Sexually Transmitted Infections
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses that are spread through sexual contact—contact that may be genital, oral, or anal. They are a major public health concern in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are approximately 19 million new STI infections every year—almost half of them among young people 15 to 24 years of age.
What Are the Types of STIs?
There are more than twenty types of STIs. The most common include:
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Chancroid
- Chlamydia
- Genital Herpes/HSV
- Genital HPV Infection
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Viral Hepatitis
What Are the Symptoms of an STI?
Not all STIs have symptoms, so it’s essential to get an STI screening regularly. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can be at risk of passing on the infection to your sex partner(s).
Symptoms of STIs may include:
- Bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse
- Discharge from the penis
- Frequent urination
- Irregular growths (warts) in the genital area
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful or burning sensation when urinating
- Rash
- Sores on or in the vagina, on the labia, on or around the anus or mouth
- Testicular pain
- Vaginal discharge (may be foul-smelling or discolored)
- Vaginal itching or irritation
If you think you have an STI, see your provider as soon as possible. It’s also important to inform your sexual partner(s) so that they can also be evaluated and treated. Your provider may obtain tests in the office and/or order blood tests.
UR Medicine's Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Infections
Treatment will depend on the type of STI but may include antibiotics.
You can reduce your risk of getting an STI by:
- Having a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.
- Using (consistently and correctly) a male latex or female polyurethane condom, even for oral sex.
- Reducing the chance of getting an HIV infection by preventing and controlling other STIs. Having another STI makes it easier to get infected with HIV.
- Considering taking HIV prevention treatments, including:
- PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Taking medicines to prevent HIV within 72 hours after a risky exposure.
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Taking medicine regularly to prevent HIV infection from possible future exposures during unsafe sex.
- If you're going to have sex with someone who is HIV-positive, make sure the other person is taking their HIV medicines. Also, make sure their viral load is completely under control (undetectable).
- Having regular checkups for HIV and STIs.
- Learning the symptoms of STIs. Get medical help as soon as possible if you have any symptoms.
- Don't have sex during menstruation.
- Don't have anal intercourse.
- Don't use a male latex condom and spermicides together. The topical agent can break down the condom, making it less effective.
- Don't douche.
What Sets Us Apart?
Our providers at UR Medicine are health experts dedicated to your well-being. They actively engage in everything that supports your health, including coordinated patient care, the latest research and treatments, and educating the next generation of top-tier reproductive health providers.
UR Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology is leading the way both regionally and nationally. Our Gynecology division is on the U.S. News & World Report list of the top 50 in the nation. The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) have named Strong Memorial Hospital a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology.
Our care is guided in part by our active and productive research. We receive over $23.9 million in state, national, and private funding for more than 91 projects covering the entire lifespan, so we're on the cutting edge of the latest discoveries