Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STIs/STDs)

Should I get tested for STDs/STIs? 

Most of the time, STDs/STIs have no symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD/STI. If you’ve had any kind of sexual contact that can spread STDs, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, talk with a provider about getting tested. Our clinics have tests that vary in accuracy. Here is a list: 

• Gonorrhea/Chlamydia: Accurate after 2 weeks of exposure 

• Syphilis/Hepatitis B&C/HIV blood draws: Accurate after 6 weeks of exposure

• Rapid HIV: Accurate after 90 days of exposure

I think I have symptoms of an STD/STI. Should I get tested? 

If you’ve had sexual contact with another person and notice any signs of an STD/STI, talk to your provider about getting tested. Symptoms can come and go over time, but that doesn’t mean the STD/STI is gone. It’s common for symptoms to be so mild that they don’t bother you, but you should still see a provider if you notice anything that feels off.  

Do different STDs/STIs have different symptoms? 

Yes, signs of STDs/STIs can include: 

• Sores or bumps on and around your genitals, thighs, or butt cheeks  

• Weird discharge from the vagina or penis  

• Burning when you urinate or frequent urination  

• Itching, pain, irritation and/or swelling in the penis, vagina, vulva, or anus  

• Flu-like symptoms like fever, body aches, swollen glands, and feeling tired 

All these symptoms can be caused by things that aren’t STDs/STIs, like pimples, urinary tract infections, or yeast. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure what’s going on. Your provider will help you figure out what type of testing or treatment you may need.  

How do I prevent STDs/STIs? 

The only 100% guaranteed way to avoid STDs/STIs is to not have any kind of sexual contact, such as vaginal, oral, anal, or skin-to-skin genital touching with another person. But if you do have sex, safer sex lowers your chances of getting an STD/STI.  

Safer sex means using condoms/internal condoms, finger condoms, or dental dams. These barriers help block fluids and some skin-to-skin contact that can pass STDs/STIs. You can use condoms for vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex on a penis. You can use internal condoms for vaginal sex and anal sex. You can use dental dams for oral sex on a vulva or anus.  

Not having sex at all or using condoms if you do have sex are two of the best ways to prevent STDs/STIs. But here are other things you can do too: 

• Get routine STD/STI testing after every new partner 

• Talk to your partner about having safer sex 

• Take medications as prescribed by provider  

• Partners also getting tested and treatment for any STDs/STIs 

If your partner doesn’t want to use condoms or help prevent STDs/STIs, then they’re not respecting you. If someone really cares about you, they will want you to feel safe and comfortable. It is not OK for anyone to pressure you to do anything sexual you are not comfortable with.  

How can I tell if someone has an STD/STI? 

The ONLY way to know for sure if you or someone else has an STD/STI is to get tested. Most of the time, STDs/STIs don’t have any symptoms. Just looking at someone’s penis or vulva can’t tell you whether they have an STD/STI. People with STDs/STIs may look and feel totally normal, but they can still give the infection to someone else.