A sexually transmitted infections (STI) is spread during sexual activity. STIs are common and potentially serious, but can be treated. You can catch an STI if you have sexual encounters with someone who has an STI. Any sexual activity that involves the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth can spread disease. Some STDs are spread through body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, or blood; others are spread through contact with affected skin.
Sometimes there are no symptoms of an STI, but the most common symptoms are:
You can prevent STIs by practicing safe sex. Always use a condom when you have sexual intercourse, get tested if you are at risk, and get treated early if you have an STI. Also, be sure your partner gets treated to prevent passing the STI to you or to others.
Cervical cancer was once the leading cancer killer, but after Pap smears were introduced almost 60 years ago, this type of cancer has become rarer. The relationship between the development of pre-cervical cancer/cervical cancer and high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus) has been well established since the HPV is necessary for these to occur.
By age 50, more than 80% of all women will have had a genital HPV infection. Most HPV infections are short-lived or are no longer detected within 1-2 years. The amount of infected women that will develop cervical cancer or a high-grade cervical abnormality is a small percentage.
The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology’s guidelines advise that regardless of the age of sexual initiation, cervical cancer screening should begin at the age of 21. Here are a few essential HPV informational points:
At Dr. Polcino’s office, all of our patients are treated with the upmost care. All available information regarding STIs is given to our patients, and the most up-to-date treatments are available.