Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be passed through sexual contact.
STIs can pass from one person to another through contact with:
- Vaginal discharge
- Semen
- Pre-cum
- Rectal fluids
- Blood
- Direct contact with infected skin
Some STIs can also be passed during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI
The most common STI symptom is no symptom at all. Many people with an STI do not feel sick or have any symptoms. If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you get tested regularly even if you don’t have symptoms.
Possible symptoms of an may include:
- Burning or pain with urination
- Unusual discharge
- Bumps, blisters, rash, or sores around the genital area or anus
- Pain or bleeding with sex
- Changes in menstrual cycle
Please note that many of these symptoms can be due to other causes not related to STIs. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider to receive adequate care.
STIs can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites
Bacterial STIs
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
Some STIs can be cured while others can only be treated.
Curable- treatment makes the STI go away completely
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
Treatable- treatment will lessen the symptoms and complications of the STI
If left untreated, STIs can have lasting effects on your body, such as damage to your reproductive system, vision, hearing, brain, and cardiovascular system. Many STIs can cause infertility, and some infections can be passed to a baby during pregnancy, leading to birth defects or stillbirth.
STIs are PREVENTABLE
If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sexual partner from STIs.
- Abstinence -The most reliable way to avoid STIs is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal, or oral).
- Talk to Your Partner – Limit your sexual partners and have open communication about sex.
- Condoms and Dental Dams - Correctly and consistently using condoms and dental dams are an effective way of preventing STIs. If you aren’t using condoms, using lube can help reduce the risk of creating small tears in your skin that increases your chances of coming in contact with STIs. Learn more about using a condom or a dental dam.
- Vaccination – Some STIs, like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can be prevented through vaccination.
HPV
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine to help prevent the spread of the HPV. HPV vaccination is recommended for youth 11 or 12 and everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated.
Bacterial STIs
Doxy PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a single dose of antibiotic taken after unprotected sex that protects against some bacterial STIs.
ANYONE who is sexually active can get an STI.
Get tested to know your status. Knowing your status helps you take control of your sexual health to protect yourself and others.
HIV and STI testing services are available throughout the Denver metro area at little to no cost regardless of your insurance status.
In-Person HIV/STI Testing Locations
Public Health Institute at Denver Health: Find an HIV or STD Testing Site
CDC: Get Tested
Free-At-Home HIV/STI Testing
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) & Binx Health
Test Yourself Colorado by Denver Health
Vivent Health (HIV tests)
Up Close Sexual Health Program
The Up Close Program promotes awareness of sexual health as a core component of overall health and well-being by engaging with diverse community partners to identify resources and opportunities to create and enhance sexual health programming in the City and County of Denver.