When it comes to STIs, there is a lot of misinformation out there about treatments, cures, and preventative measures. However, there is plenty of reliable data and resources that can help you stay on top of your sexual health. To make things easier for you, we have broken down four essential things you should know about incurable STIs.

There Is A Difference Between STDs vs STIs

You may hear some people use STI and STD interchangeably. But there is a fundamental difference between the two terms. “STD” stands for sexually transmitted disease. On the other hand, “STI” stands for sexually transmitted infection. Why are there two different terms? The two terms actually refer to different steps of the disease. An STI is the first step when the bacteria or viruses initially get into your body and spread. STD is what occurs afterwards when your body has already been infected.

STIs Are Very Widespread and Common

According to the World Health Organization, on a daily basis there are 1 million new STI cases in people from the ages of 15 to 49. In short, STIs are very widespread and have made their way around the globe. Here’s how that breaks down in terms of the most common STIs as reported in 2019:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes): Over 500 million people have a HSV genital infection.
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): 300 million women have HPV. Studies have shown that HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
  • HIV: Around the world, 37.9 million people have HIV.
  • Hepatitis B: Around the world, 240 million people have contracted Hepatitis B.
  • There are plenty ways to help prevent STIs

Just because some STIs are incurable doesn’t mean there aren’t practical ways to help prevent contracting them. Part of having a healthy life is knowing how to have safe sex that minimizes your risk of getting infected with STIs. Here are a few methods:

  • Abstinence: What is the most dependable way of preventing STIs? Abstaining from anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
  • Condoms: While abstinence isn’t for everyone, there are ways to have safe sex. Though all sex involves a certain level of risk, using a condom is an effective method of decreasing that risk. As long as you use them safely and responsibly, using condoms can help you live an active and healthy sex life.
  • Vaccination: Though not all STIs have preventative vaccines, there are vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B.
  • Limit Your Sex Partners: Having sex with a limited number of people can decrease your chance of getting a sexually transmitted infection. You should also ask your partners about when was the last time they were tested for STIs.
  • Monogamy: Sex is part of any happy and healthy long term romantic relationship. If you and your partner are mutually monogamous, you are both decreasing your risk of contracting an STI.
  • Getting Tested Regularly: A crucial part of staying on top of your sexual health is getting tested for STIs regularly. Even if you are adhering to safe sex guidelines, you still need to be certain that you haven’t contracted an STI. In addition, you should ask your potential sex partner about the last time they were tested for STIs or if they were treated for STIs recently. Having open and honest conversations is key to a healthy sex life.

There Are Treatments for Incurable STIs

Just because an STI isn’t curable doesn’t mean it’s not treatable. What is the difference? If a disease is curable, there is medicine available that can eliminate it entirely. On the other hand, with treatable diseases, there are medications which can prevent it from getting worse and stop it from being contagious. With treatments, STIs might be inconvenient, but they can be manageable. STI treatment is an evolving field of medicine. Here are some examples of treatments for incurable STIs:

  • Herpes: There are numerous antiviral treatments for Herpes that help prevent breakouts and spread of infection. If you have Herpes, these are a few medications: acyclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®), and valacyclovir (Valtrex®).
  • HIV: Due to antiretroviral medications that stop the virus from spreading throughout the body and subsequently decrease viral load, millions of people around the world can healthily live with HIV. These are the antiretroviral medications people with HIV take: efavirenz (Sustiva®), delavirdine (Rescriptor®), doravirine (Pifeltro®).
  • HPV: There are medications that can get rid of warts and creams which can make you more immune to the virus. Here are a few: Imiquimod cream, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid.
  • Hepatitis B – Certain antiviral medications including tenofovir (Viread) and entecavir (Baraclude) can help fight the virus and prevent can permanent liver damage.

Staying On Top Of Your Sexual Health

Though incurable STIs are common, there are practical and scientifically proven ways to prevent contracting them. In addition, there are also plenty of treatments out there that can help you maintain a healthy sex life if you contract an STI. The key to having a healthy sex life is being honest and transparent with not only your partners, but yourself. If you haven’t been tested and screened for STIs, reach out to your medical provider today and set up an appointment.

This post is in collaboration with hers and Elyon Clinic.