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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Sexually Transmitted Infections are either a bacteria or a virus that can make your body sick. Some STI’s may just affect your reproductive organs, and others can affect other parts of your body like your mouth, or immune system. Back to top


STI’s are passed through sexual contact with someone who is infected. “Sexual Contact” can range from skin to skin contact (such as penis to vagina or mouth to genitals) to exchanging sexual fluids (such as semen, vaginal secretions, pre-cum). Some STI’s are transmitted through blood. Basically, any unprotected sexual contact with someone can put you at risk of getting an STI.


While some STIs can be cured, some cannot. Back to top


STI’s that can be cured are the ones caused by a bacteria, which can be taken care of by taking anti-biotics prescribed by a Doctor. It’s really important to get treatment for bacterial STI’s because if you leave it untreated, it can cause damage to your reproductive organs that cannot be repaired. Back to top


STI’s that cannot be cured are the ones caused by a virus. That means that once someone is infected with a virus, it stays with that person forever. Symptoms of Viral STI’s can be treated, which means that people can take medicines or use creams to lessen symptoms of the STI, or lessen the number of outbreaks, but the STI will keep coming back. Back to top


The most common symptom of an STI is NO SYMPTOM AT ALL!! That’s kind of scary... The only way to know if you have an STI is to go to a clinic and get tested. The only way to know if your partner has an STI is to ask him or her and also make sure they’re tested too.

If someone does experience symptoms, they might be: pain while urinating, abnormal discharge that smells or looks different than usual, sores or bumps, itchiness in the genital area. Sometimes symptoms may show up and then disappear—this can be deceiving because even if symptoms go away, that doesn’t mean that the STI is gone. The only way to get rid of an STI (if it’s a bacteria) is medicine. Back to top


1. It’s the only way to really know if you have an STI.
2. To find out if you have an STI so you can get it cured or treated.
3. To find out if you don’t have an STI, so you can be Proud of yourself for being Safe!
4. So you can be honest to your partner about your status.
5. So you won’t pass an STI to your partner unknowingly. Back to top


Not having sex is the best way to protect yourself from STI’s.

If you choose to be sexually active, always use a Latex or a Polyurethane Condom or Dental Dam (Latex Barrier for oral sex). Using Condoms and barriers will protect you from getting an STI much of the time.

Having sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you.

Talk to your partner about past sex partners and about needle drug use. Don’t have sex with someone who you think may have an STI.

If you are an intravenous drug-user, always use clean needles.

Get checked for STIs regularly. Ask your health care provider to help you decide how often and which tests you should have.

If you have an STI, your partner(s) must get tested and treated too.

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