By: Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Why testing, early treatment, and breaking stigma are critical in Georgia
Why This Matters Now
Last week marked STI Awareness Week, a time to highlight the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Georgia, STIs remain a major public health concern. Despite increased awareness, many infections continue to spread silently, not because people are careless, but because many do not know they are infected. The reality is simple and concerning: you can have an STI and feel completely normal.
What Are STIs?
STIs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Common STIs in Georgia include:
Bacterial STIs (usually curable via antibacterials)
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- These infections often have no symptoms, especially in women, but can lead to serious complications if untreated
Viral STIs (manageable, not always curable)
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): severely weakens immune defense
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): linked to cervical and other cancers
- Herpes (HSV): causes recurrent sores
- These infections may stay in the body long-term but can be effectively managed with treatment
Other Common Infections
- Trichomoniasis: parasite infection causing discharge and irritation
- Hepatitis B & C: affects the liver and is sexually transmissible
- Pubic lice (“crabs”): spread through close contact
- Some are easily treated, while others require lifelong management
The Silent Nature Of STIs
One of the biggest challenges with STIs is that many infections do not cause symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Research shows that a large proportion of infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are asymptomatic (CDC, 2021). This means individuals can carry and transmit infections without knowing they are infected. Because there are no symptoms, many people delay testing until complications develop.
When Symptoms Do Appear
When present, symptoms may include:
- Unusual discharge
- Burning during urination
- Sores or ulcers
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sexual activity
However, these symptoms are often mild or mistaken for other conditions.
Complications Of Untreated STIs
Untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems:
- Infertility
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pregnancy complications
- Increased risk of HIV transmission
- Organ damage (in advanced infections like syphilis)
These outcomes are preventable with early detection and treatment.
Why People Still Don’t Get STI Tests
Despite the risks, many people avoid STI testing due to:
- Fear of results
- Stigma and embarrassment
- Lack of symptoms
- Misconceptions about risk
Some believe that STIs only affect certain groups. Any sexually active person can be at risk.
Breaking Stigma: The Barrier That Fuels The Epidemic
Stigma remains one of the biggest obstacles to controlling STIs. Many people delay testing or treatment because they fear being judged, exposed, or misunderstood.
STIs are often wrongly associated with “bad behavior”. This perception is harmful and inaccurate. The reality is simple:
anyone who is sexually active can be at risk.
When stigma exists:
- People avoid testing
- Partners are not informed
- Treatment is delayed
- Infections continue to spread silently
Stigma turns a treatable condition into a public health problem.
Breaking stigma requires:
- Open, honest conversations
- Confidential and respectful care
- Normalizing STI testing as routine health care
Testing should be as routine as checking blood pressure, a normal part of staying healthy.
Testing Is Simple, Confidential, And Accessible
The only way to know your STI status is to get tested. Many STIs have no initial symptoms, so waiting to “feel sick” is not effective.
Where You Can Get Tested In Georgia
Testing is widely available across public health departments, clinics, and community programs:
- Georgia Department of Public Health clinics
- Offer free or low-cost STI and HIV testing across counties
- Confidential services, walk-ins often available
- Fulton County Board of Health
- Multiple sites in the Atlanta area
- HIV/STI testing, PrEP services, counseling
- DeKalb County Board of Health
- STI testing, treatment, and prevention services
- Planned Parenthood Southeast
- Locations in Atlanta and surrounding areas
- Testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV
- AID Atlanta
- Free HIV testing, STI screening, linkage to care
- CVS MinuteClinic / Walgreens Healthcare Clinic
- Convenient testing options (fees may apply)
The Importance Of Treatment
Early treatment reduces complications and prevents spread. Many resources in Georgia offer free or low-cost treatment, health counseling, or linkage to HIV prevention services (PrEP).
Incomplete STI treatment can lead to:
- Ongoing infection
- Complications
- Antibiotic resistance
Treatment often fails because:
- Medication is not completed
- Sexual partners are not treated
- Follow-up appointments are missed
- Reinfection occurs
STI Prevention: What Works
Preventing STIs involves:
- Consistent condom use
- Regular STI testing
- Open communication with partners on sexual history
- Reducing stigma around sexual health
Community-based programs and outreach strategies in Georgia have shown success in improving access to testing and prevention services (UNAIDS, 2022).
The Role Of Public Health Programs
National efforts in Georgia, including outreach, peer education, and integrated HIV/STI services, are helping to improve early detection and reduce transmission.
However, sustained effort is needed to:
- Increase testing uptake
- Reduce stigma
- Improve awareness
- Strengthen linkage to care
STIs are common, often silent, and treatable, but only if detected early. Do not wait for symptoms. Do not let fear delay your health.
Get tested. Know your status. Protect yourself and others.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STD Surveillance Report. CDC; 2021.
- World Health Organization. Sexually Transmitted Infections Fact Sheet. WHO; 2023.
- UNAIDS. Global AIDS Update. UNAIDS; 2022.
Dr. Tariq Jagnarine
Dr. Tariq Jagnarine is a Family Medicine physician with clinical interests in Endocrinology and Diabetes. Dr. Jagnarine is also a Public Health Policy Consultant with speciality interests in infectious disease, climate change, and mental health. Dr. Jagnarine is a Masters of Public Health student at Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health.