Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STIs or STDs) is a term used to describe infections that are primarily spread through sexual intercourse (vagina-penis or anus-penis), or through oral sex (mouth-penis or mouth-vulva/vagina). There are more than 20 kinds of sexually transmitted infections.

There are two ways to transmit STIs: through the exchange of bodily fluids and the direct rubbing of genital skin to genital skin.

STIs are caused by two types of organisms: viruses and bacteria. They enter the body through mucous membranes: warm, moist surfaces such as the vagina, urethra, anus and mouth.

No Symptoms, No Worry?

It is possible to be infected with a sexually transmitted infection and not know it because:

• The symptoms haven't shown up yet
• The symptoms are so mild that you might not notice them
• The symptoms are in places that are hard to see, and you might not notice them
• The symptoms came, and then went away

Even if there are not noticeable symptoms, the infection can still be passed to others through unprotected sex.

Who Gets STIs/HIV?

Anyone can get an STI. It doesn't matter if you're young or old, married or single, rich or poor, college educated or not. You can't tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them. Sometimes, you can't even tell if you have one yourself. There may not be any signs or symptoms to show that something's wrong.

You can prevent or lower your risk of getting an STI through knowledge. It's important to know that everyone is potentially at risk. If you decide to have sex, do things that are less risky. If you decide to have intercourse use a condom and get tested!!!

Bacterial infections
Viral infections

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