Various bodily fluids, such as vaginal secretions, semen, saliva, and blood, contain the bacteria or viruses involved. In some cases, a person can contract an STI by coming into direct contact with fluid that contains the bacteria or virus.
Other STIs, such as herpes, can pass on via direct skin-to-skin contact, such as through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. It may transmit from the mouth to the genitals, for example, during oral sex.
STIs such as HIV and hepatitis can transmit through contact with infected blood, when sexual partners have open sores, for example, or when people share needles. Parasitic STIs, such as pubic lice, can transmit through close personal contact, passing from the pubic hair of one person to that of another. Learn more about STIs and oral sex here. It is also worth noting that STI risk increases with the number of sexual partners. A person who only has sex with a likewise exclusive sexual partner has a lower risk of contracting these infections.
Taking the precautions listed above can reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting STIs, but they are no guarantee. It is important to speak with a person about their sexual history before having any kind of sex with them. It may be a good idea for new partners to undergo testing before they begin having sex. It is worth noting, however, that no STI test is completely accurate. Also, there are no tests available for certain STIs, and some people with these infections do not develop symptoms or do so only after an extended period.
Sexually transmitted infections STIs. World Health Organization. South-Paul JE, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases. McGraw Hill; FAQs: Cervical cancer screening. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Ghanem KG, et al. Screening for sexually transmitted infections. Tintinalli JE, et al. Dinulos JGH. Sexually transmitted bacterial infections. In: Habif's Clinical Dermatology. Elsevier; Accessed June 23, Hepatitis A questions and answers for health professionals. Accessed June 25, What is PrEP? Partin AW, et al. In: Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. Accessed June 24, Pain in or around the anus for people who have anal sex.
A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin. Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area. Swollen glands, fever, and body aches. Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area. What causes STIs? How are STIs diagnosed? Can STIs be prevented or avoided? You should always use condoms when having sex, including oral and anal sex.
Do condoms prevent STIs? How to use male condoms Put the condom on before any contact is made. Unroll the condom over an erect penis to the base of the penis. Uncircumcised men should pull back their foreskin before unrolling. The unrolled ring should be on the outside.
Squeeze the tip to get the air out. Pull out after ejaculating and before the penis gets soft. How to use female condoms Follow the directions on the condom package for correct placement. Be sure the inner ring goes as far into the vagina as it can. The outer ring stays outside the vagina. Guide the penis into the condom. All STDs require professional medical treatment. If your partner is infected, the two of you may pass the STD back and forth unless you both get treated and get a clean bill of health before having sex again.
Also, once you've had one STD, you may be more likely to get another. Many STDs have no symptoms. See your doctor, however, if you have any of the following signs, which could be caused by an STD:.
Problems in the anal or genital area, such as a sore, a rash, warts, unusual discharge, swelling, redness, or pain. The only sure way to protect yourself from STDs is not to have sex. If you do have sex, here is how you can lower your risk:. Use consistently and correctly a male latex or female polyurethane condom and topical microbicides.
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