Sexually Transmitted Infections

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections, or STIs, were once called Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STDs. They are defined as any infection that can be spread through the body during anal, oral or vaginal sex with an infected person.
STIs can also be transmitted to the eye by a hand or other body part dampened with infected body fluids.
There are two kinds of STIs:
- Bacterial Infections– treatable with antibiotics, though damage can be permanent (ex. Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia)
- Viral Infections– treatment is available to help control symptoms, but there is no cure (ex. Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Genital Warts)

Practice abstinence (not having sex at all.)
Always use a condom when engaging in anal, oral or vaginal sex. But remember, condoms can only reduce your exposure to STIs; they do not provide guaranteed protection.
Choose your partner carefully. A mutually monogamous (only having sex with each other) relationship decreases the risk of contracting an STI.
Have your partner tested before having sex.

Can make it more difficult for you to become pregnant in the future
Can cause stillbirth, low birth weight, neurological damage or infections in a baby’s bloodstream
Can cause on–going health problems and in some cases even cancer

If you think you may have contracted an STI, see your health care provider to get tested and start treatment.
After treatment, get the approval of your health care provider before having sex again.