The Lowdown on Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can sometimes be a difficult topic to discuss. However, it is essential that sexually active people know about safe sex practices and be aware of their exposure risk. Dinaz Irani, MD, answers questions about STIs that will help keep you and your partners safe. Mount Sinai Urgent Care offers STI testing, if needed.

How do I know when to get tested for an STI?

It is important to get tested if you have had unprotected sex, sex with a new partner, sex with multiple partners, or sex with a partner who you know has an infection. Additionally, it is important to get tested if you have any symptoms of an STI. Anyone at increased risk for STIs should be screened even if they do not have symptoms.

Who is at increased risk for STIs?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all sexually active women under the age of 25 be tested for both chlamydia and gonorrhea annually. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STI in the United States and is seen mostly in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Women 25 or older should be tested if they have a higher risk of having chlamydia or gonorrhea; this includes having new or multiple partners, having a partner with a known STI, or being pregnant. Routine screening for the infection is not recommended for men.

The CDC also recommends syphilis testing for anyone with symptoms of syphilis or who is sexually active with a partner who has syphilis. Syphilis is becoming more common and rates are increasing among men who have sex with men as well as heterosexual men and women. Pregnant women should be tested, as syphilis can be transmitted to an unborn baby. According to the CDC, men who have sex with men and sexually active men living with HIV should be screened for syphilis regularly.  The CDC also recommends that anyone taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), daily medication taken to lower the risk of becoming infected with HIV, also be tested routinely for syphilis.

What are the symptoms of an STI and how are the infections diagnosed?

Common symptoms of an STI include genital or rectal discomfort, abnormal discharge, pain with urination, or genital or rectal sores. See a physician if you are experiencing any of those symptoms. However, many STIs do not cause symptoms so you will not know if you are infected unless you get tested. STIs can be diagnosed from urine tests, swabs, or bloodwork. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be detected via a urine test or swab. Herpes can be diagnosed by swabbing the sores themselves or through blood tests.  Syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis can all be diagnosed via bloodwork. 

Genital warts, molluscum contagiosium, and scabies can be diagnosed based on their appearance and typically do not require testing. Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections can be diagnosed with swabs but are often easy to diagnose on a physical exam; although these are not considered STIs, their symptoms may be more noticeable after sexual intercourse. 

What happens if I have an STI and do not get treated?

Left untreated, STIs can cause very serious health conditions, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, organ damage, certain cancers, and even death. Even the thought of contracting an STI can make some people anxious. At Mount Sinai Urgent Care, we want your experience to be fast, easy, and as stress-free as possible. To get tested, you can walk in without an appointment during our convenient daytime, evening, and weekend hours. We are even open on holidays.

Our physicians will discuss your concerns, perform a physical exam if needed, and treat you right away if appropriate. Most test results are complete within a few days. We will call you with your results as soon as they are available. If needed, a physician will discuss your results as well as how to prevent your partners from becoming infected and how to prevent infections in the future.