Overview

According to the American Social Health Organization, one out of four teens in the United States becomes infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year. By the age of 25, half of all sexually active young adults will get an STI. Protect yourself from STIs by knowing the facts.

Sexually transmitted infections, also known as sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact. They are mainly spread by mucus membrane contact, skin-to-skin contact or body fluids. They can be either bacterial or viral or parasites. Parasite and bacterial STIs can be cured.

What Are the Symptoms of STIs?
Sometimes, there are no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include one or more of the following:

• Bumps, sores or warts near the mouth, anus, penis or vagina.
• Swelling or redness near the penis or vagina.
• Skin rash.
• Painful urination.
• Discharge from the penis or vagina that is different (discharge may have an odor).
• Vaginal bleeding especially with intercourse other than during a monthly period.
• Painful sex.
• Severe itching of the genitals

Treatments

How Are STIs Treated?
Many STIs are treated with medications. When a physician prescribes a medication to treat an STI, it is important that patients take all of their medicine – even if the symptoms go away. It is also important that someone with STI concerns never take someone else's medicine to treat their illness. By doing so, they may make it more difficult to treat the infection.
 
How Can I Protect Myself From STIs?
Here are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from STIs:

• Abstinence or avoiding intimate contact is the only sure way to prevent STIs.
• Use a latex condom every time you have sex or polyurethane if allergic to latex.
• Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to contract an STI.
• Know your sexual partners. Ask about previous partners and if/when they were tested.
• Get checked for STIs. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.
• Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex. You may be less likely to use a condom if you are drunk or high.
• Know the signs and symptoms of STIs. Look for them in yourself and your sex partners.

For more information on STIs, visit the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.
 

Providers

	Ashley B. Briggs, MD
	Shelley J. Cole, MD
	Jeanne Hassebroek-Johnson, MD
	Kristin Hermanson, MD
	Laurie B. Landeen, MD
	Thomas L. Looby, MD
	Dean L. Madison, MD
	Miranda Pray-Dede, MD
	Allison Wierda Suttle, MD
	Maria C. Bell, MD, MPH
	Zane Craig, DO
	Pamela M. Ephgrave, MD, FACOG
	Keith A. Hansen, MD
	Meredith Kemper, MD
	Anthony Sierra, MD
	Heather Spies, MD
	Teresa P. Buell, CNM
	Terry M. Engelmann, FNP, CNM
	Janet K. Esterly, WHNP
	Mary Beth Johnson, CNP, WHNP
	Dianna L. Puttmann, CNP
	Tammi K. Stangohr, PA-C
	Jenny L. Torgerson, PA-C
	Mary J. Warner, CNM

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