STI Basics

On this page:
Signs and symptoms 
Transmission
Complications
Prevention
Testing and treatment
Notifying partners

Signs and symptoms

See a doctor or clinic if these symptoms are present:

For women:

• Unusual discharge or smell from the vagina
• Burning or itching around the vagina
• Bleeding from vagina not associated with period
• Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
• Persistent, unexplained pain in pelvic area

For men:

• Pus or other discharge from penis

For both women and men:

• Sores, bumps or blisters on or near the genitals, mouth or anus
• Burning and pain during urination or a bowel movement
• Swelling in the groin (the area around your genitals)

Remember:

• Many STIs have no signs and symptoms. Sometimes, the symptoms go away but the STI is still present.
• Some people believe that if a blood sample is taken during a visit to the doctor that they are checking for STIs. This may not be true.
• People should talk to their doctors about being tested for STIs if they are at risk.
• Testing for STIs may not be done during routine gynecological exams for women.

Transmission

Most STIs are spread by:

• Vaginal sex
• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Infected mother to newborn

Complications

If left untreated, some STIs can:

• Spread to sex partners or syringe-sharing partners
• Be serious and painful
• Cause permanent damage to reproductive organs
• Lead to infertility in men and women
• Infect newborns, and may lead to serious complications and even death of infants
• Cause heart disease, blindness, arthritis, brain damage or death

Prevention

• Avoiding vaginal, oral, or anal sex is the best way to prevent STIs.
• Limit the number of sex partners.
• Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV and most STIs.
• Always use condoms during vaginal and anal sex.
• Use a condom for oral sex on a penis.
• Use a barrier (dental dam or condom cut in half) for oral sex on a vagina or anus.
• Notify sex partners immediately if you have an STI.
• Make sure partners are tested and treated at same time to prevent re-infection.
• CDC Condom Locator
  Search by zip code to find free or low-cost condoms near you.

Testing and treatment

• Get a test from a medical provider if infection is suspected.
• Some STDs can be cured using medication prescribed by a medical provider.
• Don't use home remedies.
• STI Testing
  Find free or low-cost testing near you.

Notifying partners

• Next Steps After Testing Positive for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia (CDC)
  If you've just found out that you have gonorrhea or chlamydia, you may be trying to figure out what to do next.
• What You and Your Partner Should Know about Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
  Information for you and your partner after being diagnosed with chlamydia and/or gonorrhea.
• STI/HIV Partner Services Program
  The Partner Services Program offers people who have been diagnosed with HIV or an STI free medical, prevention, and other services, including help with partner notification.