STIs - Go Ask Tara

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections are passed from one person to another by having sex. STIs are very common and in the United States almost all sexually active people get one at some point in their life. Many STIs are curable and there is a treatment for most of them. Learn more or book an appointment. Getting tested is easy!

Want to get tested for STIs? Call (719) 583-4380 and schedule an appointment.

Trichomoniasis

“Trich” is a major cause of vaginitis. It’s very common and easily treated.

Learn more

Syphilis

Syphilis is a common bacterial infection. It’s easily cured with medicine, but it can be dangerous if you don’t treat it.

Learn more

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

AKA “crabs.” Small parasites that attach to the skin and hair near your genitals. Easy to get rid of with treatment you can get at the drugstore.

Learn more

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus, a super common STI. HPV is usually harmless and goes away by itself, but some types can lead to cancer.

Learn more

HIV & AIDS

HIV is an infection that breaks down your immune system and can lead to AIDS. There’s no cure, but treatment can help you stay healthy.

Learn more

Herpes

A common STI that infects your mouth and/or genitals. Causes blistery sores. There’s no cure, but symptoms are treatable.

Learn more

Hepatitis B

A virus that can cause liver disease, which is spread through sex or sharing personal hygiene items like razors or toothbrushes.

Learn more

Chlamydia

A very common STI caused by a bacterial infection. Often doesn’t have symptoms, but easy to treat once it’s diagnosed.

Learn more

Gonorrhea

A common STI caused by a bacterial infection. Often doesn’t have symptoms, but easy to treat once it’s diagnosed.

Learn more

How can STIs be prevented?

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the risk of getting STIs.

Exposure can be prevented by

using condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams as a barrier between the bodies;
not having sex or being abstinent;
getting tested regularly, especially with new sexual partners, to know your status;
talking openly, honestly, and without judgment with sexual partners about STIs;
learning how to take care of your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between STIs and STDs?

None. In both cases the “S” and the “T” “stand from sexually transmitted”. The “I” in STIs stands for “infections” and the “D” in STDs stands for “diseases”. In this context, “infections” and “diseases” mean the same.

How common are STIs?

Very common! Especially among young people. 1 in 5 people in the United States has an STI, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Why are STIs so common?
The main reason that explains why STIs are so common is that most people with STIs don't have symptoms and they spread them during sex without knowing. Another reason is that people don’t know how to reduce the risk of getting an STI or how to be tested. Since there is a lot of misinformation about STIs it is also difficult to have honest conversations with sexual partners.

Who is at risk of getting STIs?

STIs are caused by having sex (oral, anal, vaginal, skin-to-skin contact) with someone who has the infection. They can also be spread by sharing needles with someone who has an infection, and some STIs can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastmilk.

How can you tell if someone has an STI?

The only way to know for sure if someone has an STI is to get tested. Sometimes symptoms will be indicators of STIs, but most of the time there will be no symptoms.

Can STIs be cured?

Some of them. Not all STIs are curable. STIs caused by bacteria (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) and STIs caused by parasites (like pubic lice and trichomoniasis) can be cured. STIs caused by viruses (like herpes, hepatitis, HIV, and HPV) can be treated but can’t be cured at this point.

What are some common symptoms of STIs?

The most common symptom of STIs is no symptoms! The STIs symptoms are not common and they vary depending on the type of STI.

If there are symptoms, they probably will be

Burning feeling when peeing
Itching
Bumps
Sores
Pain

How are STIs tested?

The tests vary depending on the STI but tests usually require peeing in a cup, doing a swab, or giving a blood sample. Testing for STIs is easy and fast.

What happens if someone doesn’t get STIs treated?

Not knowing if you have an STI can produce serious health consequences.

Some of these are

A person with an untreated STI can become infertile
A pregnant person with an STI can spread it to their baby (learn more about this here)
STIs like HIV and syphilis can lead to serious illness and death
A person with an untreated STI can transmit it to their sexual partners

Can people with STIs still have sex?

Yep! Always use protection like a condom or an internal condom. Just like covering your mouth when coughing or washing hands, it is important to protect the health of other people and yours. People who have STIs should talk with sexual partners and do things to limit the chance of transmitting it.