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Reproductive health Straight talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (also called sexually transmitted diseases)
Straight talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (also called sexually transmitted diseases)
You may think you know everything there is to know about protecting yourself. Well, the truth is, the number of people affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is on the rise, and young people are being affected now more than ever! You likely have a lot to learn about how to help protect yourself. So, read on, and then pass this web page on to your friends.
What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
Can STIs be cured for good?
If I get an STI, will I know it?
I think I got an STI from my partner – should I tell?
I've heard condoms protect against STIs – is this true?
What are the most important things I should know about STIs?
What are the most common STIs? How do I know if I have one?
Are there tests for STIs?
What are STI tests like?
Can I ask the doctor my personal questions about sex and STIs?
How can I keep from getting STIs?
What should I do if I have an STI or think I may have an STI?
Q. What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? top
A. sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that you get by having sexual contact (vaginal, oral, or anal) with someone who already has an STI. STIs are the most common infectious diseases in the United States. They are caused by many different types of bacteria and viruses. There are more than 25 STIs that affect both men and women.
Q. Can STIs be cured for good? top
A. While some STIs can be treated and cured and will go away completely, other STIs can't be cured; their symptoms can only be managed. STIs can affect both your physical health and emotional health. A few STIs can also put your life in danger, especially if they are not treated.
Q. If I get an STI, will I know it? top
A. The only way to know is to be tested. Although STIs sometimes have symptoms, it is very common for girls not to have any, especially in the early stages. By the time symptoms do show up, the infection can be advanced. When STIs are not treated early, they can cause serious problems like infertility (not being able to get pregnant). Some STIs can also be passed to a baby during pregnancy or birth. If you have had or are having sex, it is important for you to see your doctor to get tested. Keep in mind, you may not always recognize symptoms of STIs.
Q. I think I got an STI from my partner – should I tell? top
A. If you think you have an STI, it is best to tell your partner as soon as possible. Once you have been treated for a curable STI and it goes away, you can get it again if your partner has not also been treated. Or your partner could pass it to someone else if your partner has sex with someone other than you.
Q. I’ve heard condoms protect against STIs – is this true? top
A. Yes and no. Condoms provide good, but not perfect, protection against some STIs, especially gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and trichomoniasis. But condoms do not provide complete protection against all STIs. Some STIs like herpes, HPV (warts) and syphilis can still be transmitted through contact with areas that are not covered by a condom.
Q. What are the most important things I should know about STIs? top
A. There are five key things you must know about STIs.
- If you don't have sex (vaginal, oral or anal) or intimate sexual contact, you won't get one.
- STIs affect women and men of all ages and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Teenagers and young adults get STIs easier than older people. Also, young women who have sex with women are still at risk for STIs.
- More and more teens are getting STIs. While not as many teenagers are having sex, some young people are becoming sexually active at earlier ages and having more partners. These two things can make it easier to get an STI.
- You can have no symptoms, have an STI, and still pass it to another person. Many STIs don't have any symptoms in the early stages. When and if symptoms develop, they can seem like symptoms of other problems that aren't STIs, like stomach pains. This is why it is so important to get tested. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you have been sexually active in any way. Keep in mind, you don't have to have symptoms to get tested.
- It is important to keep in mind that, once you get treated, you can get the STI back again if you continue to have sex, particularly if you have unprotected sex. Some STIs will never go away. Others, you may die from.
Q. What are the most common STIs? How do I know if I have one? top
A. You should see a doctor right away if you have abdominal pain or have vaginal discharge (fluid) that is yellow, gray, or green with a strong smell. In between periods, it is normal to have a clear or whitish fluid or discharge coming from your vagina. Read more about what your vaginal discharge should look like.
Learn about symptoms of common STIs.
Q. Are there tests for STIs? top
A. Yes, there are a number of tests for STIs. And the only way to know if you have an STI is to see a doctor or nurse for testing. If you are sexually active or have even had sex only once, you need to get checked. Many STIs do not have any symptoms but can cause infertility (making you unable to have a baby) and other serious illnesses, even before you know you are infected. A doctor can treat you and help you learn about healthy choices and how to protect yourself in the future.
Sometimes people are too scared or embarrassed to ask for information or help. But keep in mind that many STIs are easy to treat. And early treatment is very important. If you have an STI, the quicker you get tested and treated, the less likely the STI will cause you severe harm.
Q. What are STI tests like? top
A. Your doctor will examine your skin, throat, and genital area for sores, growths, and/or skin rashes. He or she will also look inside your vagina and at your cervix (opening to the uterus) to check your organs for swelling or growths (tissue that should not be there).
Your doctor may take a sample of fluid or tissue from your skin, genital, vaginal, or anal areas and send it to a lab to get tested. The lab can tell if you have bacteria or viruses that can cause STIs. Blood or urine tests are also done for some STIs. While you may be nervous during these tests, they are usually painless and quick. When the doctor gets the results, he or she will let you know if you have an STI and what to do next.
Learn about symptoms of common STIs.
Q. Can I ask the doctor my personal questions about sex and STIs? top
A. Yes! Don't be embarrassed—doctors and nurses are there to talk to you about these things. If you are worried about your doctor telling your parents or guardian you are having sex and think you might have an STI, ask about her/his confidentiality (privacy) policy before you begin. Hopefully your doctor will encourage you to talk to your parents. In many states, doctors can't share information about your reproductive health with anyone else without your permission, unless they think you have been taken advantage of or sexually abused.
Keep in mind, it can be really helpful to talk to your parents or guardian about sex, friendships, and healthy relationships. It can be tough being a teenager, and your parents and caregivers can be a great source of love and support. They were young once, too!
Q. How can I keep from getting STIs? top
A.The best way not to get an STI is not to have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) or intimate sexual contact until you are married. Even waiting to have sex until you are older lowers your chances of getting an STI. The younger you are when you have sex for the first time, the more likely you are to get an STI. If you do have sex, make sure both you and your partner:
- get tested for STIs
- only have sex with each other
- always use a condom
Your reproductive system is one of the most fragile systems of your body. It can easily get infected or injured; if it does, you might have long-term health problems.
Q. What should I do if I have an STI or think I may have an STI? top
A. Follow these important steps:
- Talk to one of your parents, or, if you don't feel like you can, talk to someone else you trust like a nurse or a teacher.
- Make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse, such as your pediatrician, a nurse practitioner, or a gynecologist.
- Read more about the people who can take care of your reproductive health.
- Get it treated right away.
- Follow your doctor's instructions and finish all the medicine. Even if the symptoms go away, you still need to finish all of the medicine.
- Avoid all sexual activity (including touching) while you are being treated for an STI because you could still give it to your partner and your partner could give it back to you.
- Remember, viral STIs like HPV, HSV, and HIV are not curable and can always be passed to someone else, even if you don't have symptoms. Talk with your doctor about ways to help protect your partner.
- Be sure to tell your sexual partner. Both of you should be treated. Keep in mind, some STIs have no symptoms.
- For STIs that can be cured, get a follow-up test to make sure that the infection is gone.
If you think you might be pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor. Some medicines aren't
safe to take if you are pregnant and you may need to take a different drug to treat the STI.
Learn about the prevention and treatment of STIs.
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Content last updated June 18, 2008
