Sexual Health & Wellness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has the infection. STIs can also be spread through sharing needles or other injection equipment with someone who has an infection. Some STIs can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and they can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. STIs are a serious public health concern, as they can lead to long-term health problems, such as infertility, cancer, and other serious illnesses. However, many STIs can be prevented through safer sex practices, such as using condoms and getting regular STI testing. If you are sexually active, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with STIs and to take steps to protect yourself and your partner(s).
The term STI is now commonly used instead of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). This is because not all infections that are transmitted through sexual activity cause diseases. In fact, many STIs do not cause any symptoms at all, or only cause mild symptoms that can be mistaken for something else. For example, someone with chlamydia may not have any symptoms but can still pass the infection to their sexual partners.
Using the term STI instead of STD also helps reduce the stigma associated with these infections. The term "disease" can be perceived as negative and judgmental, which can discourage people from seeking testing and treatment. Using the term "infection" instead can help reduce this stigma and encourage people to take care of their sexual health. The term "disease" implies that the person infected is at fault and has done something wrong, which can lead to shame and reluctance to seek treatment. By using the term "infection," we acknowledge that anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI, regardless of their lifestyle choices or behaviours. This reduces the stigma associated with STIs and encourages people to seek testing and treatment.
STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. However, certain populations, such as young people, men who have sex with men, and people living with HIV, are at higher risk of contracting STIs.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 1 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide every day, and the majority of them are asymptomatic. This amounts to more than 376 million new cases each year of four common STIs alone: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. In 2020, the WHO reported that there were an estimated 374 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: 129 million cases of chlamydia, 82 million new cases of gonorrhoea, and 7.1 million new cases of syphilis and 156 million of new cases of trichomoniasis globally. These numbers are likely underestimated, as many people with STIs do not experience symptoms and therefore do not seek testing or treatment.
STIs are a common occurrence in our society, affecting millions of people every year. Unfortunately, people with STIs often face discrimination and shame from others due to the stigma attached to STIs. This discrimination and shame can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of those affected by STIs, and it is important to understand and address this issue.
Discrimination towards people with STIs can take many forms. For example, individuals with STIs may be ostracised from social circles, face bullying or harassment, or experience negative stereotypes and assumptions about their lifestyle or character. Discrimination can also take the form of denial of employment or health care services, and may even lead to legal discrimination in some cases. Shame is also a common experience for people with STIs. Shame can arise from a sense of personal responsibility for contracting the infection, as well as fear of rejection and ostracism from friends and family. This can result in individuals feeling isolated and alone, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, this shame is often reinforced by societal attitudes that portray STIs as dirty, shameful, or immoral, leading to further harm and stigma.
The impact of discrimination and shame towards people with STIs can be devastating. It can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. These negative emotions can have a profound impact on an individual's mental and physical health, leading to long-term consequences.
To address this issue, we must first acknowledge that discrimination and shame towards people with STIs are unacceptable and harmful. We must work to reduce stigma and promote understanding of these conditions, including education about transmission, prevention, and treatment. Providing access to affordable and non-judgmental health care services is also crucial, as is ensuring that individuals with STIs are not discriminated against in the workplace or other settings. Through education and awareness, we can help to create a society that is more accepting and compassionate towards affected persons living with STIs.
Many myths and stereotypes about STIs persist in our society, leading to misunderstandings and stigma. Here are some common myths and stereotypes about STIs, along with the truths that debunk them.
Myth #1: Only promiscuous or immoral people get STIs.
Truth: Anyone who engages in sexual activity can contract an STI. STIs do not discriminate based on a person's gender, race, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. Many people with STIs have contracted them from their first sexual partner.
Myth #2: STIs are a punishment for immoral behavior.
Truth: STIs are a medical condition, not a punishment. Contracting an STI does not mean a person is immoral or promiscuous. STigma associated with STIs can make it difficult for people to seek help, leading to further complications.
Myth #3: STIs are always symptomatic.
Truth: Many STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. This makes it difficult for individuals to know if they have an STI or not. Regular testing and routine check-ups are important for catching and treating STIs early on.
Myth #4: STIs can only be contracted through vaginal sex.
Truth: STIs can be contracted through any form of sexual activity, including oral and anal sex. It is important to use protection consistently and correctly to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting STIs.
Myth #5: STIs are untreatable and lead to lifelong consequences.
Truth: Many STIs are treatable with antibiotics or antiviral medications. Getting tested and diagnosed early is crucial for effective treatment. Some STIs can have long-term consequences if left untreated, such as infertility or chronic health conditions.
It is important to separate the myths and stereotypes from the truths about STIs. STIs are a medical condition that can affect anyone who engages in sexual activity, or sharing needles or other injection equipment with someone who has an infection and it can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth- thus contracting an STI is not a moral failing. Regular testing, using protection consistently, and seeking medical help promptly are all important steps for preventing and treating STIs. Let's work to reduce stigma and promote understanding of STIs in our society.
One of the most common myths about pornography is that it promotes risky sexual behavior and encourages people to engage in unprotected sex. However, this image of pornography can also be shifted to a more positive image through ethical pornography which can be a source of information about sexual health and can help promote safer sex practices. Ethical porn practices implement strict health and safety guidelines that require performers to undergo regular testing for STIs and to use condoms or other barrier methods during sexual activity, unlike the mainstream porn industry. Thus, ethical porn is challenges the mainstream porn norms where using protection is not seen as sexy to be displayed on the screen. However, it is simply a part of safer sex, caring both for yourself and your partners and yes, sex should be about caring for each other while having pleasure! By promoting awareness and understanding of STIs and pornography, we can reduce the stigma and discrimination that prevent people from accessing the care and support they need to maintain good sexual health and well-being.
Communicating about STIs with a partner can be a sensitive and difficult topic, but it is an important part of maintaining good sexual health and preventing the spread of infections. Here are some tips for how to communicate respectfully about STIs with your partner:
Overall, communicating respectfully about STIs with your partner requires understanding, empathy, and a commitment to practicing safer sex. By following these tips and working together to maintain good sexual health, you can build a strong and healthy relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Remember, talking about STIs doesn't have to be a scary or uncomfortable experience - with the right approach, it can be a positive and empowering step towards a healthy and fulfilling sex life!
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