STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

STDs (or Sexually transmitted diseases) are infections that someone can get from another person already infected with that infection or disease.  These infections are usually passed to others through sexual intercourse, but they can be transmitted by engaging in other sexual behaviors with an infected person.

Some of these infections are transmitted by BACTERIA, which means that they can be cured with antibiotics or other medications.(please allow clicking of the word bacteria to show or highlight only the bacterial STDs - chlamydia, gonno, syph)

Others are caused by PARASITES, and they can be transmitted through sexual behaviors or through close intimate contact like sharing infested sheets, towels or clothing (crabs and scabies)

Still other STDs are caused by VIRUSES. These infections can be treated and the symptoms can be controlled with medications, but they will not ever be totally cured.  A person who gets an STD caused by a virus will always have that infection, and can possibly pass it on to others if protection is not used.(HIV, HPV, Herpes, hepatitis)

There are an abundant number of sexually transmitted infections, which were once called sexually transmitted diseases.

Do you know the difference between and sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and a sexually transmitted infection (STIs)?

Well… there are two differences.  One difference is some STDs are not diseases, but instead they are viruses.  So that means they are infections because some viruses can be treated while others cannot.  

The second difference is STIs carry a less stigmatized meaning then STDs.

Common Symptoms of STIs:
-unusual discharge (white, green, or yellow)
-itching
-soreness when urinating
-sores in anus, genital region, and/ mouth
-sore throat for individuals who have oral sex
-unusual rash on either the genital region or all over your body
-blisters/ sores that appear then go away and then come back again
-swollen glands

Prevention:  
-the only way to protect yourself from an STI is to be abstinent!
-However, if you do decide to be sexually active, you must use a condom or some other barrier method of prevention, like dental dams EVERY time you have ANY form of sex (i.e. anal, oral and vaginal sex)

What are the problems with having an STD?  Why should I get tested and treated?

STDs that remain untreated can lead to a number of negative consequences, including spreading them on to other people, problems with having children in the future, pain and soreness in the genital areas, and for some, possible death.  Since so many STDs may not show side effects or symptoms, it is important to get regular check ups if you are sexually active, and pay attention to your own and your partner's bodies to make sure that you can recognize symptoms if they develop.  Also, remember, if you are diagnosed with an STD, it is important for you to talk to your partner about that STD and tell them that they also need to get tested and treated.  If not, and you keep having sex with them, you WILL likely get that same disease back again…or another one that was unexpected!