Every year there are more than 15 million new cases of STIs in the United States, including approximately 10 million new cases among people aged 15-24. By age 24, at least one in three sexually active people will have contracted an STI. Many of those who are infected don’t know it. All STIs are either treatable or curable. But if you don’t deal with an STI, it can have lasting effects on your health. For example, some STIs can cause recurrent symptoms, such as painful or itchy sores, and a select few can cause infertility, increased risk of cancer, and even death for both women and men. Having one STI increases your chances of contracting another STI. 

To the left is the list of different STI information pages you will find in this section. An important point to make is that there are 2 main types of STIs: bacterial and viral. Bacterial STIs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia, are often cured with antibiotics. However, viral STIs, such as HIV, HPV (genital warts), herpes, and hepatitis have no cure, but their symptoms can be alleviated with treatment, and you can reduce the risk of your partner(s) being exposed.

Is STI the same thing at STD?

Yes and no!
STD is an abbreviation for Sexually Transmitted Disease, and is a term that has replaced VD, or Venereal Disease.  Today, the more commonly used term is STI, which stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection.  A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is passed on through sexual activity from a person who already has an STI.   The explanation for the shift in terms from STD to STI is simple yet significant.  The term “infection” means that a germ is present in one’s body, but the person may not have any signs or symptoms of the infection.  The term “disease” means that the infection is causing obvious signs or symptoms in the person.  Thus, a sexually transmitted germ – bacteria, virus, parasite, or fungi – causes an infection, which may or may not result in a disease.  This distinction is important because many sexually transmitted infections do not result in signs or symptoms, so a person can have an STI and not know it.  Therefore, the term STI is a more encompassing term than STD, as it includes infections that cause no symptoms.
*Courtesy of Colombia University’s go ask alice!*

Know your body

It’s very important to know your own body. You should be aware of any skin changes (like sores or bumps) on the genitals, as well as any unusual discharge or discomfort when urinating; these could be signs of an STI. Being aware of how your body works when it’s healthy will help you recognize any symptoms that may signal an unintended pregnancy or an STI. However, many STIs are asymptomatic (show no symptoms), so it is important to understand that the only way to know whether you have an STI, is to be tested. Talk with your health care provider about which STIs you should consider getting tested for.

The only way to be sure you’re having safer sex is to keep yourself protected from your partner’s blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Abstinence is the safest method. But if you are going to have sex, always use condoms for vaginal and/or anal sex and condoms or dental dams (square pieces of latex available in some drugstores) for oral sex.

How do you know if you or your partner is infected?

A lot of times, you DON’T know if you’re infected - or if your partner is infected. STIs often have no symptoms so many people who have an STI don’t know it. That’s why it’s important for you and your partner to protect yourselves. 

Noticeable signs of an STI can include; pain or burning during urination; frothy, smelly discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; bumps, sores or itching in the genital area; pain or tenderness in the pelvic area, etc. If you experience these signs, you need to visit your health care provider as soon as possible so you can get tested.

Getting tested

It’s also a good idea for you and your partner(s) to visit a provider or a clinic before you have sex to discuss your risk and what STIs you should consider getting tested for. Many people assume STI testing is a standard part of routine care, but if you don’t ask, you can’t be sure you’ll be tested. In fact, it’s unlikely that your health care provider would test you without discussing it with you first.

It is important to get tested early. If you have an STI and don’t know it, not only could you pass it on to your partner(s), but also, since you aren’t getting treatment, you could compromise your health now and in the future. Some STIs are curable with antibiotics; others, though not curable, have treatments that can help reduce symptoms or lessen the effects. 

For information on where you can get tested, locally click here.

Related Links

CDC National Prevention Information Network
American Social Health Association-STIs
Brown University Health Education
Planned Parenthood