What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The contact is usually vaginal, oral, and anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other intimate physical contact. This is because some STIs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact. STIs affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and from all walks of life. In the U.S. alone there are about 20 million new cases each year, about half of which are in young people ages 15-24 years.
STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Who is affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Most STIs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STI, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.
What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted infection (STIs)?
STIs don't always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. So it is possible to have an infection and not know it. But you can still pass it on to others.
Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
Sores or warts on the genital area
Painful or frequent urination
Itching and redness in the genital area
Blisters or sores in or around the mouth
Abnormal vaginal odor
Anal itching, soreness, or bleeding
Abdominal pain
Fever
How are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed?
If you are sexually active, you should talk to your health care provider about your risk for STIs and whether you need to be tested. This is especially important since many STIs do not usually cause symptoms.
Some STIs may be diagnosed during a physical exam or through microscopic examination of a sore or fluid swabbed from the vagina, penis, or anus. Blood tests can diagnose other types of STIs.
What are the treatments for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Antibiotics can treat STIs caused by bacteria or parasites. There is no cure for STIs caused by viruses, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STIs. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
There are vaccines to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.
Can sexually transmitted infections (STIs) be prevented?
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STIs. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
There are vaccines to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.
