Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series! Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care, brings his experience in internal medicine and emergency care to help you prioritize your health. With advice that’s easy to understand and apply, this series aims to support you in improving your daily habits and overall wellness.
Treating Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than most people realize. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 5 Americans have an STI at any given time. Despite how widespread these infections are, there remains a stigma that prevents many from seeking testing and treatment. The fear of judgment or embarrassment often outweighs the desire to prioritize health.
Early detection and proper treatment of STIs are essential, not just for personal health but for preventing the spread to others. In this article, Dr. Josef Schenker aims to break down the basics of STIs—what causes them, their symptoms, who should get tested, and the importance of early treatment.
Josef Schenker, MD Explains What Causes Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections are caused by different types of pathogens, which include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Understanding these causes can help clarify how STIs spread and how they can be treated.
- Bacteria: Some of the most common STIs are caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These infections often result from sexual contact where bodily fluids are exchanged, and they can typically be treated with antibiotics.
- Viruses: Viral STIs include infections like human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and hepatitis B. Unlike bacterial infections, viral STIs cannot be cured. However, treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
- Parasites: Parasitic STIs, like trichomoniasis, are less well-known but still prevalent. These infections are caused by tiny organisms and are typically treatable with medications.
Different pathogens behave differently in the body, but the common thread is that they are primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. According to Josef Schenker, proper treatment varies depending on the type of infection, making accurate diagnosis key.
What are the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Symptoms of STIs can vary widely depending on the type of infection and the individual. Sometimes, people with STIs may not experience any symptoms at all, which is why regular testing is crucial. However, when symptoms do occur, they often include:
- Unusual Discharge: Both men and women may experience abnormal discharge from the genitals. For women, this may be a vaginal discharge that has a different color or odor than usual. For men, this can include discharge from the penis.
- Sores or Bumps: These may appear on or around the genitals, mouth, or anus. They can be painful or painless, but any new sores should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- Painful Urination: Pain, burning, or discomfort while urinating can be a sign of an STI like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Itching and Irritation: Irritation around the genital area, including itching, redness, or swelling, may indicate an infection.
- Unusual Bleeding: Women may experience bleeding between periods or after sex, which can be linked to an STI.
- Pelvic Pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may indicate a more serious infection like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often caused by untreated STIs.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Some STIs, especially viral infections like HIV or herpes, may cause general symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or body aches.
Since symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if any of these signs appear.
Who Should Get STI Screening and Testing?
Medical professionals recommend regular STI screenings for certain groups of people, particularly those who may be at higher risk. Josef Schenker, MD says that you should consider getting tested if you:
- are sexually active and not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship.
- have multiple sexual partners.
- have had unprotected sex, especially with a new partner.
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- have a partner who has been diagnosed with an STI.
- are experiencing any symptoms of an STI.
- have a history of drug use involving shared needles, which can increase the risk of HIV or hepatitis.
STI testing is a critical part of maintaining sexual health, and it’s important to be proactive, even if you feel perfectly healthy.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Treat Sexually Transmitted Infections
Dr. Josef Schenker emphasizes that treating sexually transmitted infections is vital for preventing complications and stopping the spread of infection. The specific treatment depends on the type of infection, so accurate diagnosis is the first step. Below are some of the most common STIs and how they’re treated:
- Chlamydia: One of the most common bacterial STIs, chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications, including infertility.
- Gonorrhea: Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. However, some strains of gonorrhea have become resistant to standard antibiotics, making treatment more complex.
- Syphilis: Early-stage syphilis is highly treatable with antibiotics, particularly penicillin. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to more serious stages, affecting the heart, brain, and other organs.
- Herpes (HSV): There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications like acyclovir can help reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission to others.
- HPV: Most cases of HPV resolve on their own, but in some cases, the virus can lead to genital warts or even cancer. Treatment may involve the removal of warts or monitoring for any signs of cancerous changes.
- HIV: While HIV cannot be cured, it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Early detection and consistent treatment allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
- Trichomoniasis: This parasitic infection is typically treated with a single dose of antibiotics like metronidazole or tinidazole.
Each infection has its treatment protocol, but the common factor is the need for timely medical intervention to avoid complications.
How to Lower the Risk of Developing a Sexually Transmitted Infection
When it comes to STIs, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some key strategies to lower your risk of contracting an STI:
- Use Condoms: Condoms are highly effective at reducing the transmission of most STIs when used consistently and correctly.
- Limit Sexual Partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners can lower your risk of exposure to STIs.
- Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available for certain STIs, such as HPV and hepatitis B. Getting vaccinated is a simple way to protect yourself.
- Communicate with Your Partner: Open, honest conversations about sexual health, including STI testing and protection, are crucial for reducing risks.
- Regular Testing: Regular STI screenings are a key part of maintaining sexual health, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk sexual behavior.
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Substance use can impair judgment, making it more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as having unprotected sex.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
No, most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) will not heal on their own. Without proper treatment, they can worsen and lead to serious health complications. It’s important to seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment to avoid long-term issues.
Yes, certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) must be reported to public health authorities, depending on local laws. This helps monitor and prevent outbreaks. Common reportable STIs include HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Reporting is confidential and protects public health.
You should get tested for STIs at least once a year if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners. More frequent testing is recommended if you engage in high-risk behaviors or have symptoms.
If you think you have an STI, seek medical advice immediately for testing and treatment. Avoid sexual activity until diagnosed and treated. Inform recent partners, so they can get tested too. Early detection helps prevent complications and further spread.
Protect Yourself, Get Help for STI-free Living
Regular testing, treatment, and open communication are key to protecting your health and the health of those around you. By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can maintain control of your sexual health and live free of unnecessary complications.
You can get all the relevant information along with the proper treatment you need at any of the Centers Urgent Care facilities across New York. Led by Dr. Josef Schenker, our team of expert and compassionate medical practitioners will make sure that you will get all the help and support you need for an STI-free life. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.