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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections passed through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some can also be passed through skin-to-skin contact or shared body fluids like blood and semen.
The good news? Many STIs are treatable or even curable, and all are manageable with the right care. The most important thing is knowing the facts, getting tested, and protecting yourself and your partners.
So, let's review the most common suspects:
A bacterial STI and one of the most common in people under 25. It often has no symptoms, which is why regular screening matters. When untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and joint problems. But here's the thing: it can be treated with antibiotics. So, get testing regularly to catch it early!
Another bacterial STI that can infect the genitals, rectum, or throat. It may cause burning when peeing, discharge, or no symptoms at all. If untreated, it can lead to PID, infertility, arthritis, and even heart issues. It can be treated with a specific antibiotic injection and oral meds, BUT it is becoming trickier to treat. This is because the bacteria are becoming antibiotic-resistant, and you might have to try a couple of antibiotics to clear it completely.
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types:
HSV-1: Often causes cold sores, but can also appear on the genitals.
HSV-2: Usually affects the genitals and can cause painful blisters
There is no cure yet, but medications help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission. You can spread herpes even without visible symptoms, so condom use is important.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system. HIV is not a death sentence: medications (ART) allow people to live long, healthy lives. But if HIV is left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which has sadly taken over 42 million lives worldwide.
Prevention includes: Using condoms, taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) if at risk, and getting tested regularly.
HPV is the most common STI worldwide, in fact, most people get it at some point. Some strains cause genital warts, others can cause cancer (cervical, anal, penile, throat, etc.). Most infections go away on their own, but some don’t.
The HPV vaccine helps protect individuals ages 9 to 45 against cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females, anal cancer, certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers and genital warts in both males and females. It is a safe, effective, and recommended for people starting at age 9.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection with several stages: sores, rash, and serious internal complications. Without treatment, it can cause vision loss, brain and nerve damage, and psychiatric symptoms. Syphilis is easy to treat with antibiotics (usually penicillin), especially in the early stages.
A lesser-known but increasingly common bacterial STI is Mgen. Symptoms can include painful urination, discharge, or pelvic pain, but many people have none. Treatment for Mgen is trickier than chlamydia, and specialized antibiotics are needed. This is becoming more difficult to treat, with many studies citing antibiotic resistance. Screening is still limited but growing in use.
Trich is caused by a parasite, not a bacteria or virus. It often causes itching, burning, and a frothy yellow-green discharge, but many people have no symptoms. It is most common in teens and young adults, especially those assigned female at birth. Fortunately, Trich isn't tricky and can be treated with a single dose of antibiotics.
You've likely heard of Hep since there are a few different types. Hep B is a virus that affects the liver and can be spread through sex, shared needles, or birth. It can lead to chronic liver disease if untreated. There's a vaccine that protects against it and it is often given in childhood but also available later. Testing is available, especially for those with multiple partners or higher risk factors.
Use condoms or dental dams every time.
Get tested at least once a year or between new partners.
Talk openly with partners about testing and protection.
Don’t assume just because there are no symptoms.
Remember: You can get tested without needing a pelvic exam in most cases.
✅ Fact: Many STIs like chlamydia, HPV, and herpes often have zero symptoms, especially early on. That’s why regular testing is so important, even if you feel fine.
✅ Fact: Anyone can get an STI whether it’s your first time or you’ve had many partners. It’s about exposure, not character. STIs don’t judge, and neither should we.
✅ Fact: You absolutely can. Herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV, and even HIV can all be spread through oral sex. That’s why dental dams and condoms matter, no matter the type of sex.
✅ Fact: Many people carry and spread STIs without knowing it. The only way to know for sure is through testing—not guessing.
✅ Fact: The HPV vaccine only protects against certain strains of HPV—not all of them. It also doesn’t protect against other STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes. Vaccination + testing + protection = best combo.
✅ Fact: PrEP only protects against HIV—not other STIs like syphilis or chlamydia. PrEP is awesome, but condoms still matter to prevent other infections.
✅ Fact: Most STIs—like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trich, and syphilis—can come back if you’re re-exposed. Getting treated doesn’t make you immune.
✅ Fact: Douching doesn’t protect you—in fact, it can irritate the vagina and make you more likely to get infections. The only real protection is barrier methods and regular testing.
✅ Fact: Absolutely not. Many people with STIs—like herpes, HIV, or HPV—have happy, healthy, safe sex lives with honest communication, treatment, and protection. You are not broken or dirty.
✅ Fact: Getting tested is responsible, respectful, and healthy—just like wearing a seatbelt. It’s not about trust, it’s about teamwork and care.
Answer: Yes, you only need one sexual encounter to get an STI. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time, your 10th, or with someone you trust. STIs don’t care about experience, age, or intentions. They spread through body fluids, skin-to-skin contact, and even oral sex.
Answer: That’s the trick, many STIs have zero symptoms, especially in the early stages. That’s why regular testing is important. It’s like brushing your teeth even if they don’t hurt, you do it to catch problems before they get worse.
Answer: Yes. Oral sex can spread herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and even HPV. Sharing razors or needles can spread hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV if blood is involved. Basically, if body fluids are exchanged or skin-to-skin contact occurs there’s risk.
Answer: Condoms are super effective at lowering the risk, but not perfect. They protect best against STIs spread through fluids (like HIV and chlamydia), but not as well against skin-to-skin STIs like herpes or HPV, which can be passed even if there’s no visible sore.
Answer: Usually, yes! Most STI tests use urine, a cheek swab, or a quick vaginal swab you can do yourself. Blood tests are used for things like HIV or syphilis. You don’t always need a full exam to get screened, just ask your provider.
Answer: First, breathe. Lots of people get STIs, and many are easy to treat. Follow your doctor’s instructions, take your medication fully, and avoid sex until you're cleared. It’s also important to tell your partner(s) so they can get tested too.
Answer: No, HPV affects everyone! It can cause throat, anal, penile, and cervical cancers, and genital warts in people of any sex. That’s why the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone, starting around age 11.
Answer: Yes. Having chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or trichomoniasis once doesn’t protect you from getting it again. Your immune system doesn’t “remember” some STIs the way it does with things like chickenpox.
Answer: In many states, teens can get STI testing and treatment confidentially, no parent permission required. Laws vary by location, so check with your local health department or school nurse. Free or low-cost clinics like Planned Parenthood are also great resources.
Answer: Yes, 1000%. If you test positive for an STI like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or BV (yes, new research suggests it's sometimes shared), your partner should get tested and treated at the same time even if they have no symptoms. Otherwise, you could keep passing it back and forth like a never-ending game of ping-pong. Some providers even offer expedited partner therapy (EPT), which means your partner can get treatment without needing their own appointment.
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