The importance of talking about sexually transmitted infections

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – This is Sexually Transmitted Infection, or STI, Awareness Week and anyone can be impacted by them. Medical experts say the best way to prevent an STI is by using protection or abstinence.

The signs and symptoms can very but a common thread is pain and burning sensation in the groin. The World Health Organization says in 2020, there were an estimated 374 million new infections around the globe.

The big culprits are chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Another issue is the stigma surrounding STIs and experts say it’s important to have these conversations and educate the public.

“So it’s something that we want people to feel comfortable talking to both their partners, providers, really anybody that’s taking care of them. This is something we do everyday so don’t be shy about bringing it up to us.” said Dr. Sammantha Kouba, a Sanford Health Infections Disease Physician.

Since 2014, STIs have increased across the board for infection rates. Syphilis has jumped up due to many factors, but one of them mainly is due to it not being tested regularly.