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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are conditions that occur from the spread of certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites during sexual activity.
STD symptoms vary according to the type of infection. In some cases, there are no signs or symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:
Parasites, bacteria, and viruses can cause STIs and STDs:
All types of infection can be spread through oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, and sexual touching. STIs/STDs can be spread from person to person through sexual contact, even if the infected person has no apparent symptoms.
In addition to sexual transmission, some infections can be passed from a woman to her child during pregnancy or at birth. Shared needles such as those used in tattooing or to inject drugs can also transmit blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
A few STIs/STDs, such as pubic lice, can also be spread by close physical contact, even if that contact is non-sexual. STIs cannot, however, be spread by casual contact such as sharing a toilet or shaking hands.
Regardless of the source of the first STD/STI exposure, STIs/STDs can be spread by an infected person through sexual contact.
Common STIs/STDs include:
Some STIs/STDs lead to serious health problems, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and cancer. If left untreated, some may be fatal. Women are more likely than men to develop severe complications from sexually transmitted infections.
All sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex, carries some risk of exposure to STIs/and STDs. Also, the following factors can increase your risk of contracting STIs/STDs:
Sexually transmitted infections are prevalent. Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 20 million more people are infected. Since many people never show symptoms, they are never diagnosed, but can still spread infections to others.
Any sexual activity or contact with the bodily fluids of others carries some risk of exposure to STIs/STDs. Some methods to reduce this risk include:
To reduce the severity of your symptoms and the potential that you will develop serious complications such as infertility or cancer, it is also essential to get tested regularly and undergo screenings for STDs/STIs, as recommended by your doctor.
Annual exams and STI/STD screenings are an essential part of your health care plan. If you experience symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease, visit Dignity Health as soon as possible.
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.