Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread by sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections can cause severe damage to your body—even death. Except for colds and flu, STIs are the most common contagious infections in the United States, with millions of new cases each year. Although some STIs can be treated and cured, others cannot.
A person with an STI can pass it to others by contact with skin, genitals, mouth, rectum or body fluids. Anyone who has sexual contact — vaginal, anal or oral sex — with another person may get an STI. STIs may not cause symptoms. Even if there are no symptoms, your health can be affected.
Having an STI during pregnancy can harm the baby. Please let your provider know if you are pregnant and you or your partner have had—or may have—an STI. Your baby may be at risk. Tests for some STIs are offered routinely during prenatal care. It is best to treat the STI early to decrease the chances that your baby also will contract the infection.
Causes
STIs are caused by bacterial or viral infections. Sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics. Those caused by viruses cannot be cured, but symptoms can be treated. The following factors increase the risk of getting STIs:
- More than one sexual partner
- A partner who has or has had more than one sexual partner
- Sex with someone who has an STI
- History of STIs
- Use of intravenous drugs (injected into a vein) or partner use of intravenous drugs
- Adolescents have a higher risk of getting an STI than adults
Types
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Genital herpes
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis B
Types
There are many ways you can reduce your risk of getting an STI:
- Know your sexual partners and limit their number: Your partner’s sexual history is as important as your own. The more partners you or your partners have, the higher your risk of getting an STI.
- Use a latex condom: Using a latex condom every time you have vaginal, oral or anal sex decreases the chances of infection. Condoms lubricated with spermicides do not offer extra protection. Frequent use of some spermicides can increase the risk of HIV.
- Avoid risky sex practices: Sexual acts that tear or break the skin carry a higher risk of STIs. Even small cuts that do not bleed let germs pass back and forth. Anal sex poses a high risk because tissues in the rectum tear easily. Body fluids also can carry STIs. Having any unprotected sexual contact with an infected person poses a high risk of getting an STI.
- Get immunized: Vaccinations are available that will help prevent hepatitis B and some types of HPV.