Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs- also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sex or other close body contact. Some STIs if left untreated can:
*Make you sterile
*Cause cancer
*Make you very sick
Did you know...??
12 million new people are infected with an STI every year.
Most of those infected with STDs are under 25 years old.
PPMSM can test for the following sexually transmitted infections:
*Chlamydia
*Genital Warts
*Gonorrhea
*Herpes
*HIV
*Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
*Syphilis
*Trichomonas (Trich)
Remember, many people do not have signs of having an STI. If you think you are at risk, you should get tested. Risk factors for STIs include:
*Having an STI in the past or now
*Having more than one sex partner or your partner has more than one sex partner
*Anal, vaginal or oral sex without a condom
*Getting drunk or high and having sex - you may not make good decisions about protecting yourself
If you are not having signs of having an STI: Most of the time you should wait at least two weeks after having unprotected sex before getting tested for STIs. This will help to make sure the test results are accurate. Basic screening for STIs can include testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. You can have tests for other STIs, but you should talk with a clinician first.
If you have any of the following signs, you should see a clinician right away:
*Discharge from the vagina or penis that is not normal for you
*Burning with urination
*Sores, bumps, or blisters in the genital or anal area
*Change in your period
*Pain during or after sex
*Rash
*Bleeding with sex
Most STIs can be treated. To keep from getting an STI, always use a condom when you have sex.
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