Final answer:
Treating STIs is vital to prevent serious health complications and the spread of infections, while vaccines prevent certain STIs. For those without vaccines, condoms and safe sexual practices are key to prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is essential to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) even if they do not cause symptoms because untreated infections can lead to serious health complications such as infertility, chronic pain, or increased risk of contracting HIV. Some STIs may be asymptomatic but can still be transmitted to sexual partners, which further emphasizes the importance of treatment to prevent the spread of infections.
Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing STIs such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV). These vaccines work by triggering the body’s immune response to fight off the viruses if they are encountered in the future.
To prevent the transmission of STIs for which there are no vaccines available, practices such as using condoms, engaging in mutual monogamy, reducing the number of sexual partners, and getting regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Education about safe sexual behavior is also critical in STI prevention.