The causes can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic.
STIs are sparked by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that are spread from one person to another.
Some STIs can be passed from pregnant parent to baby during pregnancy or birth.
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Hepatitis B and HIV are spread through body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.
What If Youre Asymptomatic?
Many people with STIsdo not have any symptoms, or have symptoms that can be mistaken for something else.
The only way to tell if you have an STI is to be tested.
If you are or have been sexually active, it’s important to get tested for STIs regularly.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Talk to your healthcare provider aboutroutine STI testing.
They may do tests such as swabs ofdischarge or fluidfrom sores, urine samples, or blood tests.
If you are sexually active, talk to your healthcare provider about getting routine STI checks.
These STIs can be cured with the proper treatment, but youcan be reinfectedif exposed again after treatment.
Earlytreatmentis essential, as antibiotics may not reverse damage from the infection.
There is no treatment for HPV, but it usually clears up within a few years.
If HPV progresses to genital warts, prescription treatment is available.
If HPV develops into cervical cancer or precancer, your healthcare provider will discuss the best options for treatment.
Abstaining from sex for a period of time during or after treatment may be necessary.
Measures can be taken to lower the risk of these complications.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.STDs and HIV CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Genital HPV infection basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Mycoplasma genitalium CDC basic fact sheet.
Planned Parenthood.Pubic lice (crabs).
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomoniasis CDC basic fact sheet.
Planned Parenthood.Can you get an STD by masturbating with objects?
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Symptoms of HIV.
National Health Service.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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World Health Organization.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Workowski KA.Centers for disease control and prevention sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines.
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