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Sexually Transmitted Infections

A sexually transmitted infection, or STI, is an infection passed from person to person through sexual contact. You can get and pass STIs through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. STI rates are very high in the United States, where an estimated 19 million new cases of STIs are reported each year. The scary thing about STIs is that men and women who have STIs often have no symptoms. But they can threaten you and your partner(s)' health. HIV is an STI that is especially harmful, and it has no cure. The good news is that you can take steps to lower your risk of STIs:

How to Use a Condom Correctly

Keep condoms in a cool, dry place.
Check the wrapper for tears and to make sure the condom is not too old to use. Open carefully.
Examine condom: Don't use if gummy, brittle, discolored, or has a tiny hole.
Put on the condom as soon as the penis is erect, but before it touches the vagina, mouth, or anus.
Use only lubricants made with water.
After sex, pull out penis while still erect, holding the condom firmly at the base of the penis so it does not slip off.
Use a new condom if you want to have sex again or in a different way.

Don't have sex. The best way to prevent any STI is to practice abstinence, which means not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Be faithful. Having sex with one uninfected partner who only has sex with you will keep you safe from STIs.

Use condoms correctly and EVERY time you have sex. Use male latex condoms, or polyurethane if you or your partner is allergic to latex, for vaginal, anal, or oral sex. “Natural” or lambskin condoms don't protect against STIs. Condoms are highly protective when used correctly. For oral sex, dental dams also might offer some protection.

Know that certain birth control methods don't protect against STIs. Birth control methods including the pill, shots, implants, IUDs, diaphragms, and spermicides will not protect you from STIs. If your partner uses one of these methods, be sure to also use a latex condom or dental dam correctly every time you have sex.

Talk with your sex partner(s) about STIs and using condoms before having sex. Setting the ground rules about testing and condom use will avoid future misunderstandings. It's up to you to make sure you are protected.

Get tested. If either you or your partner has had other sexual partners in the past, get tested for STIs before becoming sexually active. If you have an STI, let your partner(s) know so you and your partner(s) can get treatment. This is the only way to stop the STI from getting passed to others or possibly reinfecting you. You can learn more about specific STIs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.

Additional Resources

Publications

Genital Herpes — CDC Fact Sheet — This fact sheet provides information about what genital herpes is, how common it is, and what you should know about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/Herpes/STDFact-Herpes.htm

Gonorrhea — This fact sheet briefly describes gonorrhea with information on prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, what can happen if it goes untreated, and complications for pregnant women and newborns.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/gonorrhea/default.htm

HIV/AIDS Among Men Who Have Sex With Men — This publication discusses the increase of HIV among men who have sex with men, the risks, and possible prevention.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/msm/resources/factsheets/msm.htm

HPV and Men — CDC Fact Sheet — The information in this fact sheet represents the most current HPV science and was developed from common questions asked by men.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-and-men.htm

Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts — This fact sheet briefly describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, possible complications, and prevention of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts.

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/genitalWarts/default.htm

Living With HIV/AIDS — This booklet is for people who are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It can help you, as well as friends and family members, understand HIV and its effect on health and everyday life.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pubs/brochure/livingwithhiv.htm

Syphilis & MSM (Men Who Have Sex With Men) — CDC Fact Sheet — This publication discusses general information about syphilis and why men who have sex with men should be concerned about it.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/Syphilis/STDFact-MSM&Syphilis.htm

Syphilis — CDC Fact Sheet — This fact sheet provides information about syphilis and its transmission, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/Syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm

Trichomoniasis — CDC Fact Sheet — This publication provides information on trichomoniasis, including causes, signs and symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/Trichomonas/STDFact-Trichomoniasis.htm

Questions and Answers: Chlamydia (Copyright © ASHA) — This fact sheet provides information about the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia, specifically what it is, how common it is, who gets it, and more.

http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_chlamydia.cfm

Questions and Answers: Men on the Down Low — This resource addresses men who may feel the need to keep their sexuality private and the risks in doing so.

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/aa/resources/qa/downlow.htm

http://www.projectinform.org/info/disclose/index.shtml

The Condom (Copyright © Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.) — This Internet site discusses condoms, including information on the effectiveness, pros and cons, side effects, and how to get and use condoms. It also offers a scenario of what you can say to your partner if he/she is pressuring you to not use a condom.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/condom-10187.htm

Understanding Resistance & Cross-Resistance (Copyright © ACRIA) — This detailed overview addresses common questions about HIV drug resistance and the genotypic and phenotypic tests that measure resistance.

http://www.acria.org/files/Resistance.pdf

Understanding Your Lab Results (Copyright © ACRIA) — This online publication provides a complete and easy to understand explanation of different lab tests doctors use to monitor the health of patients living with AIDS, HIV diseases, and undergoing treatment.

http://www.acria.org/files/lab-results.pdf

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated June 1, 2009.