Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections are caused by certain viruses, bacteria, and parasites. They are mostly transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex and are often highly contagious. Some types of STIs can also spread:

• From a pregnant person to their fetus during pregnancy or childbirth
• Through skin-to-skin contact
• Through sexual contact (other than sexual intercourse) involving the penis, vagina, or anus
• Through blood from a blood transfusion or shared needle use  
• Through deep kissing or heavy petting (though this is uncommon)  

What is the difference between a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

A sexually transmitted disease is the result of a sexually transmitted infection. Not all infections cause disease or illness.

The terms “STI” and “STD” are often used interchangeably, though “STI” is more accurate in most cases. Even so, many people refer to both sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases as simply “STDs.”

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There are many types of sexually transmitted infections. The most common STIs in the U.S. include:

Human papillomavirus  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer. It is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. Of the more than 150 different subtypes of HPV, around 30 are known to affect the genital area (the area around the penis or vagina).

Some cases of HPV infection never result in symptoms, while others can cause papillomas (rough warts that may resemble cauliflower) in or around the genitals. Genital warts can spread to surrounding areas of the body or to other people through sexual contact.

Most cases of HPV infection resolve on their own without treatment. Others, however, can cause abnormal changes in cells that may lead to cancers such as:

• Cervical cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer (cancer of the vulva)
• Penile cancer
• Anal cancer
• Throat cancer

Antiviral medication can help control an HPV infection. You can lower your risk of infection by receiving vaccines that protect against HPV. HPV vaccination is strongly recommended for most people between the ages of 9 and 26. Speak with an HCP if you’re interested in learning more about the HPV vaccine.  

Genital herpes   

Genital herpes is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. Specifically, a form of HSV called HSV-2 is known to cause symptoms around the genital area, including painful blisters that can rupture and leave behind sores. These sores can also develop in or around the mouth following oral sex.  

In addition to blisters and sores, other possible symptoms of genital herpes include:

• Painful urination
• Burning, itching, or tingling around the affected area
• Fever and muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped organs that are located throughout the body and are part of the immune system)

It’s also possible to have HSV without any noticeable symptoms.

Once contracted, HSV remains in a person’s body for the rest of their life. Blisters and sores may come and go. Treatment with antiviral medication can help relieve blisters and shorten outbreaks of symptoms when they occur, while lowering your chances of spreading the virus to other people.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. The most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection, chlamydia can develop in the rectum, urethra (the hollow tube that carries urine out of the body), or cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb).

Chlamydia usually doesn’t cause symptoms. When it does, symptoms may involve:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Discharge of fluids from the penis
• An increased urge to pee
• Painful, burning urination
• Urine that contains pus (a thick, yellowish or greenish fluid)
• Painful menstrual periods or bleeding in between periods  
• Pain during sex
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection in female reproductive organs) and infertility are also associated with chlamydia.

Chlamydia can spread through sexual intercourse and sharing sex toys. Antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia. More than half of all chlamydia cases occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, which can infect membranes in the genitals, anus, throat, mouth, and eyes. Also known as “clap,” gonorrhea is spread through sexual intercourse and use of shared sex toys. Transmission from an infected pregnant person to a baby may also occur during childbirth. Gonorrhea is treated with an antibiotic injection.

Many people with gonorrhea don’t have symptoms. Those who do may experience:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
• Pain during sex
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pain
• Testicle pain and/or swollen testicles
• Bleeding in between periods
• Pain when having a bowel movement (pooping)

Complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that forms outside of the uterus), infertility, and disseminated gonococcal infection (a rare condition that can cause joint pain and fever) may occur.

Syphilis

Syphilis develops from Treponema pallidum bacteria. It’s treatable with antibiotics. If left untreated, syphilis can result in serious health complications and death.

Syphilis is also associated with pregnancy complications. An estimated 1.1 million pregnant people worldwide had syphilis in 2022, which resulted in more than 390,000 adverse birth outcomes (such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and related complications), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Syphilis rates have increased rapidly in the U.S. in recent years. In 2022, the CDC reported the highest number of syphilis cases (203,500) since 1950.

Syphilis is spread through sex or contact with sores caused by the condition. It progresses in four stages: 

Primary syphilis: In the first 12 weeks of infection, a small, painless sore called a chancre develops in the mouth or on the genitals. This sore may go away on its own, but without treatment, the infection will move to the second stage.

Secondary syphilis: In this stage, a bumpy, rough rash develops on the palms, the bottoms of the feet, or over large areas of the body. It typically isn’t itchy. Other symptoms, such as fever, sores, weight loss, or hair loss may occur. Syphilis is most contagious in the primary and secondary stages.

Latent syphilis: If secondary syphilis is left untreated, it may progress to latent syphilis. This stage can last up to 20 years. Latent syphilis may involve symptoms that come and go or no symptoms at all, but damage can occur in the bones, nerves, heart, and other key organs. 

Tertiary syphilis: Between 20 and 30 percent of people with syphilis reach the tertiary (late) stage. This stage can bring about a wide range of serious health issues, including heart disease, nerve damage, blindness, dementia, brain damage, seizures, and movement disorders.

HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can cause a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if it’s left untreated. Usually, it takes 10 or more years for untreated HIV to progress to AIDS, though some cases may advance more rapidly. HIV most often spreads through unprotected sex and shared needle use. The infection weakens the body’s immune system, which ordinarily defends against illness.

Symptoms of HIV include flu-like symptoms that can last for a few days or weeks. These symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Mouth sores
• Sore throat
• Night sweats
• Rash

While HIV symptoms often go away on their own, the virus is still damaging the immune system.

Antiviral drugs can help reduce the amount of human immunodeficiency virus in the blood to “undetectable” levels. This means the viral load (how much active virus is in the body) is too low for the infection to be detected on lab tests or spread to others through sex.

HIV treatment also helps prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS. The earlier HIV is diagnosed and treated, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment.

Trichomoniasis   

Trichomoniasis—sometimes called “trich”—is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite (a tiny organism that’s passed to others through semen and vaginal fluids). It’s the most common nonviral STI in the world.

Around 70 percent of people with trichomoniasis don’t have symptoms. Those who do may experience:

• Irritation and soreness in or around the genitals
• Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
• Pain or burning while urinating, having sex, or ejaculating

Treatment for trichomoniasis involves eliminating the parasite with antibacterial medications.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can spread through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids. HBV infection is short-lived and goes away on its own for many people. For others, the infection turns chronic (long-term) and damages the liver. Vaccination can help prevent hepatitis B. 

Hepatitis B doesn’t always produce noticeable symptoms. When it does, symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)

Antiviral medication can help control a hepatitis B infection and minimize liver damage.   

Other sexually transmitted infections 

Several other conditions have multiple causes, which can include sexual contact. For instance, though it is not considered an STI, Ebola can be spread through sex or through touching soiled clothes of an infected person. Zika virus disease is primarily spread through mosquito bites, though it can be passed from person to person through sex. Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) is linked to sexual activity as well a natural overgrowth of bacteria or yeast.

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Sexually transmitted infections are very common and are currently considered an epidemic in the U.S.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that:

• 68 million people in the U.S.—one in five individuals—had an STI in 2018
• More than half of all new STI cases occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24
• STIs are most common among gay and bisexual men and people assigned male at birth, as well as Black people and Native Americans 

Several types of STIs are on the rise in the U.S. Between 2018 and 2022:

• Gonorrhea cases increased more than 11 percent
• Syphilis cases jumped more than 80 percent 

More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were recorded between 2020 and 2021, according to the CDC’s 2022 STI Surveillance report.

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Many sexually transmitted infections don’t cause symptoms. Others may not produce noticeable symptoms for several days, weeks, or even years after the infection takes place.

STI symptoms, when they occur, can vary from person to person. Different types of STIs also cause different symptoms.

In general, the most common symptoms of STIs include:

• Sores, warts, bumps, or blisters around the genitals or anus 
• Itchiness or swelling around the genitals or anus
• Swollen, painful testicles
• Burning or painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Vaginal discharge that is abnormally heavy or has an unusual color or odor
• Vaginal bleeding in between periods
• Discharge of fluid from the penis
• Painful sex
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area

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Sexually transmitted infections are caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

• Bacteria cause syphilis, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
• Viruses cause HPV infection, herpes, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B.
• Parasites cause trichomoniasis.

Less commonly, fungi may also cause some STIs. Fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be spread from person to person through blood and bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva.

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A risk factor is something that can increase your chances of experiencing a certain condition. Risk factors for sexually transmitted infections include:

• Having unprotected sex: This means having sex without using a condom or dental dam. Latex and polyurethane condoms and dental dams offer the best protection against STIs.
• Having multiple sex partners: Having sex with multiple people or with someone who has multiple sex partners also increases your risk. 
• Having a history of STIs: Previously having an STI makes you more likely to experience another one. Having sex with someone with a history of STIs also raises your risk.  
• Shared needle use: Sharing needles (or other equipment used to inject drugs) can spread STIs like HIV and hepatitis B. 
• Substance use: Using substances like alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and make you more likely to engage in unprotected sex.
• Being a man who has sex with men: Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) who have sex with other men and people AMAB have an increased risk of STIs, including HIV and syphilis.
• Being young: Adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest rates of STIs. Still, STIs can occur at any age and are in fact on the rise in older adults.

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Promptly seek medical care if you develop possible symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection. You should also speak with an HCP if you think you may have been exposed to an STI or are concerned about your risk. You can see a primary care provider for STI testing and treatment, or you can visit a community health clinic, health provider such as Planned Parenthood, or your local health department for assistance.

Avoid sexual contact with others until an HCP can determine the cause of your symptoms. Even if you don’t have any STI symptoms, it’s important to receive regular STI screening if you’re sexually active.   

Discussing your sexual history and symptoms with an HCP may sometimes feel uncomfortable, but being candid can help ensure you receive the care you need to keep you and your partner or partners healthy. Keep in mind that STIs are very common and many HCPs provide STI screening and treatment on a routine basis.

How often do I need STI testing

Regular sexually transmitted infection screening is advised for most people who are sexually active. STI screening usually involves testing blood, urine, or other bodily fluids for signs of infection. STI tests aren’t part of most preventive care visits or check-ups, so you may have to ask your HCP to be screened.

The CDC recommends the following STI testing schedule:   

• Sexually active people between the ages of 13 and 64 should receive HIV testing at least once every year.
• People who share needles should receive HIV testing at least once every year.
• All pregnant people should receive testing for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis early in their pregnancy. Pregnant people with STI risk factors should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. STI screening is an important part of prenatal care (preventive health care for pregnant people).
• All sexually active women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) younger than 25 should receive testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea once every year. 
• Sexually active women and people AFAB older than 25 with STI risk factors should receive testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea once every year.  
• Sexually active men and people AMAB who have sex with other men and people AMAB should receive testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis at least once every year. More frequent testing (every 3 to 6 months) may be recommended for men with other STI risk factors.  

HPV infections are widespread in people younger than 30. In most cases, the virus resolves on its own without causing complications like cervical cancer. Still, the American Cancer Society recommends routine HPV tests for people ages 25 through 65.

Speak with your HCP about how often you should receive HPV tests. Many HPV tests are performed alongside routine Pap tests (also known as Pap smears) for women and people AFAB. Pap tests are used to screen cells in the cervix for signs of cancerous changes and cannot diagnose STIs.

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Diagnosing a sexually transmitted infection involves a physical exam and STI testing. During the exam, your HCP will check for signs of infection (such as rash, unusual discharge, sores, or genital warts) on the genital area and other parts of the body.

An HCP will also ask questions about your symptoms (if you’re experiencing any), sexual habits, and overall health. Being honest with your HCP about your symptoms and habits can help ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as possible.  

Lab tests are used to diagnose most STIs. The test you need will depend on your risk factors, symptoms, and the type of STI your HCP is screening you for. These tests are used to check for certain types of STI-related viruses, bacteria, and parasites in blood and bodily fluids.

The main types of lab tests for STIs include:

• Urine test: You’ll be asked to pee in a cup.
• Oral test: A cotton swab is used to collect saliva from the inside of the cheek or throat.
• Blood test: A blood sample is collected through a finger pick or needle in the arm.   
• Genital swab: A cotton swab is used to collect fluid from the vagina, cervix, penis, or anus.
• Sore swab: A cotton swab is used to collect fluid from sores or blisters.   
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) is drawn out of the spinal area using a needle.

If you receive an STI diagnosis, you should inform any sexual partners you have had in the past three months to one year and encourage them to get tested, as well. Don’t have sex until your HCP determines that you are no longer able to spread the infection to others.  

Your HCP may be required to report your STI diagnosis to a local or state health department. This will be done discreetly and your identity will be protected. Public health officials can also refer you to another HCP for treatment, if appropriate.  

Home STI testing

In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea called the Simple 2 Test. The test is available over the counter and is authorized for use in people 18 and older. It allows individuals to collect a urine or vaginal fluid sample at home and send it to a lab for evaluation. If the test comes back positive, an HCP will reach out with further instructions.

What questions should you ask your healthcare provider?

Being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection can be an upsetting or overwhelming experience. But learning more about STIs and voicing any questions you have to your HCP can clear up uncertainty and help you make confident treatment decisions.

Here are a few basic questions about STIs that you can ask your HCP:

• What type of STI do I have?  
• How long do you think I’ve had this STI?
• Can the STI lead to complications or other health issues?
• What are my STI treatment options? Can you explain the risks and benefits of each treatment?
• Should my partner or partners receive STI testing or treatment?
• What side effects should I expect from STI treatment?
• How long is the STI contagious? When is it safe to have sex again?
• What is my prognosis (expected outcome)? Is the STI curable? 
• How can I manage the STI with other conditions I have?
• If I become pregnant, can I pass the STI to my baby?
• How often should I be screened for STIs going forward? 
• Could I benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health provider or joining an STI support group?

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Sexually transmitted infection treatment will vary depending on the type of infection and its severity. While some STIs can be cured, others can only be managed with treatment.

In general, the main goals of STI treatment are to:

• Cure or reduce the severity of the STI  
• Reduce or eliminate symptoms
• Prevent the spread of infection
• Improve sexual health

Prompt STI treatment is especially important for pregnant people. Early intervention can help prevent the infection from spreading to the fetus and causing pregnancy complications (more on this below).  

Most STIs are treated with either antibiotics or antiviral drugs. These treatments focus on the bacterium or virus that caused the infection. Health complications (such as organ damage or cancer) related to STIs require different types of treatment.

Following STI treatment, your HCP may ask you to be retested on a routine basis to ensure the infection hasn’t returned.

Antibiotics for STIs  

Antibiotic medications are used to treat sexually transmitted infections that are caused by bacteria. These include syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite, is also treated with antibiotics.

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for STIs include:

• Metronidazole
• Tinidazole
• Doxycycline
• Ceftriaxone
• Gentamicin
• Azithromycin
• Penicillin  

Antibiotic medications can cure many STIs by destroying the bacteria or parasites that are responsible for the infection. STIs caused by bacteria are generally considered easier to treat than STIs caused by viruses.

Antibiotic medication for STIs can be given as a swallowable pill or an injection. Follow-up antibiotic injections may be administered to lower the risk of recurrence or to address more severe or difficult-to-treat infections.

If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take them as directed and complete the full treatment. Promptly let your HCP know if you experience unexpected side effects. It’s also important to wait at least seven days after symptoms clear and any sores heal before you engage in sexual activity, or as directed by your HCP.  

If you’ve been diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea, it’s likely that your sexual partner has the STI, as well. Your HCP may prescribe medication for your partner to use without examining them. This is called expedited partner therapy.

Antiviral drugs for STIs

Antiviral drugs are used to manage sexually transmitted infections that are caused by viruses, including HIV, HPV, hepatitis B, and genital herpes. Unlike bacteria, most viruses can't be eliminated with medication. Instead, viruses must be resolved by the body’s immune system. Some viruses remain dormant (inactive) in the body for the rest of a person’s life.

Antiviral medications are used to help prevent the STI from worsening and causing health complications. Taking antiviral medication can also lower your risk of spreading the infection to others.

There are many types of antiviral drugs that can be prescribed for STIs. For instance, HIV is managed with antiretroviral therapy, which involves taking a combination of HIV medications to suppress the virus and prevent it from causing AIDS. Daily treatment can also reduce the risk of transmission and improve the health of the infected person.

Antiviral drugs come in several forms, including swallowable pills, injections, intravenous (IV) infusions, liquids, and creams. The best antiviral drug for you and your ideal course of treatment will depend on your condition, symptoms, and overall health.

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It’s possible for sexually transmitted infections to cause complications, especially if they’re poorly managed or left untreated. Some of the most common complications associated with STIs include:

• Uveitis (eye inflammation)
• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Infertility 
• Damage to organs or the nervous system
• AIDS from HIV
• HPV-related cancers (such as rectal and cervical cancers)

Additionally, men and people AMAB can experience complications like swollen testicles and infections in the prostate or urethra. Chronic pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy may occur in women and people AFAB.  

These aren’t all the possible complications of STIs. Promptly contact an HCP if your STI symptoms worsen or you develop unusual changes in your health.

STIs and pregnancy complications

Pregnant people with sexually transmitted infections have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including postpartum endometritis (infection in the womb after birth) and preterm labor (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Babies who are born preterm have increased rates of disability and death.    

Some STIs, such as syphilis, can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus as it is developing in the womb. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and hepatitis B can infect the baby as it passes through the birth canal during childbirth. HIV can be transmitted during pregnancy and childbirth.

Babies born to people with STIs have a greater risk for several health issues and congenital differences, including:

• Deafness or blindness
• Low birth weight
• Pneumonia
• Brain damage
• Chronic liver disease
• Acute hepatitis
• Eye infection
• Meningitis
• Blood infection
• Poor coordination

Stillbirth (or miscarriage) is also a potential complication of STIs.

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Sexually transmitted infections are preventable. Here are several ways to lower your STI risk and protect your sexual health:

Use protection. Consistent use of condoms and dental dams is an important part of preventing STIs. Polyurethane and latex condoms and dental dams lower the risk of STIs by preventing direct contact between partners’ genital and oral tissues. Use protection according to package directions and avoid using oil-based lubricants, as these can wear down condoms and cause them to break.

Receive regular STI testing. Know your sexual health status by receiving regular STI testing and encourage your partner or partners to do the same. It’s especially important for new partners to be tested for STIs before having sex. In general, you should be screened for STIs at least once each year.

Limit your number of sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk of STIs. Your risk is lowest when you have a mutually monogamous relationship with one uninfected partner.

Get vaccinated. Vaccines that protect against HPV and hepatitis B can reduce your risk of these STIs. The CDC recommends a series of HPV vaccines for everyone between the ages of 11 and 26, though vaccination can begin as early as age 9.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants, children, and adolescents ages 19 and younger, adults 59 and younger who haven’t been vaccinated, and older adults with risk factors. Talk to your HCP to learn more about HPV vaccines, hepatitis B vaccines, and what’s right for you.

Consider medication for HIV prevention. People with risk factors for HIV (including people with multiple partners and men who have sex with men) may want to consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an oral or injectable medication that can lower the risk of sexually transmitted HIV by around 99 percent when used as prescribed. PreP pills can also reduce the likelihood of HIV from needle sharing by at least 74 percent.  

Another form of HIV prevention is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP consists of pills you take daily for 28 days that can help lower the risk of HIV when it’s started within 72 hours of possible exposure through sex or shared drug equipment. It’s generally viewed as an emergency measure and shouldn’t be considered a first-line prevention strategy.

Avoid injecting drugs. Don’t share needles or syringes. As much as possible, avoid risky behaviors like drug use and alcohol abuse, which can impair your judgement and make you more likely to engage in unprotected sex.  

Consider male circumcision. Men and people AMAB who are circumcised have a lower risk of several STIs. Notably, circumcised men who have sex with HIV-positive women are 50 to 60 percent less likely to acquire HIV than uncircumcised men. Research also shows that circumcision can lower the risk of syphilis, genital herpes, and types of HPV that can cause cancer.

Abstain from sex. The only way to completely prevent most STIs is to avoid sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

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Most people with a sexually transmitted infection can successfully treat or manage the condition and go on to have a healthy sex life.

Gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and early-stage syphilis are generally curable with a round of antibiotics. Late-stage syphilis may involve life-threatening health complications, such as heart and brain damage, though not everyone with advanced syphilis experiences these issues.  

Other STIs are manageable with treatment. Viral STIs like HIV, genital herpes, and hepatitis B can be controlled with antiviral treatment and healthy lifestyle choices, like managing other health conditions and taking steps to support the immune system.

HIV requires lifelong treatment. When it’s left untreated or isn’t well-managed, HIV can progress to AIDS, which is a life-threatening condition. People with AIDS usually survive around 3 years without treatment.  

Keep in mind that no two people are the same. Your STI prognosis will be unique to you. Your HCP can provide you with an individualized prognosis and advice on how you may be able to improve your outlook.

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If you have a sexually transmitted infection, remember that you’re one of hundreds of millions. In fact, according to the WHO, more than 1 million curable STIs are acquired every day worldwide in people between the ages of 15 and 49. STIs are a relatively common human experience.

Despite these figures, outdated stigmas and negative connotations persist around STIs. But there’s no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed about having an STI. What’s important is to promptly seek treatment for the condition, inform sexual partners, and take steps to improve your health and well-being.

You can play an active role in your health and help prevent future STIs by:

Being open with your HCP: Discussing sexual habits or unpleasant symptoms may feel awkward, but being candid with your HCP helps ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your needs.

Sharing your feelings with others: Being diagnosed with an STI may be stressful or unsettling. Sharing your feelings with a trusted loved one can help you feel better. Speaking with a mental health provider or attending an in-person or online support group for people with STIs may also be helpful.

Communicating with your partner or partners: Guilt, shame, or anger may accompany an STI diagnosis, but try to avoid fighting or blaming your partner. Since STIs can linger for months or years without causing symptoms, many sexually active people don’t know they’re infected. Encouraging open communication and establishing a routine STI testing schedule can help avoid conflicts and keep you healthy.

Practicing safe sex: This includes getting routine STI tests and using condoms or dental dams. If you’re receiving treatment for an active STI, don’t have sex until your HCP says it’s safe to do so.  

Learn more about sexually transmitted infections

Speak with an HCP to learn more about sexually transmitted infections, including their signs and symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent them and achieve your best sexual health. You can also browse helpful resources from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the American Sexual Health Association.

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• Surprising Ways STIs Affect the Sexes Differently
• Embarrassed Talking About Sex with Your Doctor? Try These Tips
• Why It’s Essential to Get the HPV Vaccine