What Are the Most Common STIs?

 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a significant public health issue, impacting millions of people worldwide. Understanding what STI stands for and the most common STIs can help in prevention, early detection, and treatment.

We at Life Forward are here to help make sure you are fully informed about reproductive health and can get the care needed. We have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment to help your family with whatever you need. 

We want you to feel heard and understood as you share your thoughts and feelings. We also have a team of medical professionals focusing on women’s health and well-being that you can talk to and ask questions regarding reproductive health. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today!

In order to help you stay informed and prepared during your pregnancy, this article will delve into the most common STIs, their symptoms, and crucial statistics.

What Is an STI?

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection — also commonly referred to as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) —  which is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can lead to severe health complications if left untreated.

Most Common STIs

There are several types of common STIs, but some are more prevalent than others. This article will focus on the most common STIs in the United States, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea — caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae — is one of the most common STIs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 648,056 reported cases in the United States in 2022.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea:

  • Painful urination

  • Abnormal discharge from the genitals

  • Pain or swelling in one testicle (for men)

  • Increased vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods (for women)

Treatment: Gonorrhea is treatable with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are emerging, making it essential to seek medical treatment promptly.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In 2022, there were 1,649,716 reported cases in the U.S.

Symptoms of Chlamydia:

  • Often asymptomatic, especially in women

  • Painful urination

  • Abnormal genital discharge

  • Pain during intercourse (for women)

  • Testicular pain (for men)

Treatment: Chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics. Regular screening is crucial, especially for sexually active young women.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or "Trich," is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is one of the most common STIs globally, affecting around 2.6 million people in the U.S.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis:

  • Often asymptomatic, particularly in men

  • Itching, burning, or redness of the genitals

  • Discomfort during urination

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge (often frothy, greenish-yellow)

Treatment: Trichomoniasis is treatable with prescription medication, usually metronidazole or tinidazole.

If you think you may have gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis, please contact us at Life Forward to schedule STI testing services today!

Other Common STIs

While gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are highly prevalent, there are other common STIs worth noting:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Although chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI, the most common STI in the US by total prevalence is HPV, with over 42 million Americans currently infected. It can cause genital warts and is linked to several cancers, including cervical cancer.

Genital Herpes

Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), genital herpes affects about 1 in 6 people between the ages of 14 and 49 in the U.S. It leads to painful blisters and sores on the genital area.

Syphilis

Syphilis — caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum — has seen a resurgence in recent years. It progresses through stages and can cause severe health issues if not treated.

Prevention and Testing

The only way to avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Preventing STIs involves practicing safe sex, using condoms, and getting regular screenings. Understanding STIs and STI symptoms can help in identifying and treating infections early. Many health organizations — such as Life Forward — provide resources and support for STI testing and treatment.

Preventive Measures:

  • Use condoms consistently and correctly.

  • Get regular STI screenings, especially if you are sexually active.

  • Limit your number of sexual partners.

  • Get vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B.

Understanding what STIs are and recognizing the most common STIs is vital for sexual health. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the spread of these infections. If you experience any STI symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. For more information on STIs and sexual health, as well as STI testing services, visit Life Forward.

How Life Forward Can Help

At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services — as well as referrals to other community resources — at no cost to you.

Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you be more prepared during pregnancy and make the best decisions. Learn more about the services we offer or call or text us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!

 
STIKevin Buckleyresources, help, support, STI, STD, Sexually Transmitted Infection, Sexually Transmitted Disease