Frequently Asked Questions About STI

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infections, which is a disease that is spread through sexual behavior like vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal sex or sometimes intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some types of STIs are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, HPV and HIV.

There is no way to know for sure without being tested. Many STIs don't have obvious symptoms. Being sexually active can include vaginal intercourse, anal and/or oral sex. When doctors or nurses ask this question, they are really asking if you've done anything since your last check up that might have exposed you to an STI or pregnancy. STI tests should be part of your regular check-up. But, if you have any concerns at all that you may have been exposed to an STI, see a doctor and ask to be tested.

Many STIs may have no symptoms at all or the signs are so mild that you may not notice. However, if you have any of the symptoms described below, you should seek care right away because they may be signs that you have an STI.

• None
• Discharge or unusual fluid that may be white or yellow that comes out of the vagina or penis (not semen).
• An unexplained rash
• A burning sensation when urinating (peeing), going to the bathroom.
• Bumps, sores, blisters, or warts on the genital area - in women this includes the outer and inner lips, vagina and clitoris. In men this includes the penis and testicles.

Some STIs are curable while others have no cure and if you get one of those, it may stay with you for the rest of your life.

The easiest answer is about 1 in 4 young adults have an STI. It could be even more because many people who are infected don't realize it.

Not necessarily. Many STIs can stay hidden with no symptoms for years. So, while your partner may have given it to you, he or she may have had it before they were with you. The most important thing is for both of you to get tested and treated at the same time so you don't re-infect each other.

There are many things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an STI.

• Be faithful. Have sex with only one other person whom you trust. Having sexual contact only with someone who is not infected means that you won't get an STI from them and they won't get one from you.
• Use condoms. Used correctly every time you have sex, latex or polyurethane condoms can be very good protection against many STIs.
• Have fewer partners. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chances of getting an STI. Go with new partners to get tested.
• Don't mix drugs and alcohol with sex. Getting drunk or high can affect your ability to make smart decisions about sex.
• Don't use IV street drugs and never share needles. Many STIs are transmitted through blood.
• Don't have sex. Abstinence is the surest way to avoid getting an STI.

Yes. A common misconception is that you cannot get an STI from giving or receiving oral sex. This is not true. Gonorrhea and herpes are commonly transmitted through oral sex.

It really depends on how you define being a virgin. As mentioned before, STIs can be transmitted through oral and anal sex, but many people believe that if they haven't had vaginal intercourse they are still a virgin. Some STIs can be transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact even when there isn't any penetration.

Not 100%, but if used correctly every time, condoms are a great way to protect yourself from STIs that are spread through body fluids, like semen or vaginal secretions. They don't protect as well against STIs that are spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Yes, many people who are infected have no symptoms but are still very contagious.

Yes, cold sores on your mouth are a symptom of the Herpes Simplex Virus-1 and can be transmitted to the genitals as well as the mouth.

It is possible to get Herpes through kissing, but with most STIs, the chances are pretty slim.

Anyone who has had vaginal, anal or oral sex with a new partner should be tested. Everyone who is sexually active should be tested during regular check-ups. Pregnant women should be tested. Find a clinic to get tested on our Getting Tested webpage.

Yes. You can get bacterial infections such chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis more than once, even if you've been treated before. That's why it's so important to make sure your partners are tested and treated.

It's very unlikely. There is no evidence STIs can be transmitted by contact with public toilets.