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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's)
Sexually transmitted infections are very common. It is estimated that each year 15 million acquire a sexually transmitted infection (STI) STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites and spread primarily through sexual activity. This includes vaginal intercourse (penis penetrating vagina), oral sex (stimulating genitals with mouth or tongue) and anal (penis penetrating the anus).
There are over twenty different types of STI's. Some common STI 's include bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomaavirus (HPV) and syphilis. Many of these infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be treated or cured relatively easily. If left untreated however, some STI's can cause permanent damage, including infertility or inability to have children. Other more serious infections such as genital herpes and are not curable and never go away. STI's can also be very serious for pregnant women and may cause spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, premature birth, and be passed on to their unborn baby.
While symptoms of STI's vary depending on the type of infection, general symptoms may include:
unusual (in smell or color) discharge
sores or blisters in the vaginal area
redness or swelling in genital area
rash or irritation
pain or burning when urinating
- warts and bumps on genitals
It is also possible to have an STI and not have any symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you have STI, is to be tested. If you are experiencing symptoms or you think you may have an STI, it is very important to see a doctor.
Asian Americans have the lowest prevalence of some STI's among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. This means they are less likely to have chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea as compared other racial and ethnic groups. However, experts suggest that cases of STI's among Asian American women may be uderestimated. Most studies report statistics for both men and women together, so it is difficult to determine the extent of the problem for AAPI women. In addition, many Asian American women do not seek medical attention due to lack of access to medical care, language barriers, and cultural taboo.
Regardless of race or ethnicity, anyone having sex may be at risk for getting an STI. But, there are some things you can take to protect yourself .This includes:
Knowing your partner and their STI status
Using some form of protection such as latex condoms
Getting regular check ups and tests for STI's
For more information on STI's, see the Resources section.
The National Women's Health Information Center This website provides general information on STI's and women's health.
Asian American Health Information on Asian American Health Issues
Engender Health: Improving Women's Health Worldwide: Information on preventing STI's and safer sex for women.
Medline Plus: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Reference Summary, X-Plain Online Tutorial. National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. Retrieved March 21 2005 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/sexuallytransmitteddiseases/hp079101.pd
STD's in Racial and Ethnic Minorities (2002). STD Surveillance Special Focus Profiles. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 17 March 2005 from http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/03pdf/SFMinorities.pdf
Screening and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Journal of the American Medical Association Patient Page. Retrieved April 5 2005 from mhttp://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZO6I53AKC&sub_cat=29
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections (STDs and STIs) and HIV/AIDS Research Retrieved 3 April 2005 from http://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/womenhealth/STDHIV.cfm