Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.
STIs pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They also can spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting, though this is not as common.
STIs can be asymptomatic or just cause mild symptoms. It is possible to have an infection and not know it.
Getting tested is important if you are having sex and infections are easy to miss if you don’t get tested.
If you get a STI, all are treatable with medicine, and many are curable entirely.
If either you or your partner is infected, both of you need to receive evaluation and treatment at the same time to avoid getting re-infected.
Chlamydia is a common, but treatable, STD. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
Gonorrhea is a common STD that can be treated with the right medication. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause very serious health problems.
Trichomoniasis is a common STI. Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms. It can increase the chances that you get other STIs, as well.
Hepatitis
Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants. Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B can cut your risk.
Hepatitis A - Make sure you are fully vaccinated.
Hepatitis B - Make sure you are fully vaccinated.
Hepatitis C - Effective treatments are available.
Genital herpes is a common STD, but most people with the infection do not know they have it. While there is no cure, there is medication available that can prevent or shorten outbreaks.
People who have STIs are more likely to get HIV, when compared to people who do not have STDs.
HPV (Human papillomavirus)
HPV (Human papillomavirus) is the most common STI in the United States, but most people with the infection have no symptoms. Full vaccination for HPV can drastically cut your risk of getting genital warts and cancers.
Syphilis can have very serious problems when left untreated. It is simple to cure with the right treatment.
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a treatable STI, but sometimes hard to diagnose. If untreated, it can lead to PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).
BV is a common, treatable vaginal condition which can increase your chance of getting an STD.
Mpox is a viral disease that is not categorized as an STI but is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with infected lesions, most often during sex. Vaccination can be very helpful.
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If you have had an unwanted sexual encounter or believe you have experienced sexual assault, first know that it is not your fault, and we are here to support you.
We strongly encourage that you meet with a confidential Campus Advocate at Safer and seek medical care from Health Services or a local medical provider. If you have experienced harm within the last 7 days, you may have additional medical and reporting options. Medical providers in California are mandated to report injuries as a result of assault or abuse to law enforcement. If you have questions about this, please work with your Advocate and/or medical provider to determine how to best meet your medical needs.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control, 2021 STI, 2023 Hepatitis B and C; California Department of Public Health, 2022.
