Healthy Habits: STIs

Top 4 Most Common Incurable STIs (source)
STDs vs STIs: Is there a difference?“STD” is the standard abbreviation for sexually transmitted diseases, while “STI” is for sexually transmitted infections. The main difference between the two is that an STI represents the first step of an STD, while an STD represents the result after the STI. STI is often the first step of disease and occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the body and start multiplying.

• More than 1 million STIs are acquired every day by people ages 15 to 49.
• Hepatitis B an estimated 240 million people are living with Hepatitis B globally (source)
• HIV 37.9 Million (source) people were living with HIV globally in 2018
• human papillomavirus (HPV) Estimated 300 million women live with HPV which is known to cause cervical cancer.
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes) More than 500 million people are estimated to have genital infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV)

The most effective ways to prevent STIs (source)
Abstinence Avoiding vaginal, anal, oral or all forms of sexual activities is the most reliable way to avoid STIs.
VaccinationSafe and effective for preventing infection with hepatitis B and HPV.
Fewer Sex PartnersReduces your exposure and lowers your risk of contracting an STI.
Mutual MonogamyEngaging in sexual activity only with someone you’re in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with is one of the most reliable ways to avoid getting STIs.
CondomsUsing condoms correctly and without fail, while not completely removing the risk, is very effective at reducing your risk of getting or spreading an STI.
Partner Testing/TreatmentEnsure your sexual partner is tested and treated for any STIs before engaging in sexual activity.

Treatments for Incurable STIs (source)Hepatitis B: Antiviral medication to fight the virus and prevent liver damage
Examples: entecavir (Baraclude®), tenofovir (Viread®), lamivudine (Epivir®)
HIV: Antiretroviral medications to prevent the virus from multiplying and to reduce viral load
Examples: delavirdine (Rescriptor®), doravirine (Pifeltro®), efavirenz (Sustiva®)
HPV: Medications to eliminate warts and prescription cream to improve immunity to the virus
Examples: salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, imiquimod cream
Herpes: Antivirals to modulate the course of the disease
Examples: acyclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®), valacyclovir (Valtrex®)