What is sexually transmitted infections (stis)?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread through sexual contact. People who are pregnant can also spread STIs to their baby. Certain STIs are reportable. This means that positive test results are shared with health departments. Doing so helps with the treatment and control of STIs that spread easily and put others at risk. Some STIs, like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, chancroid, and HIV/AIDS, are reportable in every state.

STIs may cause many different symptoms. These may include:

• Abnormal discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus.
• Pain, burning, or itching while urinating.
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pain in the pelvis or lower belly.
• Itching, tingling, burning, or pain on or around the genitals.
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals.
• Symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, a rash, and fatigue or lack of energy.
• Sores in the throat.

But STIs don't always cause symptoms. And sometimes STI symptoms will go away or change quickly. This doesn't mean that the STI has gone away. Getting tested is important if you think you may have an STI or have symptoms.

To diagnose an STI, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your sexual history. You may also have a physical exam. Several types of tests can be used. Your doctor may test samples of urine, tissue, blood, or other fluid.

Treatment is available for all STIs. The kind of treatment depends on the STI. Some STIs can go away with treatment. Other STIs can be treated to relieve symptoms. But treatment won't make them go away.

• Some of the most common STIs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are caused by bacteria. These STIs are treated with antibiotics. They can go away with treatment.
• STIs caused by viruses, such as genital herpes and genital warts, can be treated to relieve symptoms. But treatment won't make them go away.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, is a sexually transmitted virus that is treated with many medicines but does not go away.

If you think that you have been exposed to an STI, go see your doctor right away. This will help prevent serious health problems for yourself. And it can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

• Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Tell your sex partner or partners that they will need treatment. For certain STIs, your doctor may be able to prescribe treatment for any partners also.
• Don't have sexual contact while you have symptoms of an STI or are being treated for an STI.
• Don't douche. Douching changes the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina. It may increase the risk of spreading the infection to your uterus or other reproductive organs.