Overview
How can I get infected with an STI?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) spreads from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, oral, or oral-anal sex. Certain STIs can also be transmitted just by direct skin-to-skin contact, and may be transmitted by genital touching or mutual masturbation.
Some STIs also spread through contact with infected blood, for example by using dirty needles to inject drugs, get a piercing or tattoo. If you work in a healthcare setting, you can also get some STIs from a needlestick with an infected needle or sharp object.
Some STIs can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
What are the symptoms of an STI?
You may get infected with STI and not have any signs or symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Itching or burning in the genital or rectal area
- Burning or pain when you urinate
- An unusual discharge from your penis or vagina
- An unusual or bad smell
- Flu-like symptoms, like fever, chills, or aches
How do I know if I have an STI?
If you have any symptoms of an STI or think you may have been exposed to an STI, see your healthcare provider or go to a STI clinic and get tested. A healthcare provider may do a physical exam, ask you about your symptoms, and collect samples of your urine, blood, or body fluid to test for specific STIs.
What is the treatment for STIs?
Not all STIs can be completely cured. STIs caused by bacteria or parasites can be cured with antibiotics or other medications. Some may clear up on their own, but other times can cause long-term (chronic) infection. If they do not clear up and you end up with a chronic infection, medications can be taken to reduce your symptoms and make you feel healthier.
What if I don’t treat my STI?
If you do not take medications to cure or treat an STI, you can end up with serious complications. A pregnant woman can pass some STIs to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth, which can have serious complications for newborns and infants. STIs that are not treated can also cause men and women to have long-term problems with their reproductive organs, and may cause infertility.
How can I avoid getting an STI?
It is important that you protect yourself from ever getting an STI. To do this:
- Don't have sex
- If you do have sex, use a condom or other barrier method correctly every time
- Get tested for STIs and make your sexual partners do the same
- Know the STI status of all your sexual partners
- Reduce your number of sexual partners
- Don’t use injecting drugs or abuse other illegal drugs or alcohol