Greetings everyone! At GIC we always recommend having safer sex, by this we mean using condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse, every time, every partner. Of course we recommend using condoms for protection of unplanned pregnancies, but also for protection of sexually transmitted diseases.
Using condoms now is more important than it has been in the past because there have been new cases reported of drug resistant gonorrhea, a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI). This means that the bacteria that causes gonorrhea has been able to outsmart the current antibiotics medical professionals give to treat the bacteria.
Symptoms of gonorrhea include:
Discharge from the vagina (watery, creamy, or slightly green)
Pain or burning sensation while urinating.
Frequent urination
Sore throat
Sharp pelvic pain
Fever
Heavier periods or spotting
Luckily, there have been no cases reported in the United States, but that doesn't mean there won't be cases in the future. The best way to prevent the spread of STIs is using condoms correctly during intercourse. If you and your partner decide to abstain from using condoms make sure they do not have other partners. Also, make sure that both parties get tested prior to having unprotected intercourse. If you have engaged in unprotected intercourse, do not panic. Just come into the office and we are happy to perform a quick STI test. We are here to help and keep you safe!
Yours in Health,
Sarah