Jackson Free Press

After I gave one of my patients the news of her pap-smear results, she said, "I can't believe this!"

Even though this encounter occurred many years ago, I remember this particular patient. She was the first one that I had to give this bad news: She had tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease. She told me of how her boyfriend was someone she had met at Couples Night at her church and how she had prayed for a husband for many years, and thought that she was going to marry him.

She said they decided to engage in a physical relationship prior to marriage due to the fact that he told her that he needed this to be "faithful." She became overcome with emotions when she told me how he would tell her he loved her, and how he considered himself already married to her. She then told me that she had been celibate for more than two years before meeting her former boyfriend.

Another patient was also in shock at his results. I remember the encounter as if it was yesterday. He looked at me with anger: "I can't believe this."

This encounter occurred many years ago when I first started my practice here in Mississippi after returning from California. This patient was so upset when he learned that his condition could not be cured. He told me that he used a condom, but it broke. He didn't know the lady well, but figured he would be safe by using protection.

Many patients are diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases in our state because of unfortunate judgment. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control says that Jackson ranks fourth of all major metropolitan areas with a high rate of HIV infection per 100,000 people. Fortunately, the patients in this article did not have HIV, but both did contract a disease that was not desired.

The first contracted chlamydia, which can be cured with oral medications. For some with this disorder, they may have no symptoms. The most common symptoms for women with this infection include a vaginal discharge and a burning sensation when urinating. For men with this infection, the most common symptoms include a penile discharge and a burning sensation while urinating. Some men affected can also experience pain and swelling in one or both testicles, although this is less common. If left untreated, chlamydia can result in reproductive problems for a woman, making it difficult to have a successful pregnancy.

The second patient had genital herpes, which has no cure. A specific oral treatment can help with symptoms and can decrease outbreaks. People affected with this disorder can have outbreaks of lesions on and in their genital areas, which are typically painful and can last from days to weeks. Stress is a major contributor to an increased frequency of outbreaks. Patients with frequent ones can take prophylactic treatment (taking the medication daily), which helps decrease the outbreaks' frequency.

As a primary-care physician, I am commissioned to give advice to adolescents and adults about sexual activity. My core advice is to wait until marriage.

Earlier today, a teenager asked me what was true safe sex. He told me that he was going to wear a condom when he was going to have sex, because he wanted to make sure he was 100-percent protected. I told him that the only true 100-percent protection is abstinence. Condoms do provide some protection, if they're properly worn and don't break.

People should consider discussing getting tested with their partner prior to starting a physical relationship. Men and women, especially, should also get yearly checkups and get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B. A good way to prevent STDs is to also reduce the amount of sexual partners you have.

For more information, visit cdc.gov or askdrquinn.com.