Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, but others can lead to genital sores, unusual discharge, and pain while urinating or during sex. Some STIs are curable and others aren’t, so treatment depends on the specific infection and may involve antibiotics or antiviral medications. Safe sexual practices like wearing condoms and getting tested regularly are critical for reducing the risk of STIs and preventing spread of the infections.
FAQ
What are common STI symptoms?
Common symptoms of sexually transmitted infections include genital sores, warts, or bumps, unusual discharge, itchiness, skin rash, and pain while urinating or during intercourse.
How are STIs transmitted?
STIs can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact.
Can STIs be cured?
Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, are curable. Others like herpes, hepatitis B, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cannot be cured but are managed with antiviral medications.
How are STIs diagnosed?
STIs are diagnosed by a combination of symptoms assessment, medical history, and laboratory results from blood tests, urine tests, or swab samples.
How can I prevent STIs?
Using condoms consistently and correctly, as well as regular testing, are effective methods at preventing STIs.
Meet Our Experts In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
John Paul McHugh, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist and lifestyle medicine specialist in southern California. He has always placed wellness at the center of his work, in both del...
Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...
Kacy Church, MD, practices as a clinical endocrinologist with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Burlingame, California. She balances both outpatient and inpatient responsibilitie...
Jane Yoon Scott, MD, is an infectious disease physician and an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Scott enjoys connecting with her patients, empowe...
Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...
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