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(360) 650-2993
pws@wwu.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STI’s are transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sexual contact. Whether you are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can get or transmit an STI.
Getting Tested and Treated:
Most bacterial STIs, like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and syphilis, are relatively easy to cure with antibiotics if detected early. Your immune system can actually eliminate some viruses such as HPV and molluscum.
If you are feeling guilty, ashamed, or embarrassed if you think you have an STI, hopefully you won’t be prevented from getting tested or receiving treatment, as most STI’s don’t go away by themselves and many treatments can be quick and painless.
Making sex safer – what you can do:
- Abstinence is the only way to practically eliminate your risk from STIs. However, you can lower your risk by forming a monogamous relationship in which you and your partner agree to be faithful sexually. Avoid sexual contact with this partner till you have each been tested and are reasonably sure you are both free of STIs.
- Use condoms made of latex or polyurethane. While condoms don’t provide 100% protection, they are the best protection available.
- Include STI testing as part of your regular medical check-up. Especially if you have changed partners or have more than one partner. Remember: a large percentage of people who have an STI have no symptoms.
- Learn the common symptoms of STIs and seek medical help promptly if any suspicions arise.
- Do not use drugs or alcohol in potentially intimate situations.
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.
Antibiotics and Antivirals:
Bacterial STIs are usually treated with an antibiotic, however antiviral medications are available for a few viral STIs. When taking antibiotics or antivirals:
- Follow instructions in the prescribed manner.
- Avoid sexual contact till you complete the entire treatment, even if symptoms disappear
- Notify your current and previous sexual partners so they can be treated.
If you have an STI, you are not alone. Consider sharing your feelings with someone you trust, such as a counselor.
