Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) bring with them many questions: What are the symptoms? Is there treatment? How are they spread? Will things be okay?

Family practice physician Dr. Shayne Poulin has the answers. Poulin has served as a provider for Planned Parenthood in Orange and San Bernardino Counties since 2017 and has gained invaluable experience diagnosing and treating STIs as a result.

Poulin explained that STIs, sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections spread through “sexual or genital contact.”

Poulin explained how, although STIs are common, prevention is an essential first line of defense against catching one. She shared that prevention can happen “before, during and after a sexual encounter.”

One form of prevention before sex occurs is vaccination.

“Prior to a sexual encounter, people can protect themselves with the HPV vaccine, which is FDA-approved for all genders ages nine to 45 years.”

HPV, a form of the herpes virus, is the most common STI. 

“There is also a vaccine for MPOX and Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV, which are recommended for certain populations.”

MPOX (formerly ‘Monkeypox’) is a virus spread through intimate touch.

Prophylaxes, often antibiotics, are medications taken to prevent diseases. These are typically prescribed by any licensed health care provider.

“If someone has a high-risk sexual encounter, there is post-exposure prophylaxis, specifically doxyPEP. A single dose of antibiotics can help decrease the risk of getting gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis from the encounter,” shared Poulin.

Gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis are three more diseases spread through sexual contact. 

Another important form of prevention is practicing safe sex by wearing protection.

“When most people think about prevention, they think condoms,” explained Poulin. “Condoms are great, but they are just a piece of the puzzle. There are barriers such as external condoms (placed over a penis), internal condoms (placed inside a vagina or anus) and dental dams.” 

Poulin described a third “key action” in preventing STIs: regular testing.

“Most STIs do not have symptoms, and it is important to get tested prior to a new sexual partner,” she explained.

Even without a new sexual partner, Poulin recommends annual testing for STIs.

STIs can pose serious health risks — with some as serious as infertility or death, if left untreated. Poulin emphasized that those experiencing symptoms like “unusual genital discharge, burning with urination or bumps on the genitals” should seek care immediately.

While there is often stigma surrounding STIs, Poulin emphasized that sexual health should be regarded just as any other form of well-being

“STIs are common and treatable,” Poulin said. “Take steps to keep yourself healthy, and if you get an STI, know there are treatments available.” 

Poulin continued: “I would like people to think of STIs as they would any infection. We do our best to avoid getting the cold or flu with masks, vaccines and avoiding contact with people when you are sick. However, there is no shame when you get a cold, STIs should be the same way.” 

She went on to explain that although prevention is important, “there should be no shame when an STI happens.”