Get the Lowdown on STIs

Chlamydia (klah MIH dee ah)

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a bacteria, so it can easily be cured with antibiotics.

• Symptoms: Most people have no symptoms.
• Risks: May cause a serious and painful infection that may lead to hospitalization. Both men and women can lose the ability to have children. It can easily be spread to someone else without anyone knowing.
• Treatment: Can be as easy as 2 pills. However, in some cases, healthcare providers might prescribe a week’s worth of antibiotics. In most cases, the infection will be cured within 7 days if you completed your medication, and sexual activity should be avoided within this time to prevent spreading Chlamydia to anyone else.
• Read more about Chlamydia on CDC.gov

Gonorrhea (gahn ah REE ah)

Gonorrhea is a common STI, especially among those ages 15-24. It is caused by a bacteria; it can usually be cured with antibiotics.

• Symptoms: Most people have no symptoms.
• Risks: May cause a serious and painful infection that may lead to hospitalization. Both men and women can lose the ability to have children. It can easily be spread to someone else without anyone knowing.
• Treatment: Can be as easy as 2 pills and a shot. However, in some cases, healthcare providers might prescribe a week’s worth of antibiotics. Infection will be clear within 7 days, but sexual activity should be avoided during this time to prevent spreading gonorrhea to anyone else.
• Read more about Gonorrhea on CDC.gov

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus that attacks the immune system. It is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It is spread through sexual activity, but can also be spread other ways, such as sharing needles.

• Symptoms: Most have no symptoms and can go a long time without knowing they are infected. Symptoms may include: flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or mouth sores) 2-4 weeks after infection. The only way to know for sure is by getting tested.
• Risks: If left untreated, HIV can progress into AIDS more quickly. Those who have HIV/AIDS and do not treat it have a suppressed immune system and are more susceptible to infection, or get sick more easily. People with HIV/AIDS who don’t know they have it can spread it to others.
• Treatment: There is no cure. Current medications can allow people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. It is important to get tested early to start treatment as soon as possible and avoid spreading the infection to anyone else.
• Exposure and prevention: If you think you have been — or will be — exposed to HIV (for example if you’ve had sexual activity with someone who is positive) there are drugs that can reduce your risk of becoming infected if taken within 72 hours of exposure. These drugs are not 100% effective, so always use a condom. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for more information. PrEP (Pre-Exposure prophylaxis) is a prevention method that has been shown to reduce the risk of infection in people who weigh over 77 lbs by more than 90%. For PrEP to be the most effective it needs to be taken daily. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is used for people who are HIV-negative after a singe high risk exposure to stop HIV infection. For PEP to be effective, it has to be taken as soon as possible (within 72 hours of exposure and taken for 4 weeks). If you’d like more information about PrEP or how to access it, click here, here, or here.
• Read more about HIV on CDC.gov

Herpes (HER peez)

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that is most commonly located on the genital area, although it can occur on other parts of the body, such as around the mouth. It is caused by two types of viruses, Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2). Oral Herpes, often caused by HSV-1 is located around the mouth and can be spread to genitals through oral sex, which is how HSV-1 can spread to the genitals.

• Symptoms: Outbreaks of Herpes (blisters on the external genitalia or around the mouth, that turn into painful open sores. If possible, seek medical attention while the sore is still present to test for the virus.
• Risks: Though the blisters and sores will go away, they can come back. While not life threatening, it is possible to spread herpes to a sexual partner, even if sores are not
• Treatment: There is no cure available, but there are medications that can shorten outbreaks and make them happen less often.
• Read more about Herpes on CDC.gov

Trichomoniasis (trik ah muhn AI ah sis)

Trich (“trick”) is a very common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a tiny parasite that can infect the body.

• Symptoms: Many people do not know they have trichomoniasis, and symptoms can come and go. Symptoms can be mild irritation, abnormal discharge (vaginal or from penis), and discomfort or more severe swelling.
• Risks: Untreated trich may make a person more likely to contract another STI.
• Treatment: Trich can be cured with a single dose of antibiotics.
• Read more about Trich on CDC.gov

Hepatitis B and C (HEP ah tie tis)

Hepatitis B and C are infections that affect a person’s liver. While there are several ways the virus can spread, one of them is through sex.

• Symptoms: Many people who have hepatitis have no symptoms or very mild ones. Those who do have symptoms might have a fever, feel tired, lose their appetite, or have abdominal pain.
• Risks: While some people’s bodies can clear the infection on their own, some people will develop a chronic infection. These people are at risk for more serious health problems such as liver failure, liver cancer, or death.
• Treatment: Medication exists to treat Hepatitis C and should be started as soon as possible. There is currently no medication to treat Hepatitis B. However, there is a vaccine a person can get to prevent getting Hepatitis B.
• Read more about Hepititis B and Hepititis C.