STIs
What they are
STIs are infections passed on through sex. They are extremely common: more than 1 million curable are caught every day worldwide, and most cause no symptoms.1 In 2020, the WHO estimated 129 million new cases of , 82 million of gonorrhea, 7.1 million of syphilis and 156 million of trichomoniasis.1
Myth: You'd know if you had an STI.
It makes sense to expect symptoms, and many people do. But most STIs have none.1 Chlamydia often causes no symptoms and can still do serious damage.2 The only way to know is to get tested.
Why testing matters
Untreated and gonorrhea are major causes of pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection that can scar the fallopian tubes, cause long-term pelvic pain, and lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility.1,2 Chlamydia is curable with the right treatment, but treatment can't undo damage that's already done.2
The CDC recommends that sexually active women under 25 get tested for chlamydia every year, and older women with risk factors, such as a new partner or more than one partner, too.2
When chlamydia does cause symptoms in women, they can include unusual discharge and burning when peeing.2
Myth: A Pap test checks for STIs.
It's a reasonable assumption, since both happen at a gynecology visit. But a looks for cell changes on the cervix that could lead to cancer. The CDC says Pap tests and tests should not be considered screening.3 If you want STI testing, ask for it.
Protection
- Condoms. Used correctly every time, they're one of the most effective protections against .1 Latex condoms help prevent HIV and other STIs; lambskin condoms may not.4 Other birth control methods don't protect against STIs.4
- Vaccines. There are safe, effective vaccines against two STIs: hepatitis B and .1
- Testing, for you and your partners.
HPV
HPV is a virus spread through sex. Some types cause cervical and other cancers.1 In the US it causes about 36,000 cancers a year in women and men.5 The vaccine can prevent more than 90% of cancers. The CDC recommends it at 11 to 12 (it can start at 9), with catch-up through age 26.5
Other infections
Bacterial vaginosis and thrush can change discharge but aren't . Trichomoniasis is an STI. The menstrual cycle section explains the differences.
When to see a doctor
Get tested if you've had sex without a condom with a new partner, if a partner has an , or if you notice unusual discharge or burning when you pee.2
Recap
- More than a million curable STIs are caught every day worldwide, and most cause no symptoms.
- Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
- Sexually active women under 25 should be tested for chlamydia every year.
- A Pap test or HPV test is not an STI screen. Ask for STI testing.
- Condoms protect against many STIs, and the HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of HPV cancers.
Words to know 5
| chlamydia | A common bacterial STI that often has no symptoms. It is curable. |
|---|---|
| HPV (human papillomavirus) | A very common virus spread through sex. Some types cause genital warts and some cause cancer. |
| Pap test | A test that checks cells from the cervix for changes that could lead to cancer. |
| pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) | An infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries, often from an untreated STI. |
| STI (sexually transmitted infection) | An infection that is passed on through sex or other genital contact. |
Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your health.