Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs refer to infections that are spread primarily through sexual contact.

With various efforts continuously being made worldwide to increase awareness and education around safe sex and sexual health, one would assume that the stigma associated with STDs should have decreased over time. However, this is not entirely true.

The Infection Rates Remains High

Despite the growth in preventive strategies and treatment options, STDs have become reaching record highs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2019, the United States had over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which are the three most common STDs in the country. These figures represent a 30% increase compared to 2015.

The growing infection rates mean that many people still associate STDs with risky sexual behaviors, irrespective of how informed one is about such diseases.

Those with STDs may be seen as promiscuous and practicing unsafe sex conduct, which, in turn, can lead to feelings of disgust and rejection by others.

The Shame Associated With STD Diagnosis

STDs carry a social stigma, of shame and humiliation, that makes diagnosis a stressful experience. Many people don’t even go for testing because they don’t want to be labeled with such a condition publicly.

Those who do come forward and get diagnosed and then treated for STDs can be subject to shame and ridicule from others.

The shame narrative attached to an STD diagnosis is what makes people fear being diagnosed. However, it is crucial to remember that STDs are common health conditions that can affect just about anyone who is sexually active.

The Psychological Impact of STDs

Being diagnosed with an STD can also have long-term psychological effects on the patient. This is because the cultural perception around STDs lead to assumptions that infected individuals engage in reckless sexual behaviors.

Thus, receiving a diagnosis may indicate to the patient that they are not staying in control of their lives, and this can lead to feelings of shame and low self-worth.

Prolonged psychological stresses can lead to poor mental health and social isolation, ultimately exacerbating the risks of other health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Despite the physical health risks that STDs carry, the psychological impact of the disease can have devastating effects on the STD positive individual.

Stigma Associated with Genital Herpes and HPV Infections

Genital herpes and HPV are two of the more stigmatized forms of STDs, with myths and misconceptions still surrounding them.

Firstly, people associate genital herpes with their mouth, whereas it is a sexually transmitted disease affecting the genital area. This confusion can lead to individuals with the herpes virus feeling stigmatized and having a wrong perception that any intimate activity can lead to the virus’s transmission.

Stigma around HPV infections relates to the connection of the virus with cervical cancer development in women.

Although HPV infection can cause cancer, it mostly clears on its own within two years, and some infected women might never experience any symptoms. Misunderstandings about the widespread prevalence, the modes of transmission, and how it is transmitted lead to stigma and discrimination against people with HPV.

Conclusion

The negative perceptions of STDs have not abated despite years of public health efforts, making them remain a socially unacceptable topic to discuss in some circles.

The psychological impacts of such stigma have dire effects on an individual’s mental and physical health. It is essential to understand the facts about STDs and to avoid myths and stereotypes about its transmission, curing, and prevention. Only then can individuals avoid stigmatizing themselves and others, allowing for a safer and healthy sex life for all.