What to Know About Sexually Transmitted Infections

Written By Camille Imbo

Sexually transmitted infections, also called STIs, are common. They can affect teens and adults. They can happen to people of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship types. Many STIs are treatable. Some can be prevented. And many can be tested for with simple swabs, urine tests, or blood tests.

The most important thing to know is this:

Getting tested is a normal part of taking care of your health.

At SPARC Gynecology, we offer calm, private, and judgment-free STI testing and treatment for teens and adults.

What is an STI?

An STI is an infection that can spread through sexual contact.

This can include:

  • Vaginal sex

  • Oral sex

  • Anal sex

  • Skin-to-skin genital contact

  • Sharing sex toys without cleaning them or using protection

Some STIs spread through body fluids. Others can spread through skin contact. You do not need to have many partners to get an STI. You can get an STI from one partner.

Common STIs

There are many types of STIs. Some common ones include:

  • Chlamydia

  • Gonorrhea

  • Trichomonas

  • Syphilis

  • Herpes, also called HSV

  • Human papillomavirus, also called HPV

  • HIV

  • Hepatitis B and C

Some STIs are treated with antibiotics. Some are managed with antiviral medicine. Some can be prevented with vaccines or prevention medicine.

Can you have an STI without symptoms?

Yes.

This is one of the most important things to know. Most people with an STI feel completely fine. They may not have pain, itching, discharge, sores, or any other signs. That means someone can have an STI and not know it.

This is why testing matters. Testing can find infections early, before they cause problems or spread to someone else.

What symptoms should I watch for?

STIs do not always cause symptoms. But when symptoms happen, they may include:

  • Burning when peeing

  • Pelvic pain

  • Lower belly pain

  • Unusual discharge

  • Vaginal odor

  • Itching or irritation

  • Bleeding after sex

  • Bleeding between periods

  • Pain with sex

  • Sores, bumps, or blisters

  • Fever or feeling sick

  • Pain in the rectum

  • Throat symptoms after oral sex

If you have symptoms, it is a good idea to get checked.

If you do not have symptoms but have had sexual contact, testing may still be a good idea.

Who should get tested?

STI testing depends on age, symptoms, sexual contact, and risk.

In general, the CDC recommends yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea testing for sexually active women younger than 25. Women 25 and older should also be tested if they have higher risk, such as a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner with an STI.

Testing may also be recommended for:

  • Anyone with symptoms

  • Anyone with a new sexual partner

  • Anyone with more than one partner

  • Anyone whose partner has other partners

  • Anyone whose partner tested positive for an STI

  • Anyone who wants peace of mind

  • Pregnant patients

  • People who may benefit from HIV prevention medication

You do not have to know exactly what tests you need before your visit. We can talk through it together.

What happens during STI testing?

STI testing is usually simple.

Depending on the situation, testing may include:

  • A urine sample

  • A vaginal swab

  • A throat swab

  • A rectal swab

  • A blood test

You may be able to collect some swabs yourself. The type of testing depends on what kind of sexual contact you have had. For example, if someone has oral or anal sex, throat or rectal testing may be recommended. The goal is not to judge. The goal is to test the right body areas so infections are not missed.

Do I need a pelvic exam for STI testing?

Not always. Many STI tests can be done with urine, blood work, or self-collected swabs.

A pelvic exam may be helpful if you have pelvic pain, severe symptoms, abnormal bleeding, or signs of pelvic inflammatory disease. But for routine testing, a pelvic exam is often not needed.

At SPARC, we explain what we recommend and why. You can ask questions before anything is done.

What about privacy for teens?

Teens deserve safe and private health care. Many teens avoid getting care because they are afraid of getting in trouble, being judged, or having their questions shared.

At SPARC, we work to create a space where teens can ask honest questions and get accurate information.

For teen patients, part of the visit may include private time with the doctor. This gives the teen a chance to ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking in front of a parent or guardian.

We also explain privacy clearly, including the rare times when a doctor must act to keep someone safe.

What if a test is positive?

A positive STI test can feel scary or embarrassing. But an STI is a medical problem, not a character flaw.

If a test is positive, the next steps may include:

  • Treating the infection

  • Talking about how to avoid spreading it

  • Helping partners get tested or treated

  • Re-testing later, if needed

  • Talking about prevention for the future

For chlamydia and gonorrhea, the CDC recommends retesting about 3 months after treatment because repeat infection can happen. The goal is to treat the infection, protect your health, and help you move forward.

What is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus.

HPV is very common. Many people get HPV at some point in their lives. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types can increase the risk of certain cancers, including cervical cancer. There is no cure for HPV but the good news is that there is a vaccine that helps prevent the most serious types of HPV. The HPV vaccine is cancer prevention. It works best when given before someone is exposed to HPV, but many people can still benefit from it later.

What is HIV PrEP?

PrEP is medicine that helps prevent HIV. It is for people who do not have HIV but may have a higher chance of getting it.

PrEP may be helpful for someone who:

  • Has a partner with HIV

  • Has partners whose HIV status is unknown

  • Has multiple partners

  • Has had certain STIs

  • Wants extra protection from HIV

Asking about PrEP does not mean anything bad about you. It means you are thinking about prevention.

How can I lower my risk of STIs?

There are many ways to lower STI risk.

These may include:

  • Getting tested

  • Asking partners to get tested

  • Using condoms or barrier protection

  • Using dental dams for oral sex

  • Getting the HPV vaccine

  • Getting the hepatitis B vaccine

  • Taking HIV PrEP if it is right for you

  • Avoiding sex when you or a partner has symptoms

  • Getting treatment quickly if a test is positive

  • Making sure partners are treated too

Protection does not have to be perfect to be helpful.

Small steps can still lower risk.

We care for teens and adults. We also provide affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients. You can ask questions here. You can say you are nervous. You can say you do not know what you need. That is okay. We will help you figure it out.

Camille Imbo
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