Your Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Sexually transmitted infections commonly called STIs, are infections that are spread by having sex with someone who has an infection. You can get a sexually transmitted disease/infection from sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. STIs are serious illnesses that require treatment. Some STIs, like HIV/AIDS, cannot be cured and are deadly. By learning more about STIs, you can find out ways to protect yourself from these infections.

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
• Weight loss, loose stools, night sweats
• Aches, pains, fever, and chills
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Discharge from the penis or vagina (Vaginal discharge may smell bad.)
• Bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period
• Painful sex
• Severe itching near the penis or vagina

How Do I Know if I Have an STI?
Talk to your doctor. He or she can examine you and perform tests to determine if you have a sexually transmitted disease. If you think that you have an STI, it's important to see your doctor. Treatment can:

• Cure many STIs.
• Lessen the symptoms of STIs.
• Make it less likely that you will spread the disease.
• Help you to get healthy and stay healthy.

How Are STIs Treated?
Many STIs are treated with antibiotics. If you are given an antibiotic to treat an STI, it's important that you take all of your medicine, even if the symptoms go away. Also, never take someone else's medicine to treat your illness. By doing so, you may make it more difficult to treat the infection. Likewise, you should not share your medicine with others.

How Can I Protect Myself From STIs?
Here are some basic steps that you can take to protect yourself from STIs:

• Consider that not having sex or sexual relations is the only sure way to prevent STIs.
• Use a latex condom every time you have sex. (If you use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based.)
• Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STI.
• Practice monogamy. This means having sex with only one person. That person must also have sex with only you to reduce your risk.
• 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.
• Learn about STIs. The more you know about STIs, the better you can protect yourself.

How Can I Prevent Spreading a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

• Stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.
• Use condoms whenever you have sex, especially with new partners.
• Don't resume having sex unless your doctor says it's okay.
• Return to your doctor to get rechecked.
• Be sure your sex partner or partners also are treated.

Know more about each of the most common sexually transmitted infections, CLICK HERE.