Safe Sex & STI Prevention

Understanding STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

Key Facts

• Many STIs have no symptoms - you can have one without knowing
• STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active
• Most STIs are treatable, many are curable
• Early detection prevents complications
• Testing is confidential

How STIs Spread

• Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Skin-to-skin contact (for some infections)
• Sharing needles
• From mother to baby during pregnancy/birth

Common STIs

Bacterial (Curable with antibiotics)

Chlamydia

• Most common bacterial STI
• Often has NO symptoms
• Can cause pelvic inflammatory disease if untreated
• Can lead to infertility
• Easily cured with antibiotics

Gonorrhea

• May cause abnormal discharge, painful urination
• Often no symptoms in women
• Can cause PID and infertility
• Treatable with antibiotics (some resistant strains)

Syphilis

• Starts with painless sore
• Progresses through stages if untreated
• Can cause serious complications
• Easily treated if caught early

Viral (Manageable, not curable)

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

• Most common STI - most sexually active people get it
• Usually clears on its own
• Some strains cause genital warts
• Some strains can cause cervical cancer
• Vaccine available (best before sexual activity begins)
• Regular Pap smears detect cervical changes

Herpes (HSV)

• Causes recurring sores/blisters
• Can spread even without visible sores
• Very common (many people don't know they have it)
• Not curable but manageable with medication
• Not life-threatening

HIV

• Attacks immune system
• With treatment, people live long healthy lives
• Undetectable viral load = untransmittable
• Prevention: condoms, PrEP for high-risk individuals
• Testing is confidential

Hepatitis B

• Affects the liver
• Vaccine available (highly recommended)
• Can become chronic in some cases

Recognizing Symptoms

Important: Many STIs have NO symptoms. Don't rely on symptoms alone - get tested if you're at risk.

Possible Signs

• Unusual vaginal discharge (color, smell, amount)
• Burning or pain during urination
• Sores, bumps, or blisters on genitals
• Itching in genital area
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Lower abdominal pain
• Rash

Prevention

Condoms

• Most effective barrier method against STIs
• Use correctly every time
• Male and female condoms available
• Also protect against pregnancy
• Reduce but don't eliminate risk of skin-to-skin transmitted infections (herpes, HPV)

Other Prevention Methods

• Mutual monogamy: Both partners tested and exclusive
• Limit partners: Fewer partners = lower risk
• Vaccines: HPV vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine
• Regular testing: Know your status
• Communication: Discuss STI history with partners
• Avoid sex when symptoms present

HPV Vaccination

• Protects against cancer-causing HPV strains
• Ideally given before sexual activity begins (ages 9-14)
• Can be given up to age 26 (sometimes older)
• Even if already sexually active, may still provide benefit
• Does not treat existing infection

STI Testing

Who Should Get Tested?

• Anyone who is sexually active
• Before starting a new relationship
• If you have symptoms
• If a partner has been diagnosed with an STI
• After unprotected sex
• Annually if you have multiple partners
• During pregnancy

What Testing Involves

• Blood test: HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Herpes
• Urine test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea
• Swab: Cervical, vaginal, or urethral swab
• Physical exam: Check for visible signs

Window Periods

Some infections take time to show up on tests after exposure:

• Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: 1-2 weeks
• Syphilis: 3-6 weeks
• HIV: 2-4 weeks (newer tests) to 3 months (older tests)
• Herpes: 2-12 weeks

If You're Diagnosed

What to Do

• Complete treatment: Take all medications as prescribed
• Notify partners: Current and recent partners need to be tested/treated
• Avoid sex: Until treatment is complete and cleared by doctor
• Get retested: If recommended, to confirm cure
• Prevent reinfection: Partners must be treated too

Telling Partners

This can be difficult but is important:

• Be direct and honest
• Share factual information
• Encourage them to get tested
• Anonymous notification services exist if needed

Emotional Support

• An STI diagnosis can be upsetting - that's normal
• Remember: STIs are common medical conditions
• Having an STI doesn't define you
• Most are treatable or manageable
• Seek support if needed

Cervical Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with HPV vaccination and regular screening.

Pap Smear

• Screens for cervical cell changes that could lead to cancer
• Start at age 21 or 3 years after becoming sexually active
• Every 3 years for ages 21-29
• Every 3-5 years for ages 30-65 (depending on test type)
• Quick, slightly uncomfortable but not painful

HPV Test

• Detects high-risk HPV strains
• Often done alongside Pap smear
• Recommended for women 30+