What You Need to Know about Sexually Transmitted Infections
Chlamydia
Curable?
Yes, with prescribed antibiotics
Complications
If left untreated can cause:
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
Early Symptoms
- Inflamed rectum, urethra and/or eyelids
- Soreness/redness in the throat or mouth
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain/burning while urinating
- Pus, watery or milky discharge from penis
- Pain/swelling in testicles
Facts
- Most common STI
- 6 million cases diagnosed in the U.S. annually
- Estimated 1 in 20 women aged 14-24 have it
Trichomoniasis
Curable?
Yes, with prescribed antibiotics
Complications
If untreated, increased risk of HIV
Early Symptoms
- In 70% of cases, no symptoms
- Men: Froth-like discharge from penis; burning after ejaculation; painful urination; irritation/itching inside penis
- Women: Smelly, thin, foamy, white, yellow or green vaginal discharge; vaginal irritation, redness, soreness; pain during intercourse or while urinating
Facts
- Affects an estimated 3.7 million people in U.S.
- More common in Black women
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Curable?
- Yes, in most cases, body clears the virus
- Vaccine available to prevent
Complications
Can cause some types of cancer
Early Symptoms
Usually, no noticeable symptoms
Facts
- HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers
- About 79 million people have an active HPV infection at any given time
Genital herpes (herpes simplex virus 2 or HSV-2)
Curable?
No, but symptoms can be treated and outbreaks controlled through prescribed medication
Complications
Outbreaks generally occur 4-5 times a year
Early Symptoms
- Lesions (sores, vesicles, ulcers) that look like pimples or blisters
- Sometimes, flu-like symptoms, headaches, painful urination
Facts
- 1 in 8 people ages 14-49 in the US. has HSV-2
- 90% are unaware they have it
- Does not require sexual penetration
How do I know if I have an STI and what should I do?
If you are sexually active, talk with your primary care provider or women’s health specialist about STI screening. In most cases, STI screening is recommended at least annually or more frequently for those at increased risk. If an STI is found during screening, your PCP may refer you to an infectious disease specialist.
What should I do if I have been diagnosed with an STI?
- Schedule an appointment with an infectious disease specialist.
- Contact your sexual partner(s) and tell them with what STI you have been diagnosed.
- Do not engage in any sexual activity until your infectious disease specialist advises it is safe for you and your partner.
- Once prescribed medication, take it as directed, complete the prescribed treatment and schedule a follow-up appointment with your infectious disease specialist.
