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Why is it important to talk about sexual health?
Sexual health is an important part of everyone’s health and wellbeing. Many people are wary of talking about sexual health with their primary care provider, but at Sun River Health, we strive to normalize the conversation. Our goal is to increase sexual health literacy, promote engagement, and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be in the best health.
Sexual health care should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs in order to provide equitable and culturally sensitive care. The benefits of taking care of your sexual health can help you decide what’s right for you, engage in positive relationships, give you peace of mind and a healthy body, make smart choices about your sexual partners, and feel good about yourself.
Basic sexual health care includes:
- Testing, prevention, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- HIV testing and prevention methods, including PrEP
- Hepatitis B counseling and vaccination to prevent liver scarring and cancer
- HPV counseling and vaccination to prevent HPV warts and genital cancers
- Tailoring family planning services to the individual patient and their partners
- Learning about condom and birth control use
What are sexually transmitted infections?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are silently passed between individuals during sexual activity. In some cases, they can also be transmitted to a fetus during pregnancy. For most people, STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t have any symptoms. For individuals who do experience symptoms, they may include a burning sensation during urination, genital discharge, and itchiness. Severe pain rarely occurs and usually only does so after the infection has substantially progressed.
Over 25 million STIs are transmitted in the United States each year, with half of these occurring in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Gonorrhea / chlamydia, syphilis, trichomonas, HIV, hepatitis B and C, HPV-related warts, and herpes are some common types of STIs. All of these infections can be screened and treated.
STI testing is usually quick and painless. Most doctors recommend getting tested annually, though you may choose to get tested more often if you have a new sexual partner or have multiple partners. Regular testing helps you find and treat STIs that you may not know you have.
What you need to know.
At first, you may feel some embarrassment or awkwardness around discussing sexual health and STIs with your primary care provider, but having an open conversation with a medical professional you trust will help you get the information, prevention, and treatment you need. It’s also important to remember that all STIs can be treated, and that most of them will go away with the right treatment.
If you think you may have an STI or would like to get tested, visit your nearest Sun River Health location or make an appointment with your primary care provider today.
