STIs: new acronym, same risky sex behavior

While last week we went into great detail about sexual situations/mishaps and the… While last week we went into great detail about sexual situations/mishaps and the possibility of pregnancy, this week we’ll evaluate the same scenarios from an STI – sexually transmitted infection – perspective. But to ensure we are on the same page, I’ll first discuss the difference between an STD and an STI.

A lot of us were a little surprised when the switch was made, alienating all of us who were reared on posters and TV specials on sexual education and AIDS prevention. Initially, it seemed that STI was a politically correct term that almost did the opposite of its predecessor.

“STD” commanded fear and condom usage. The phrase is a staple that’s connected with images of suffering and death. The term “infection” interspersed in yesterday’s phrase doesn’t call upon the desperate images of disease. Ear or sinus infections come to mind, things that can be easily cured with a few pills.

So it seems with this renaming of the plagues that affect people – specifically those of us in this collegiate station of our lives – we have to do a little more work so that the intended message is sent.

That starts by understanding the method behind the maddening switch. The term STI is meant to imply that one who is infected could not yield symptoms. Megan Kavenaugh, Sexual Health Educator at the Health Education department at Student Health contends that STI and STD can be used interchangeably. She also draws the analogy between some of the names of infections and diseases.

“While HIV is an infection,” she says, “AIDS is a disease.” The switch is meant not to dumb down the idea of a disease but rather to advise those who are sexually active or engaging in risky behaviors that even those without the grim Hollywood symptoms of a disease can infect them without their knowing they have been infected.

STI challenges us to look beyond what is readily visible to the naked eye. When it comes to our own sexual interactions, we must cast light upon the real numbers.

Taking all of this into consideration, Kavenaugh also assisted me in evaluating the same six risky scenarios from last week that she then rated from low to high risk.

Condom breakage – High risk. Both ejaculate and pre-ejaculate can be just as infectious if your partner is infected.

Vaginal and penile play with no penetration – medium to high risk. This behavior puts people at high risk specifically for herpes and Human Papilloma Virus – the virus that causes genital warts – especially if they are having an outbreak. People should keep in mind that even condoms cannot protect against the risks of skin-to-skin contact.

Withdrawal – high risk. Regardless of one’s timing, this can be very dangerous because of pre-ejaculate and the transference of bodily fluids in the genital area.

Transference – low-medium risk. Since a lot of viruses die once they hit the air, this an activity in which pre-ejaculate enters the vaginal area. This could possibly not infect someone even if his or her partner has an infection or disease. But the possibility that they could is still there.

Anal sex, unprotected – high risk. In all the charts I have seen, this is usually at the top of the list when considering risk. Risk is also higher for the receptive partner than it is for the insertive partner. The reason is anal sex is an activity that can result in tearing and bleeding for first-timers and even for those who are not virgins to anal play. Thus, this creates more possible openings through which a disease can be transmitted.

Sexual intercourse with contraception (birth control) – high risk. While the diaphragm and the cervical cap have been cited as slight barriers, birth control does not protect against any STIs. Sex without condom usage automatically puts you at risk.

Now it seems that I’ve covered a lot of ground here. And I bet readers are asking, “well, Rose, since everything is so damn risky, what can two people do when they are in the mood?”

A poster made by Health Enhancement Services entitled “Safer Sex” identifies the no-risk behaviors as abstinence, casual kissing, massage, masturbation, talking and fantasy. While some of these sound kind of corny, they are still options. Keep in mind that safe sex with birth control is an option as well.

But if the only thing you can do to make your partner feel good is sexual interaction, you have a problem. True satisfaction goes far beyond the realm of physical stimulation.

Remember, when it comes to sex, be safe, be smart, be savvy! E-mail Rose at sex@pittnews.com.