What Are STIs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from person to person through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are common. STIs can cause serious health problems if not treated.
STI Symptoms
Some people don’t have symptoms from STIs. Others may have discharge from the penis, unusual discharge from the vagina, burning during urination, or sores around the vagina, penis, or anus.
STI Risk and Screening
Anyone who is having sex may be at risk for STIs, so:
- Know your risk. Some things may increase your STI risk, like having sex without a condom. Talk openly about your sexual health with your health care provider. Everything you tell them is kept private.
- Know your status. Not everyone has symptoms, so getting screened (tested) is the only way to know if you have an STI. Your provider can tell you what screenings you need and when. STI screenings may involve a blood or urine test or a quick swab of the affected area.
- Get treated. If you have an STI, your provider can help you get treatment right away.
Five Tips for Safer Sex
Practicing safer sex can lower your chance of getting STIs and passing them to others.
- Use barriers like condoms and dental dams every time you have anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
- Talk to your partner(s) about safer sex.
- If you are at risk for HIV, ask your provider about PrEP. When taken as directed, PrEP medications can greatly reduce the chance of getting HIV. PrEP does not protect against other STIs, so use barriers too.
- If you are living with HIV, take HIV medications as directed. HIV medications do not protect you from other STIs, so use barriers too.
- Vaccines may protect you from hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papilloma virus (HPV), and mpox. Ask your provider if these vaccines are right for you.
Taking Care of your Sexual Health
Your sexual health is important, so talk about it with your provider. If you don’t have a provider, visit a sexual health clinic for free or low-cost STI screenings and treatment.