Definition – Why Should You Care About STIs?
A Sexually Transmitted Infection (or STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite that is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. You may have heard the names of some of the most common STIs: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis. In order to empower yourself, it is important to be educated on the types of STIs, know how you can be exposed to STIs, know how to protect yourself from STI’s and know how decisions that you may be making now, can impact your future. Make an appointment with the Chequamegon Pregnancy Center today to learn more – your appointment is 100% confidential, and we are a safe and judgement free place to talk about STIs.
How do STIs Spread, and How Common are They?
During any form of sexual contact, you are exposing yourself to any STIs that your partner may have, and any STIs that all of their past sexual partners may have had. While STIs may be common (for example an estimated 16,300 people in Northern Wisconsin tested positive for Chlamydia in 20231), that does not mean that STIs are nothing to worry about. If left untreated, STIs such as Chlamydia can develop into life-long diseases such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which may reduce a woman’s ability to have a child in the future.
What are the common symptoms of STIs?
Often, STIs can have no symptoms, which means that many people don’t even know that they have them. This means STIs can be spread without the person’s knowledge. However, some symptoms of STIs can include: pain during sex, unusual or odorus- smelly – discharge or bleeding, lower abdominal pain, sores or bumps.
How can you protect yourself from STIs?
You may have heard that using “barriers” such as condoms can protect you from STIs. However, this is not completely true. In reality, these methods only slightly reduce your risk of contracting – or getting – an STI, and only if the “barrier” method is used 100% perfectly, which is rare.
The truth is that the most effective thing that you can do to stay healthy and protect yourself from STIs is to abstain from – meaning to stop or avoid – having sex. The second most effective way to protect yourself from STI’s is to only have sex within a strongly committed, healthy, monogamous – meaning only one partner – relationship, such as marriage. A healthy relationship means that you and your partner will be able to trust each other enough to talk about things like past and current STI exposure – even if that conversation feels uncomfortable. If your partner is unwilling to discuss STIs, is dishonest, or tries to avoid the topic, that may be a sign that your relationship is not healthy.
I was abused and I think I may have an STI
If you were forced to engage in a sexual act against your will, and now you are concerned that you may have an STD, know that it is not your fault. However, it is still important to be tested and treated. Find someone that you can trust to talk about what happened, and who can help you get tested, and treated. Staff at the Chequamegon Pregnancy Center are trained to meet with you and have these types of conversations in a safe, confidential, and judgement free zone.
How Can I get Tested and Treated for STIs?
If you are concerned that you may have an STI, or you have been sexually active and have never been tested, scheduling an appointment with the Chequamegon Pregnancy Center to get tested is a great first step in taking control of your health. It is also important to talk about negative feelings that may come along with a positive STI test, such as guilt and shame. Finding someone that you can trust, such as an advocate at the Chequamegon Pregnancy Center, can help you process any powerful emotions that you may feel surrounding the topic of STIs.
The Chequamegon Pregnancy Center is here to listen to your story without judgement and empower you with factual and free education. For more resources, or to talk to someone about STI exposure, healthy relationships, or to receive free STI testing click here to schedule a confidential appointment.
1- Wisconsin STI Unit. (2023). (rep.). Sexually Transmitted Infections in Wisconsin, 2023 Northern Region. Madison, WI.
2 – Sexual health. Carenet NCW. (2025). https://carenetncw.com/sexual-health/