What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
STIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some may cause noticeable symptoms, while others may have few or no symptoms at all. If left untreated, certain STIs can lead to more serious health problems over time.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html
What's the Difference between a Sexually Transmitted Disease v. Infection?
With STI the person has acquired an infection. An STD occurs when that infection has progressed to a recognizable disease. Infection does not necessarily mean disease.
Testing is often done specifically to identify an infection before the person develops symptoms or complications of disease. This is especially important because many STIs are asymptomatic.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/testing/
What are the Most Common STIs?
Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions of people each year, particularly adolescents and young adults.
In the United States, people ages 15–24 account for nearly half of all reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) annually, despite representing a smaller share of the sexually active population. Many of these infections cause few or no symptoms, which means people may not realize they have one without testing.
Some of the most common STIs include:
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Chlamydia: The most frequently reported STI, especially among young women. It often causes no symptoms but can lead to reproductive health problems if untreated.
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Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that can affect the genitals, throat, or rectum. Many people have no symptoms, but untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications.
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Syphilis: A bacterial infection that develops in stages. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent long-term health effects.
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A very common viral infection with many different types. Some strains cause genital warts, while others are associated with certain cancers.
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Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): A viral infection that can cause oral or genital herpes. The virus remains in the body and may cause recurring outbreaks.
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks the immune system. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/index.html
How Much Is STI Testing?
The cost of STI testing can vary depending on where you go, which tests are needed, and whether treatment or follow-up care is included.
At Real Choices Clinic, STI testing and treatment are free for everyone. We provide testing and treatment for STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and BV. We can also provide referrals for syphilis, HIV, and HSV testing.
Because many STIs do not cause obvious symptoms, testing is often the only way to know if an infection is present and receive care early.
How Can I Prevent STIs?
No method can eliminate the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) entirely, but there are several ways to significantly reduce risk.
The most effective way to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to avoid sexual activity. Choosing to delay sexual activity can eliminate the risk of STIs transmitted through sexual contact and may support your personal health, relationships, and goals.
For those who are sexually active, being in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who does not have an STI can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Other steps can also help lower the risk, including regular STI testing, using barrier methods such as condoms, and receiving recommended vaccines for infections such as HPV and hepatitis B.
It’s important to understand that these risk-reduction methods have limitations. Some infections have “window periods,” meaning a person may test negative shortly after exposure even if an infection is present. Some STIs, including herpes and HPV, may not be included in routine screening or may require specific testing. Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs but do not provide complete protection against infections that can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Having open conversations with a partner about sexual health and testing, limiting the number of sexual partners, and accessing regular medical care can further reduce risk. Understanding the difference between avoiding risk and reducing risk can help you make informed choices about your sexual health.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html
Can You Cure an STI without Going to the Doctor?
In most cases, no. STIs should be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare provider.
Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, require prescription antibiotics to be fully treated. Without proper medical care, these infections can lead to serious health complications. Other STIs, including herpes and HIV, cannot be cured, but medical treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce health risks.
Home remedies, online treatments, or delaying care are not reliable and may allow infections to worsen or spread. Seeing a healthcare provider is the safest way to receive accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and guidance for protecting your health.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/hcp/clinical-guidance/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/
How are Venereal Diseases Transmitted?
Venereal diseases, now more commonly called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
This can include vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and in some cases, close skin-to-skin contact. Certain STIs—such as HIV, syphilis, and herpes—can also be transmitted through blood exposure, shared needles, or from a pregnant person to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Many STIs can be spread even when no symptoms are present, which is why regular testing and prevention measures are important.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/
Can You Get an STI From Oral Sex?
Yes. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be spread through oral sex.
Infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and, in some cases, HIV can be transmitted through oral contact with the genitals or anus. A person does not need to have visible symptoms to pass an infection to someone else.
Using protection methods like condoms or dental dams can lower the risk, but it does not eliminate it completely. Regular testing and awareness of sexual health are important for anyone who is sexually active. Choosing to delay sexual activity is the most effective way to avoid STIs transmitted through sexual contact. If you choose to be sexually active, a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner can greatly reduce your risk.
Source:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
Can You Get an STI from Kissing?
In rare cases, yes—some STIs can be passed through kissing, but this is uncommon.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, is the most likely infection to spread through kissing, especially if sores are present. Syphilis can also be transmitted through contact with open sores in or around the mouth, though this is much less common.
Most STIs are spread through sexual contact rather than kissing alone. The risk from kissing increases when there are open cuts, sores, or active infections in the mouth.
Source:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/std-from-kissing-5271771
Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
No, you cannot catch an STI from a toilet seat.
STIs are spread through direct sexual contact, not from touching objects like toilet seats. The germs that cause STIs cannot survive long on surfaces outside the human body. It’s important to practice good hygiene, but you don’t need to worry about catching an STI this way.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/
Is Bacterial Vaginosis an STI?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. While it is more common among people who are sexually active—and factors like new or multiple sexual partners can increase risk—it can also occur in people who have never had sex.
Although BV itself is not an STI, having BV can increase susceptibility to other infections. For this reason, evaluation and treatment are recommended if symptoms are present.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/sti/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv
Is Herpes 1 an STI?
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is not usually classified as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be spread through sexual contact.
HSV-1 most commonly causes cold sores around the mouth and is often passed through kissing or close personal contact. However, it can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral sex. When this happens, it is considered a sexually transmitted infection.
Many people carry HSV-1 without knowing it, as symptoms can be mild, infrequent, or absent altogether.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/herpes/about/
Is HPV an STI?
Yes. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection.
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Many people who have HPV do not experience symptoms and may not realize they are infected.
While most HPV infections clear on their own, some types can cause health problems such as genital warts or certain cancers. Vaccines are available that help protect against the most harmful strains of HPV.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/
What is "The Clap"?
“The clap” is a slang term for gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria and can infect several parts of the body, including the reproductive tract, throat, rectum, and, less commonly, the eyes. Symptoms may include painful urination or unusual discharge, but many people have no symptoms at all.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, including infertility. When diagnosed early, it can usually be cured with antibiotics.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/gonorrhea/about/index.html
What do "Crabs" Look Like?
“Crabs” is a common name for pubic lice, tiny insects that live in coarse body hair, most often pubic hair. They are usually grayish or brown and about the size of a pinhead.
Pubic lice can sometimes be seen attached to hair or moving slowly on the skin. Their bites may cause itching, irritation, or small bluish spots where they feed. Crabs are spread through close physical contact, including sexual activity, and can be treated with medicated shampoos or lotions.
Source:
https://www.cdc.gov/lice/about/pubic-lice.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/pubic
