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Fort Cavazos, Texas — Discussing sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
However, health professionals at Carl R. Darnall Medical Center assert that it’s imperative to have an open and honest dialogue about STIs and remove the inherent shame of an issue that plagues society and is currently on the rise.
The crew of the Fort Cavazos Great Big Podcast sat down with a panel of Army Public Health Nursing representatives, consisting of Chief of Army Public Health Nursing Maj. Theresa Suggs, along with Glenna Tucker, RN supervisor and nurse Shemaka Hairston, in early January to have a candid discussion about STIs. They discussed who is at risk, symptoms, methods of protection and resources available for service members and the community.
STIs are spread mainly by sexual contact and caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. They may be passed from person to person through various bodily fluids. Sometimes STIs can spread to infants during pregnancy or childbirth. They can also spread through blood transfusions or shared needles.
Some of the most common infections include syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and human immunodeficiency virus HIV.
“We see the highest prevalence in younger people, around ages 17 to 24, but anyone is at risk for contracting an STI if you are sexually active,” Suggs said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there is a surge of STIs with no signs of slowing down and the panel agreed. Hairston noted the infections they see here most often.
“I feel like in our community, the things that’s most prevalent are chlamydia and gonorrhea, that’s what we see a lot of. Not to say that the others aren’t as prevalent, but we definitely see people who come back higher for chlamydia and gonorrhea,” she said.
Symptoms of an STI vary and can include drainage, bleeding and pain with urination, or no physical indicators at all.
“While there are multiple symptoms that could occur, some people don’t have any symptoms,” Haston explained. “So, it’s very important if you know you’re sexually active, especially if you’re not having protected sex, it’s important to get tested frequently.”
Lack of testing is a contributing factor to the increase of STIs, the CDC noted. Consequently, the panel stressed the importance of getting tested and the need for patients to feel secure in doing so.
“There’s no judgment,” Hairston expressed. “We encourage them … if you know you’ve been in a situation that put you at high risk … it’s important that you say, ‘I do want to get tested’ and just feel comfortable coming in to get tested. We simply want to test you so we can stop any community spread that could happen.”
Suggs agreed.
“Our goal is not to point fingers or to judge people as to how they ended up contracting an STI, it’s to educate and empower them so that they can protect themselves,” Suggs added.
She explained that the testing process is straightforward and may require a blood draw, urine specimen or rectal swabs and can take up to seven days to yield results.
While there are treatments to cure most STIs, an HIV diagnosis is permanent and can be devastating to receive.
The CDC reports that although HIV infections are on the decline, “prevention efforts must go further and progress must be faster.”
Suggs said the focus is on prevention, adding that with testing, she hopes to see a decrease in the number of HIV positive Soldiers.
“Though there are many things that the Army has put in place to support Soldiers and family members who have HIV positive diagnosis, I think the better option is that you never get diagnosed,” she said.
APHN provides a questionnaire that helps to assess risk factors. Based on the information provided, patients may also request a referral for HIV prep or different medications that help to reduce the risk of contracting HIV prior to exposure.
She went on to explain that Fort Cavazos is diligent in providing services and resources for HIV positive Soldiers and family members.
She noted that CRDAMC provides case management and counseling to HIV positive Soldiers, retirees and dependents. Health professionals ensure they receive the appropriate lab tests, medications and help them maintain medical appointments.
Tucker explained that an HIV diagnosis can affect a Soldier’s deployability, but military regulations are constantly changing, and Soldiers can still enjoy a full career.
Suggs added that the goal is early detection, so the body has the best chance to fight off the virus and remain healthy as long as possible.
“What we want to see, and what our goal is hopefully with testing, is that we will definitely see a decrease in our number of positive HIV Soldiers,” Suggs said.
APHN has implemented a walk-in clinic to make STI testing more accessible to service members, family members, veterans and retirees.
In addition to CRDAMC’s efforts to tackle the negative stigma of STIs, Suggs reiterated the need for open and honest discussion.
“Having sex and connecting with people is just a human response, something that we all crave in our lives, it is very natural, so there’s no shame in that,” she said. “But when you reach that level in your life where you’re ready to engage in that kind of relationship with another individual, you also have to be ready to have adult conversations.
For more information, contact Army Public Health Nursing, located on the first floor of building 36065, at 254-286-7893. Patients can also contact Bell County Public Health at 254-526-8371 or visit bellcountyhealth.org/.
Listen to the entire episode at buzzsprout.com/761486/14330596 or search “STIs: Let’s Talk About It” wherever you listen to podcasts.
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2024 14:34 |
| Story ID: | 468879 |
| Location: | FORT CAVAZOS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CRDAMC sheds light on STIs, by Janecze Wright, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
