What You Need to Know about Sexually Transmitted Infections

April 9, 2026/
  • STI-sexually-transmitted-infection-Awareness-Month

According to the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), about 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are diagnosed in the United States each year. Also called sexually transmitted diseases (STD), half of those diagnosed are aged 15-24.  However, the age group with the fastest rise in STI cases are adults aged 65 and older, with a nearly 24% increase in STD diagnoses.

Who can get an STI?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting an STI. However, latex male condoms or female condoms are very effective in preventing STIs when used the right way every time.

What are the most common STIs? Are they curable? What are the symptoms?

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the five most common STIs account for 93% of new STI cases. Most of these STIs can be passed through oral, anal or vaginal sex, and some STIs listed do not require sexual penetration to be spread from one partner to another.

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.