STI Information Center
What is an STI? STI stands for "sexually transmitted infection." STIs are infections spread through sexual activities (vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse). They can be curable or incurable, with over 19 million new cases annually in the U.S., especially among teenagers.
Who is at Risk?: Anyone engaging in intimate sexual contact can contract an STI.
Symptoms and Diagnosis: Many STIs show no symptoms. Testing is essential for diagnosis and preventing transmission. If you suspect an STI, visit Student Health Services for testing and treatment. A free gonorrhea and chlamydia test is available annually; other tests may incur a fee.
Condom Use
- Latex Condoms: Significantly reduce STI risk, including HIV, if used correctly. They do not eliminate risk entirely.
- Plastic Condoms: Provide some protection but less than latex.
- Skin Condoms: Do not protect against STIs.
Other Prevention Methods
- Dental Dams: Use during oral sex to prevent STI transmission.
- Gloves/Finger Cots: Use for hand-to-genital or hand-to-anal contact.
- Sex Toys: Use personal toys, clean thoroughly, and avoid sharing. HPV can remain on toys even after cleaning.
Potential STI Consequences
- PID: Can cause infertility, chronic pain, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- Cancer: Certain HPVs can lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis, anus, and throat.
- Transmission: STIs can be passed to partners and, if pregnant, to babies.
- Increased Risk: Having an STI raises the risk of acquiring other STIs.
Common STI Symptoms
- Chlamydia: Discharge, burning urination, lower abdominal pain (often asymptomatic).
- Gonorrhea: Discharge, burning or itching urination, pelvic pain.
- Syphilis: Painless sores, rash.
- HIV/AIDS: No early symptoms; eventual opportunistic infections.
- HPV: Genital warts, potential for cervical cancer (often asymptomatic).
- Genital Herpes: Itching, burning, blisters or sores.
Prevention Tips
Practice safer sex, use barrier protection.
Get tested regularly; visit the Student Health Services STI Testing page for information on how to book an STI testing appointment.
For more information and symptoms, visit the CDC or consult your doctor.
Source: U.S. Department of Human Resources: Office of Public Health and Science
