Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are one of those things that are talked about but not quite enough in the community. Knowledge and education on STIs are vital for anyone engaging in sexual activity or that may come into contact with bodily fluids during any form of fluid bonding.

What are STIs?

STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another, typically through sexual contact or any other act in which bodily fluids may be exchanged. They are a major public health issue worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed every year. STIs can affect people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations, and it is essential to understand how they spread, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think you might have one.

Common STIs

1. Chlamydia
   Transmission: Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
   Symptoms: It is often called a “silent” infection because many people do not experience symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include abnormal discharge, burning during urination, and pain during sex.
   Prevention: Consistent use of condoms or dental dams can help reduce the risk of chlamydia transmission. Regular testing is important, especially for sexually active individuals under 25.
2. Gonorrhea
   Transmission: Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
   Symptoms: Like chlamydia, gonorrhea may not cause symptoms, but it can lead to symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination, abnormal discharge, and pain in the pelvic area.
   Prevention: Safe sexual practices, using protective equipment such as using condoms, and getting regular STI screenings can help prevent gonorrhea.
3. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
   Transmission: HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is most commonly spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
   Symptoms: HIV attacks the immune system, and early symptoms may resemble the flu or cold. If untreated, it can progress to AIDS, a severe weakening of the immune system.
   Prevention: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), consistent condom use, regular HIV testing, and treatment as prevention (TasP) can reduce the risk of transmission.
4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
   Transmission: HPV is the most common STI and is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
   Symptoms: Many strains of HPV cause no symptoms, but certain strains can lead to genital warts or increase the risk of cancers, particularly cervical cancer in women and throat cancer in both men and women.
   Prevention: Vaccination (such as the Gardasil vaccine) can protect against the most dangerous strains of HPV. Using condoms during sex also reduces the risk of transmission.
5. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
   Transmission: HSV is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but it can also be transmitted through kissing or sharing utensils if there are active sores.
   Symptoms: Herpes often causes painful blisters or sores around the genital area, anus, or mouth. However, some people may have the virus without visible symptoms.
   Prevention: Regular use of condoms can reduce transmission, and antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Lesser-Known STIs

1. Trichomoniasis
   Transmission: Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through vaginal sex. It is caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
   Symptoms: In women, symptoms may include vaginal discharge, itching, and discomfort during urination or sex. Men may experience irritation or discharge from the penis.
   Prevention: Safe sex practices, including condom use, and avoiding sexual contact with infected individuals help reduce the risk.
2. Syphilis
   Transmission: Syphilis is a bacterial infection that spreads through direct contact with syphilis sores, which are often found on the genital, anal, or oral areas. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
   Symptoms: Syphilis develops in stages. The first stage is marked by painless sores, followed by rashes and flu-like symptoms in later stages. If untreated, syphilis can cause severe complications, including organ damage.
   Prevention: Condom use and regular screenings for sexually active individuals are key to preventing syphilis.
3. Hepatitis B and C
   Transmission: Both Hepatitis B and C are liver infections spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sharing needles, while Hepatitis C is more commonly spread through blood-to-blood contact.
   Symptoms: Many people with Hepatitis B or C may not have symptoms, but the infections can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer if left untreated.
   Prevention: Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination. Avoiding sharing needles and practicing safe sex reduces the risk of both Hepatitis B and C.
4. Mycoplasma Genitalium
   Transmission: This is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact. It is less well-known but is increasingly being diagnosed in sexually active individuals.
   Symptoms: Mycoplasma genitalium can cause urethritis in men and cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease in women. Symptoms may include burning during urination, discharge, or pelvic pain.
   Prevention: Condom use during sex and regular STI screenings can help reduce the risk.

Transmission Methods

STIs are primarily transmitted through the exchange of body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, blood, or saliva. Transmission can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and some STIs can even be passed through skin-to-skin contact, as is the case with herpes and HPV. Certain STIs, like HIV and Hepatitis, can also be transmitted through sharing needles.

Certain kink practices carry unique risks of STI transmission. For example, blood play increases the risk of transmitting blood-borne infections like HIV and Hepatitis. Fisting can increase the risk of tears and abrasions, making transmission easier. Watersports can also increase the risk of certain STIs. It’s crucial to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions.

Prevention Methods

1. Condom Use
   Condoms (both male and female) are one of the most effective ways to prevent many STIs, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Condoms act as a barrier that prevents the exchange of bodily fluids during sexual activity.
2. Protective Equipment
   Using protective equipment such as sterile gloves, facemasks and more can help prevent the transmission of most STIs.

Different kink activities may require different types of protective equipment. For example, gloves are essential for fisting, dental dams for oral sex, and condoms for vaginal or anal sex. In some cases, face masks may be appropriate to prevent the exchange of fluids during certain practices

4. Limit toy reuse
   Limit the use of toys that may have come in contact with another person’s bodily fluids such as vaginal, seminal, blood, or in some instances even saliva.
5. Practice disinfecting toys
   Proper disinfection of toys can dramatically limit the chances of transmitting most STIs. The method of disinfecting is going to depend largely on the material the toy is made out of.

For example: Silicone toys can be washed with soap and water or boiled for sterilization. Glass toys can also be boiled or cleaned with a bleach solution. Metal toys can be wiped down with alcohol or a disinfectant. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning recommendations.

6. Vaccination
   Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV and Hepatitis B. Getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of contracting these viruses.
7. Regular STI Screenings
   Individuals who engage in a variety of kink activities, especially with multiple partners, should discuss appropriate testing frequency with their healthcare provider. Depending on the types of play and individual risk factors, testing may be recommended every 3 to 6 months, or even more frequently.

Confidential STI testing is available at sexual health clinics, Planned Parenthood, and many primary care offices. Some communities also offer free or low-cost testing events.

8. Limiting Sexual Partners
   Reducing the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of exposure to STIs. It is important to ensure that all sexual partners are tested for STIs before engaging in sexual activity.
9. PrEP and PEP for HIV
   Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken to prevent HIV infection in high-risk individuals, while post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be taken after potential HIV exposure to reduce the likelihood of infection.
10. Doxy PEP
    Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy PEP) is an antibiotic medication taken to prevent bacterial STIs. Taking Doxy PEP 72hrs after potential exposure can help drastically reduce the odds of contraction of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Currently this medication is marketed towards gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and transgender women, however all should be able to speak with their healthcare provider for this medication. Thank you to @nekofox2501 for informing me of this.

What to Do If You Think You Have an STI

If you suspect that you have an STI, the first step is to get tested. Many STIs do not show obvious symptoms, so it is essential to get regular check-ups. Most STIs can be treated or managed with medication, so early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

If diagnosed with an STI, inform your partners so they can also get tested and treated if necessary and follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan.

Negotiating with an STI

Many with STIs may feel like they are “marked” and are unable to play with others. While some may be extremely hesitant through proper education and preventative methods safe play can be accomplished.

Open and honest communication is crucial when negotiating play with an STI. Disclose your status to potential partners before engaging in any sexual or kink related activity. Discuss boundaries, risk tolerance, and ways to adapt practices to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. For example, using condoms, gloves, or dental dams can significantly reduce the risk of transmission even when an STI is present.

Final Thoughts

As with all of my instructional writings, I don’t claim to be an expert at everything…or anything! If you believe some part of this is incorrect, or needs to be adjusted, or something just needs to be added to it. Then comment it below, or send me a message and I’ll be glad to make any necessary corrections.