What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?
STIs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
STIs vs STDs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)- Infections that have not yet developed into diseases. Nonsexual activities in which bodily fluids are exchanged can also transmit STIs. For example, people who share needles can infect each other with HIV.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)- Diseases that result from STIs, and therefore suggest a more serious problem. All STDs start as STIs.
Some STIs never become STDs. For example, most HPV cases go away on their own but if it doesn’t, it can lead to genital warts. This would make it a disease (STD).
Ways to prevent STIs
- Abstinence (not having sex)
- Using condoms correctly
- Reducing your number of sexual partners
- Vaccination to prevent hepatitis B and HPV
- PrEP for HIV prevention
Talk with your partner
Talk with your sex partner(s) about STIs and staying safe before having sex. It might be uncomfortable to start the conversation, but protecting your health is your responsibility.
Get tested
Many STIs don’t have symptoms, but they can still cause health problems if left untreated. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider to test you for STIs — asking is the only way to know whether you are receiving the right tests. And don’t forget to tell your partner to ask a healthcare provider about STI testing as well.
Find a location to get tested for STIs
The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to get tested.
You can get FREE STI testing through Dallas County Health & Human Services. Click here for more information.
If you test positive…
Getting an STI or STD is not the end! Many STIs are curable and all are treatable. If either you or your partner is infected with an STI that can be cured, both of you need to start treatment immediately to avoid getting re-infected.
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