When you visit a doctor, they will likely talk about vaccinations, offer preventative care options, and suggest various testing to maintain your personal health and the health of the community you live in. Annual visits boost public health initiatives by reducing the spread of diseases, catching illnesses early, and helping communities by reporting infectious disease outbreaks to local governments.
While tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) aren’t typically part of a regular check-up, it’s important to be transparent about your sexual history, so doctors can provide appropriate care if needed. Many people don’t feel comfortable bringing up the
topic of sexual health on their own.
“I think it is time to change the way we talk about STIs/STDs, says Lyla Yovanovitch, HIV Prevention Navigator and Outreach Coordinator, at Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health. “To start, all sexually transmitted infections are treatable, and some are curable! Any discussion of STIs/STDs seems to cause stress, guilt, and focus on the worst-case scenario; it shames people into not seeking testing or
treatment.”
Sexual barriers, like condoms, diaphragms, and dental dams, are used to prevent unintended pregnancy and protect people from venereal diseases like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), chlamydia, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). When talking about sexual health, doctors will ask about what, if any, preventative methods you use during intercourse.
“I am not a fan of saying ‘protected’ or ‘unprotected’ sex. It can sound judgmental. Protection only refers to barrier methods like condoms and dental dams and leaves out healthy sex practices like getting tested and knowing your status.”
Lyla says the focus should be on healthy sex—ensuring all parties have a consensual, safe, and pleasurable experience rooted in open communication, trust, and mutual respect.
“‘Healthy sex’ is a much better term; it’s a more holistic approach and can encompass all aspects of sexual health. Healthy sex practices can include condom use, conversations with your partner(s), PrEP (HIV prevention medication), how often you get tested, and accessing treatment if you need it.”
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections are a serious public health concern. Untreated infections can lead to issues including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, and adverse birth outcomes. If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms or discomfort, like itching, burning, or rashes, which could be associated with an STI or STD, Lyla recommends talking to a primary care provider right away.
“Don’t wait, having STI or HIV ‘scares’ is a real thing. It is important to remember that you are never alone in those situations. Most emergency departments offer PrEP, which is a medication that can prevent HIV even after a possible exposure, it just needs to be started as soon as 24 to 48 hours after a possible exposure.”
If a test is positive, effective treatment options are available. An HIV diagnosis, for example, no longer means suffering in a slow, stigmatized way. Instead, rapid, routine, and highly accurate treatment— including oral, antibiotic, and antiseptic medication— can help people live a near-normal life expectancy.
“Healthy sex practices are not just about using condoms or getting tested, it’s also about staying informed! There is medication to prevent STIs and medication that can prevent HIV. Just knowing that gives you, or people you know, information that can keep your sex life healthy.”
If you have concerns about potential exposure before a sexual encounter occurs, there are options to help lower your risk of contracting certain STIs.
“You also can put the power in your hands by talking to your healthcare provider about DoxyPEP, a medication that can prevent some STIs even after being exposed, and PrEP, which can help prevent HIV before a possible exposure.”
One of the best ways to take control of your sexual health is to talk to a primary care provider.
Arnot Health offers primary care services at 100 John Roemmelt Drive, Horseheads; 418 S. Hamilton Street, Erwin; 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira; 309 Hoffman Street, Elmira; 15 Community Drive, Addison; and 455 Maple Street, Big Flats. Cayuga Health offers primary care services at 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca; 905 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca; 401 Cayuga Park Lane, Ithaca; 260 Tompkins Street, Cortland; 5 Evergreen Street, Dryden; 2138 West Seneca Street, Ovid; 220 Steuben Street, Montour Falls; and 217 N. Aurora Street, Ithaca.
In the event of a positive result, patients will be referred to an infectious disease specialist. Arnot Health’s Infectious Disease clinic is located at 602 Ivy Street, floor 2, Elmira. The Cayuga Centers for Infectious Disease are located at 260 Tompkins Street, Cortland and 1301 Trumansburg Road, Suite R, Ithaca.
