDs helps prevent the spread of infections, reduces stigma, and empowers the next generation to feel safe when discussing STDs.
Recent reports have shown that Gen Z’ers are having less sex than previous generations. However, despite the decrease in sexual activity, a report from the National Institutes of Health reveals that half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases occur among Gen Z’ers. In the journey to complete sexual liberation, upholding proper wellness techniques is essential. Here’s what you need to know about STDs and practicing safe sex.
What Is An STD?
Board-certified family medicine physician Kre Johnson defines the term as a disease or infection that you acquire from sexual contact. STDs can be transmitted through oral, anal genital or vaginal sex.
Is There A Difference Between An STD And An STI?
The acronym STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, while STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. The two terms are often used interchangeably, and ultimately have the same meaning.
“The term verbiage changed over the years,” said Katina Kennedy, a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner. “In the older days, STD was commonly used. Now, STI is used more. Yet, it means the same. The Department of Health wanted to include infections, as well as diseases, when educating on what is transmitted sexually.”
What Are The Different Types of STDs?
There are many different types of STDs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, HPV. Herpes, HIV and syphilis are other types of STDs that live in the body forever. For those, it is essential to take medications prescribed by the doctor.
“The medications are so good at this point that if you take your medicine every day, you can get to what is called undetected,” Johnson explained to GU, referring to a controlled status where the virus cannot be measured through tests. “It decreases your chances of passing the virus on to another human being.”
What Are Some Of The Signs or Symptoms Of An STD?
Some of the common signs of an STD are burning during urination, genital itching, pelvic pain, penile and vaginal discharge, body rashes, sores, bumps or blisters.
“It is important to know your body,” Kennedy told GU. “If something is different, go get it checked. Don’t be afraid to take a picture of your vagina or penis, and examine it. You should know your body the best.”
Echoing Kennedy’s sentiment, Johnson encourages people to “be comfortable with their bodies and know what normal is for them.” If a person knows their body, then Johnson says it will be easier to notice if something abnormal, like a bump or a rash, occurs.
What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have An STD?
If someone suspects that they have an STD, both Kennedy and Johnson suggest that they call their doctor. Johnson also adds informing your partner to inform them and get tested. “There are certain STIs that take time to appear therefore you may have to get tested then, in three weeks, in three months and in six months,” Kennedy tells GU. “We can also treat you prophylactically if you think you have been exposed.”
How Can An Untreated STD Impact Your Body?
If left untreated STDs can begin to negatively affect other parts of the body. “[Untreated STDs] can work its way up into the body, [and] it can cause inflammatory diseases and stuff like that,” Johnson says. “When you see it, don’t ignore it. Treat it because it could cause infertility and sterility issues down the line if you don’t take care of it.”
Genital herpes can give a baby blindness if the mother has it during delivery. Untreated HIV runs the risk of turning into AIDS, which can lead to death if left untreated. Syphilis left untreated can cause neurological issues later on in life. Overall, when it comes to STDs, knowledge is power. Kennedy urges everyone get tested before and after having sexual relations with a new partner.
What Are Some Misconceptions Associated With STDs?
According to Kennedy and Johnson, some of the most common misconceptions surrounding STDs involve who can contract them. Johnson says that she commonly hears from people who are in a monogamous relationship that don’t believe they need any testing. However, she urges everyone to continue to get tested, despite their circumstances.
Similarly, Kennedy wants to debunk the theory that virgins cannot contract an STD. “If they come in contact with someone with herpes or genital warts, [and] skin to skin contact occurs, then they can get those infections despite no penetration,” she explained. “If someone with a cold sore blister on their lip performs oral sex on a virgin they may get herpes in the genital area.”
How Can You Protect Yourself Against STDs?
Johnson believes sexual health should always be a priority. She encourages people to use condoms during oral and penetrative sex, while also staying up-to-date with their annual checkups. In agreement, Kennedy debunks the theory that dental dams and finger condoms are “played out.” Instead, these preventative measures are readily available and can lessen the risk of contracting a STD.
Kennedy also encourages individuals not to be afraid of asking their partners to get tested before engaging in sexual intercourse. She finds that STDs are commonly passed around because people don’t know they have it, due to them being asymptomatic.
“Your sexual health is just as important as your mental and physical health,” Kennedy says. “They all affect each other. Know your health status and STD/STI status. Don’t ignore the signs.”
About the Author: Kayla Grant is a multimedia journalist with bylines in Shondaland, Black Love, theGrio, Business Insider and more. She writes about culture, books and entertainment news. When she’s not writing, Kayla’s traveling, reading, binging TV shows, or all of the above. Follow her on Twitter: @TheKaylaGrant.