According to a report by the CDC, there are over 2.4 million sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases reported annually in the US. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) happen via sexual contact, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Sometimes these infections can spread via intimate physical or skin-to-skin contact. To ensure you remain disease free, use protection and look for affordable STD testing in Oregon City to get regular testing.
STIs are common, but there is a lot of misinformation among the general population. We shall look at the most common STIs, the chances of you contracting an STI from one unprotected encounter, and mitigating measures.
Which are the Most Common STIs?
Some of the most common STIs include:
- Genital Herpes
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- HIV/AIDS
What are The Chances of Contracting an STI from a Single Encounter?
Almost every adult has had a sexual encounter in which they did not use protection. What follows is regret and worrying about whether one has contracted an STI. Just what are the odds that a single unprotected one-night stand can lead to an STI?
The chances of STI infections depend on the possibility of an infected partner and the type of STD they have. With unprotected sex, you have about a 30% chance of contracting an STI like syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia, which is higher than if you had used protection.
One off-sexual encounter does not necessarily mean penetrative sex. Anal and oral sex also involves the exchange of bodily fluids that can cause infection. Condoms reduce the risk of STI transmission but do not eliminate the threat, especially from infections like herpes, genital warts, and syphilis that can spread via skin-to-skin contact. The safest way to ensure you do not get an STI is abstinence, but if this is not an option, you must ensure you get tested regularly.
How Soon Should You Test for an STI after an Unprotected Encounter?
If you have an unprotected sexual encounter, you can take an STD test after a few days. However, some STIs have a more extended window period depending on the type of infection. The general rule of thumb is to wait for about one week after the encounter.
STIs have varying window periods and might show a negative result if you test too soon. Some STIs like HIV take three months to manifest in your system. For this reason, you need to get regular tests even when you do not have any symptoms, as some STIs do not have any symptoms.
Measures you should take to Reduce Your Chances of Contracting an STI
You are not the first to have a random and unprotected sexual encounter, but you must prepare for the aftermath. If you suspect your sexual partner is infected, you must get a 10-test panel to screen for the ten most common STIs. These tests allow you to know your status and get the appropriate treatment immediately. No STD prevention method is foolproof, so here are some tips you can use before and after the unprotected encounter to reduce your chances of infection.
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Before
Most unprotected sexual encounters happen because neither partner has protection at hand. The barrier method works well to protect you and your partner and includes the following:
- Condoms (male and female)
- Latex gloves
- Dental Dams
No one can predict an unprotected sexual encounter, but to be safe, vaccinate for Hepatitis A and B and HPV. When buying condoms, ensure the packaging states they can prevent STI infections. If the packaging does not indicate this fact, then these condoms do not have scientific testing for STI prevention.
Choose water-based lubrication condoms as they are less likely to tear during penetration. If you are allergic to latex, choose condoms made from polyurethane. Latex and polyurethane have been tested as safe and significantly reduce the transmission risk. Avoid condoms labeled as made from sheepskin or organic, as they do not prevent STDs.
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After
If you already had an unprotected sexual encounter, don’t beat yourself up over what has already happened. Instead, take measures to get tested and treated as soon as possible. Once you get the results and they come back positive, start arranging for immediate treatment. Take Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV infection within seventy-two hours after exposure, for more effectiveness.
A lot of myths surround STDs and their prevention. Some myths include rinsing genitals with alcohol or soda after sex to prevent an STI infection. If you have unprotected sex, go for PEP medication within 72 hours to prevent HIV. Wait at least one week before you go for an STI test, as the window periods differ. Whether you show symptoms or not, get tested immediately to rule out an STI and start treatment immediately.
