Sexually Transmitted Infections FAQs

Left untreated, most STIs can lead to serious conditions. They can cause infertility, urinary tract problems, and cancers of the vulva, cervix, vagina, penis, and anus. Some STIs, including syphilis and AIDS, can cause death. No STI is harmless. 

Many STIs have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, especially in women. Some STIs may have symptoms that go away for a while but then come back. STIs can damage your body, and you can spread them to your partner even if you have no symptoms.  

STIs are transmitted by vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs may spread to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Herpes can be transmitted by kissing, if herpes blisters are in the mouth or around the lips. Hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV, the AIDS virus, can be spread by sharing needles or other objects contaminated by blood, as well as through sexual contact. STIs are not spread by handshakes, hugs, toilet seats, towels, dishes, telephone receivers, or insect bites. 

If you think you may have been exposed, see your doctor right away. He or she can often tell with a simple lab test if you have been infected. Also, let your partner or partners know that they are at risk and should be tested, too. All STIs require professional medical treatment.  

With the exception of hepatitis B, your body does not build immunity to any STI. If your partner is infected, the two of you may pass the STI back and forth unless you both get treated and get a clean bill of health before having sex again. Also, once you've had one STI, you may be more likely to get another