STIs - Sexually Transmitted Diseases
"if it itches, drips, gets bumpy, burns or smells funny . . .
Get it checked out!"
It's important to know what our bodies are like when they're healthy and to see a doctor if we ever experience any of these kinds of symptoms. BUT most people who have an STI don't have any symptoms so they aren't even aware that they have an infection. That's why it's important to regularly get tested for STIs if you're sexually active (even if you don't have symptoms) and get treated if you do have an infection. And practicing safer sex is important to reduce your chances of getting an infection in the first place.

Having an STI doesn't mean you're a bad person. Most sexually active people have been exposed to at least one STI.  Many STIs are curable if they're detected and treated early. Treatment is important to make sure that the infections don't lead to further serious health problems. Some infections can't be cured, but their symptoms can be treated so that people can lead healthy manageable lives.

 
Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections
  • Practice safer sex and communicate with your partner about practicing safer sex.
  • If you're sexually active, get tested for STIs regularly--ASK for testing, don't assume they're testing you when you go for a pap test or a check-up! "Regular" testing means different things for different people. You may decide to get tested at the beginning of each new sexual relationship or at regular times depending on how often you have sex or how often you change sexual partners.
  • Clean your genitals every day and before and after sexual activity.
  • Pee after sex: this won't kill an STI like HIV, but it can help prevent some urinary tract infections.
  • Recognize what your body is like when you are healthy so you will be likely to spot symptoms if you have them (BUT many people don't have any symptoms when they are infected).
  • Most STIs can be treated with prompt medical attention. Get treated ASAP to avoid other serious medical problems.
  • Avoid having sex if you or your partner has STI symptoms or sores.

All STIs are spread from person to person, so it's important to have sexual partner(s) tested and treated if possible to prevent further spread and also re-infection.