Understanding STIs and STDs: Expert Insights from Mary Washington Healthcare

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) affect millions of people across all demographics. In a recent Ask the Experts session, three professionals—Moulika Baireddy, DO and Jenny Mijango, FNP-BC, from Mary Washington Infectious Diseases, and Jessica Bedwell from the Mary Washington Healthcare Wellness Program—shared their expertise on prevention, testing, treatment, and stigma reduction. (Watch the video below.)

What are STIs and STDs?

Dr. Baireddy explains:

• STIs are infections primarily spread through sexual contact.
• Common STIs include:
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Syphilis
  • Herpes
  • HPV
  • HIV

Key Facts:

• 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has an STI at any given time.
• Many STIs are treatable or curable.
• Early detection is crucial.

Common Misconceptions:

• You can always tell if someone has an STI — False.
• Only people with multiple partners get STIs — False.
• STIs reflect personal character — False.

How Can You Prevent STIs?

Jenny Mijango emphasizes:

• Use protection:
  • Condoms and dental dams reduce risk.
  • Correct usage is essential.
• Communicate openly:
  • Discuss STI history and testing with partners.
  • Regular testing shows care, not mistrust.
• Get vaccinated:
  • Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are effective.
  • HPV vaccine can start as early as age 9 and prevents several cancers.

What Are PREP and PEP?

Jessica Bedwell explains:

• PREP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis):
  • Taken before exposure to HIV.
  • Works like birth control but for HIV prevention.
• PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis):
  • Taken within 72 hours after potential exposure.
  • Requires follow-up testing.

Additional Resources:

• Free condoms and education available at wellness.mwhc.com.
• Free HIV testing via finger prick with results in minutes.

What Are the Symptoms of STIs?

Dr. Baireddy notes:

• Many STIs are asymptomatic.
• When symptoms appear, they may include:
  • Unusual or general discharge
  • Sores
  • Itching
  • Pain during urination or sex
  • Pelvic pain

Timing Matters:

• Symptoms may appear days, weeks, or months after exposure.

What Happens During an STI Test?

Jenny Mijango reassures:

• Tests are quick and painless.
• May include:
  • Oral swabs
  • Urine tests
  • Vaginal or rectal swabs (based on sexual activity)
• Open communication with providers helps tailor testing.

Why Is Reducing Stigma Important?

Jessica Bedwell highlights:

• Stigma prevents people from seeking care.
• STIs are medical conditions, not moral failings.
• Open conversations lead to better health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can STIs be transmitted non-sexually?

Dr. Baireddy says:

• Yes. Examples:
  • Herpes and HPV via skin-to-skin contact.
  • HIV and hepatitis B/C via blood or needles.
  • Some STIs can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

Can you get an STI from a toilet seat?

Dr. Baireddy: “You cannot.”

What should you do if you test positive?

Dr. Baireddy advises:

• Don’t panic.
• Follow up with a healthcare provider.
• Complete the full course of treatment.
• Avoid sexual contact until cleared.
• Inform recent partners.
• Get retested if recommended.

How far back should you notify partners?

• Start with your last unprotected encounter.
• If unsure, go back a few months.

How should you notify partners?

• Use any method you're comfortable with (text, call, in person).
• You don’t need to specify the STI—just recommend testing.

How often should you get tested?

Where can you get tested?

• Primary care providers
• Some local health departments
• Urgent care centers
• Infectious disease clinics
• Mary Washington Healthcare’s Wellness Program

Can you get the same STI more than once?

Jenny Mijango confirms:

• Yes, and in different locations (e.g., throat, rectum).
• Many cases are asymptomatic.

What does HIV look like initially?

Jenny Mijango describes:

• Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash.
• Can be mistaken for a cold or flu.

What happens if an STI is left untreated?

Dr. Baireddy warns:

• Can progress to systemic infections.
• Syphilis can affect the nervous system, eyes, hearing.
• Untreated HIV increases risk of other infections like tuberculosis.

Who should consider PREP?

Jessica Bedwell recommends:

• People with multiple partners.
• Those unsure of their partner’s status.
• Anyone wanting to protect themselves from HIV.

Options:

• Daily pill
• Bi-monthly injection

Note: PREP protects against HIV, not other STIs. Combine with condoms for full protection.

Can people with HIV live normal lives?

All experts agree:

• Yes. With treatment, people can live long, healthy lives.
• HIV is manageable—often easier than diabetes.
• One pill a day or bi-monthly injections are common treatments.

Key Message: U=U — Undetectable = Untransmissible.

Final Thoughts

STIs and HIV are manageable, treatable, and preventable. The key is education, open communication, and routine testing. As Dr. Baireddy, Jenny Mijango, and Jessica Bedwell emphasized, sexual health is part of overall health—and it deserves the same care and attention.

For more information, visit wellness.mwhc.com or call 540.374.3279.