Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) are infections that can be passed on through vaginal, oral or anal sex, and anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. Sexually transmitted infections are more common than you may think. 

STIs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. Therefore, it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why getting an STI test is important if you are having sex. 

There are dozens of STIs. Some STIs, such as Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia, are spread mainly by sexual contact. Other diseases, including Zika, Ebola, and mpox, can be spread sexually but are more often spread through ways other than sex.

STIs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sex partner(s) from STIs.

Having an STI when you're pregnant can make things complicated and cause serious issues for both you and your growing baby. Some of these problems might show up right after birth, while others might not become apparent until months or even years later. Plus, having an STI can increase the chances of getting infected with HIV. But here's the good news: most of these problems can be avoided if you get regular medical care throughout your pregnancy. This means getting tested for STIs early on in your pregnancy and again as you get closer to giving birth, if necessary.

• STD Facts - STDs & Pregnancy (cdc.gov)

Abstinence

• The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal or oral).

 Vaccination

• Vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended ways to prevent hepatitis B and HPV. HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens ages 11 or 12 (or can start at age 9) and everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults aged 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit as more people have already been exposed to HPV. You should also get vaccinated for hepatitis B if you were not vaccinated when you were younger.

 Reduce Number of Sex Partners

• Reducing your number of sex partners can decrease your risk for STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and that you share your test results with one another.

 Mutual Monogamy

• Mutual monogamy means that you agree to be sexually active with only one person, who has agreed to be sexually active only with you. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STDs. But you must both be certain you are not infected with STDs. It is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner.

 Use Condoms

• Correct and consistent use of the male latex condom is highly effective in reducing STD transmission. Use a condom every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
• If you have latex allergies, synthetic non-latex condoms can be used. But it is important to note that these condoms have higher breakage rates than latex condoms. Natural membrane condoms are not recommended for STD prevention.

• Doxy Pep Flyers (English & Spanish)

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
• There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.
• But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled.

• For many, yes. Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks.
• Having these symptoms alone doesn’t mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
• Some people have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

When people with HIV don’t get treatment, they typically progress through three stages. But HIV treatment can slow or prevent progression of the disease. With advances in HIV treatment, progression to Stage 3 (AIDS) is less common today than in the early years of HIV.

STAGE 1 | Acute HIV Infection

• People have a large amount of HIV in their blood and are very contagious.
• Many people have flu-like symptoms.
• If you have flu-like symptoms and think you may have been exposed to HIV, get tested.

STAGE 2 | Chronic HIV Infection

• This stage is also called asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency.
• HIV is still active and continues to reproduce in the body.
• People may not have any symptoms or get sick during this phase but can transmit HIV.
• People who take HIV treatment as prescribed may never move into Stage 3 (AIDS).
• Without HIV treatment, this stage may last a decade or longer, or may progress faster. At the end of this stage, the amount of HIV in the blood (viral load) goes up and the person may move into Stage 3 (AIDS).

STAGE 3 | Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

• The most severe stage of HIV infection.
• People with AIDS can have a high viral load and may easily transmit HIV to others.
• People with AIDS have badly damaged immune systems. They can get an increasing number of opportunistic infections or other serious illnesses.
• Without HIV treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years.