High School and STIs

Are you a high school student studying from home this school year? Are you spending more time with your boyfriend and think you might have an STI? Learn why it’s crucial for women to have their STIs treated, and how LWC provides free limited STI testing and medication for you and your partner(s).

What is an STI?

An STI (sexually transmitted infection) may be caused by unprotected sex as well as skin on skin contact.

A person can have an STI and show no symptoms, so it’s important to take STIs seriously if you’ve learned you have one or if you have been exposed. Often, you cannot look at a person and know that they have an STI. It is not who you are, but your actions that may put you at risk of contracting an STI. When symptoms do begin to appear, they may arise as discharge, sores or blisters.

How are STIs spread?

According to the Center for Women’s Health, “many STIs are spread through contact with infected body fluids such as blood, vaginal fluids, or semen”. Contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, like mouth sores are also another way STIs may spread.

How can I prevent getting an STI?

Because some STIs cannot be cured, the best way to prevent getting an STI is to not have sex. Avoiding sexual contact (oral, anal, vaginal) is the only way to avoid an unintended pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms may help reduce the risk of an STI if used consistently and correctly each and every time; however, they cannot provide 100% protection from an STI. Making the smart decision to limit your number of sexual partners can also lower your chances of contracting an STI. 

What should I do if I have an STI?

Obviously, you can’t just hope that an STI will just go away, because it won’t. You may feel embarrassed, but it’s best to seek treatment to prevent your case from worsening or spreading. It’s possible for a pregnant woman with an STI to have a miscarriage or pass their STI to their baby. 

Untreated STIs can cause:

• Pain and/or worsening of infection (ie Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
• Heart disease
• Infertility for the woman, or birth defects in children (pneumonia, eye infection, brain damage)

Make an appointment today for your free STI testing and consultation.

*model is stock photo

References: “Sexually Transmitted Infections: (STIs): General Information.” Center for Young Women’s Health, https://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/01/16/sti-information/  Accessed 9/28/20

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.