STI FAQs

What Is A Sexually Transmitted Infection?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection shared through sexual contact between people. They may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms can be light or invisible, but some STIs create major health risks if not recognized and treated early.

What Are The Most Common STIs?

Six major STIs affect millions of people every year, with young adults being especially vulnerable.

In the U.S., people ages 15–24 account for almost half of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even though they represent only a quarter of the sexually active population. In real terms, this means one out of every four sexually active young adults carries an STI.

Here’s a snapshot of the six most common STIs:

• Chlamydia: The most frequently reported infection, particularly in young women. It often has no symptoms but can lead to infertility without treatment.

• Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that may affect the genitals, throat, or rectum. Symptoms are often hidden, yet it can cause serious complications if ignored.

• Syphilis: A progressive infection with stages that worsen over time. Early detection makes treatment highly effective.

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Extremely common, with some strains causing warts and others linked to cervical and other cancers.

• HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus): Responsible for oral and genital herpes. The virus remains in the body and may trigger repeat outbreaks.

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Weakens immunity and can progress to AIDS if untreated. With early care, most people manage HIV well and live full lives.
  
  
  

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/php/communication-resources/prevalence-incidence-and-cost-estimates.html

https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/summary.html

How Much Is STI Testing?

The cost of STI testing can vary widely, from no cost to several hundred dollars, depending on where you go and what you’re tested for. Charis Pregnancy Clinic offers free testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea. At other clinics, prices may depend on insurance, how many tests you need, and whether extra care like counseling is included. Testing is crucial, since many STIs have no symptoms but can cause long-term harm if missed.

How Can I Prevent STIs?

Testing before sex helps reduce the chance of getting an STI, but it cannot provide total protection. All STI tests have a “window period,” meaning a new infection might not show up right away. Certain infections, like HPV or herpes, may also go undetected without specialized tests. Condoms or washing after sex can lower the risk but won’t stop every infection, especially those spread by skin contact. Testing is wise and responsible, but the only sure way to avoid STIs is abstinence or a committed relationship with one uninfected partner.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html

Can You Cure An STI Without Going To The Doctor?

An STI cannot be safely cured without medical treatment. Conditions such as chlamydia and gonorrhea need prescription medicine to go away fully, and ignoring them can cause serious complications. Other infections, like herpes and HIV, have no cure but can be managed with proper care. Trying home remedies or unapproved online treatments is unsafe and may make things worse by delaying the right help. The most reliable way to protect your health is to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Source:

e.g. https://www.cdc.gov/chlamydia/about/index.html

How Are Venereal Infections Transmitted?

Venereal infections, more commonly called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections passed from person to person during sexual contact. This includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and sometimes close skin-to-skin contact. Certain STIs, such as HIV or syphilis, may also be spread through blood, shared needles, or from mother to child at birth. Because many infections are silent at first, testing and prevention remain the best safeguards.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html

Can You Get An STI From Oral Sex?

Yes, it is possible to get an STI from oral sex. Infections, including herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, HPV, and HIV, can spread through oral contact with genital or anal areas. Many people transmit infections without realizing it, since symptoms are not always visible. Protection like condoms or dental dams lowers risk, but doesn’t make it disappear. Regular testing is the best way to stay informed and protect your health.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-sti-risk-and-oral-sex.html

Can You Get An STI From Kissing?

Yes, kissing can spread some STIs, though it’s less common than other forms of contact. Herpes (HSV-1) is the most likely, especially if one person has visible cold sores. In rare situations, infections like syphilis may also be transmitted through open mouth sores. While sexual activity carries a greater risk, kissing can still allow certain infections to spread if cuts, sores, or oral problems are present.

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/index.html

Can You Catch An STI From A Toilet Seat?

No, STIs cannot be caught from toilet seats. They spread only through sexual contact, not from touching bathroom surfaces. The germs behind these infections don’t survive long outside the body. Practicing hygiene is healthy, but you don’t need to fear toilet seats as a risk for catching an STI.

Source:

e.g. https://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/index.html

Is Bacterial Vaginosis An STI?

No, BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be connected to sexual activity. The condition occurs when vaginal bacteria become unbalanced, which may happen with new or multiple partners. BV, however, can also affect women who have never had sex. Even though it isn’t an STI, BV can make it easier to contract other infections, making medical care and treatment important.

Source:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/

Is Herpes 1 An STI?

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually linked to oral cold sores and not considered an STI. It is most often spread by kissing or sharing items such as drinks or lip products. Still, HSV-1 can be passed to the genitals during oral sex, where it functions like a sexually transmitted infection. Because symptoms are sometimes mild or hidden, many people carry HSV-1 without being aware of it.

Is HPV An STI?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a very common STI. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Most people with HPV don’t know they have it because symptoms are often absent. Some strains may cause genital warts or increase cancer risk. Vaccines are available to help guard against the types of HPV most likely to cause serious health problems.

What Is "The Clap"?

“The Clap” is slang for gonorrhea, a common STI caused by bacteria. It can infect the reproductive organs as well as the throat, rectum, or eyes. Many people notice symptoms such as burning urination or unusual discharge, though others have no signs. If left untreated, gonorrhea may cause serious issues, including infertility. With timely care, it can usually be cured using antibiotics.

What Do "Crabs" Look Like?

“Crabs,” or pubic lice, are very small insects that live in pubic hair and look grayish or brownish, about the size of a pinhead. They may be seen crawling in the hair or attached to the skin. Their bites can cause itching, redness, and tiny blue spots. Crabs spread through close contact, often sexual, but can be cleared with special lice shampoos or creams.