Worried you may have an STI but not sure? That’s okay!
STIs can be unfairly stigmatized but that shouldn’t stop you from listening to your body and checking in on your reproductive health and we’re here to help! Despite the stigma, STIs are more common than you think and often, easily treatable.
An STI is an infection caused by a bacteria or virus that can be passed during sexual contact (oral, vaginal, anal, genital rubbing or toy sharing) if one partner carries the infection.
Some STIs infect only the sexual and reproductive organs, some can infect the mouth or throat and others (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis) can cause infections that impact the entire body.
If you suspect you may have come into contact with one or have had unprotected sex with a new partner, it’s important to get tested. STIs when left untreated can harm neurological and cardiovascular health, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, cancer, and overall quality of life.
Most of the time, STIs show no signs or symptoms. Other times the symptoms appear and then may go away. Regardless of whether a person has symptoms, they should be tested (and treated as needed) for STIs after unprotected sex and before initiating sexual contact with a new partner. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of STIs:
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Painful urination, which may feel like burning
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Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
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Lower back pain
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Fever
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Vaginal discharge that is not typical for you
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Discharge from the penis
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Vaginal pain during sex
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Bleeding between periods
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Testicle pain or swelling
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Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
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Painful bowel movements
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Anal itching
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Small red bumps, blisters, or open sores around the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
If you notice a symptom that is worrisome… get tested! STIs must be treated with medication.
STIs caused by bacteria are curable with the right antibiotics. STIs caused by viruses remain in the body, but their symptoms can be managed with medications. The only way to get well is to see a health care provider. It is very important to get treated if you are diagnosed with an STI and communicate with any sex partner(s). They should get tested and treated too; otherwise, the STI can be passed back and forth between partners. It’s also important to ask your provider how long after treatment you must wait until you can have sex again. Communicate before sexual behaviors about what prevention methods will be used. Agree to use condoms or dental dams with each sex act.
You can help prevent STIs!
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Get key vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent hepatitis B and human papillomavirus infections.
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Get tested for STIs. Both you and your partner should get tested by your healthcare professionals before you have sex for the first time. Talk with each other about your test results.
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Use medicine to help prevent HIV if needed. If you might be at risk of HIV, talk with your healthcare professional. You may be prescribed medicine called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which lowers your risk.
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Use condoms. Make sure that you or your partner puts on a new condom every time you have sex.
STI prevention, early detection, and treatment are critical to mitigating negative impacts.
Planned Parenthood’s professional health care teams are here to help! If you are experiencing symptoms that are not typical for you, call your local Planned Parenthood health center for information and to make an appointment. Your information will be kept private.
Our clinicians can talk to you about STIs, how you can get tested, and provide any treatment you may need.
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