Many STIs don’t have symptoms, especially when the infection first starts. When an STI is found and treated early, it can lower the chances of having complications and can prevent the infection from spreading to sexual partners. As with any infection, prevention is important. You can prevent getting an STI by:
- talking to your partner about using protection and each other’s history of STIs, before sexual activity (anal, oral, vaginal, hand sex)
- getting tested regularly (every 3-6 months) for STIs, if you’re sexually active with different partners, even if you don’t have any symptoms
- completing STI treatment if needed
- getting immunized against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- regularly using barrier methods of protection such as condoms, vaginal condoms and dental dams
- limiting the number of your sexual partners
- using HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) if you are at high risk for HIV exposure
Most STIs are curable; all are treatable. Symptoms of STIs can include:
- pain in the genitals, abdomen or with urination or sex
- sore, lump, rash, irritation, itching in the genitals or area of sexual contact
- unusual discharge, bleeding or bad smell in the genitals or area of sexual contact
- general feeling of un-wellness, swollen glands, body rash, vision problems
All STI can have unpleasant symptoms if untreated. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause serious problems if untreated. HPV could also lead to genital warts or lead to cancer. HIV, Hep C and syphilis can be fatal if untreated.