Common STIs

STIs are common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Learning the basics can help you understand your body, make informed choices, and stay healthy. This section breaks down each STI in simple, real‑talk language so you know what it is, how it spreads, what symptoms to look for, and when to get tested. You deserve clear, honest info—no shame, no judgment, just facts.

Chlamydia

Symptoms:
Most people feel completely fine. Some may notice discharge, burning when peeing, bleeding after sex, or pelvic pain.

Testing & treatment:
A simple urine or swab test. Curable with medication (usually some pills)

When to test:
If you’ve had a new partner, had unprotected sex, symptoms, or just want peace of mind.

Trichomonas

How it spreads:
Through vaginal sex or genital contact.

Symptoms:
Itching, discharge, or odor - though many people feel nothing.

Testing & treatment:
Detected through a quick swab or urine test. Easily treated with medication.

Herpes (HSV-1 & 2)

What it is:
A viral infection that causes cold sores or genital sores.

How it spreads:
Through skin‑to‑skin contact, kissing, or oral/genital sex.

Symptoms:
Sores or blisters — but many people don’t notice symptoms.

Testing & treatment:
Blood tests or swab tests when sores are present. Not curable, but medication helps manage outbreaks and prevent transmission.

Gonorrhea

Symptoms:
Often none. Some people have discharge, burning when peeing, sore throat, or rectal discomfort.

Testing & treatment:
Easy swab or urine test. Treated with medication (most often a shot!)

When to test:
If you’ve had a new partner, had unprotected sex, symptoms, or just want peace of mind.

Mycoplasma

What it is:
Mycoplasma Genitalium (“Mgen”)
A bacterial STI that’s becoming more common.

How it spreads:
Through vaginal or anal sex.

Symptoms:
Pelvic pain, discharge, or burning when peeing—but often symptom‑free.

Testing & treatment:
Tested with a specialized swab or urine sample. Treatable with specific antibiotics.

HPV

How it spreads:
Through skin‑to‑skin or sexual contact.

Symptoms:
Most types cause no symptoms and go away on their own.
Some cause genital warts.
Some are linked to cancer later in life.

Testing & treatment:
There’s no standard HPV test for everyone, but Pap tests can detect changes in the cervix.
There is no cure, but there is treatment for symptoms and related conditions.

Prevention:
The HPV vaccine is highly effective.

Syphilis

How it spreads:
Through skin‑to‑skin contact with a syphilis sore (not always visible).

Symptoms:
A painless sore, rash on hands/feet, fever, swollen lymph nodes—or no symptoms at all.

Testing & treatment:
A quick blood test. Treated with antibiotics.

HIV

How it spreads:
Through certain body fluids during sex or sharing injection equipment.

Symptoms:
Often none at first. Some feel flu‑like symptoms.

Testing & treatment:
Rapid tests give results in 20 minutes. Treatment is daily medication or long‑acting injections.

Non-STIs

BV (bacterial vaginosis) and yeast infections are super common vaginal infections that lots of people with vaginas experience.

They’re not STIs, they don’t mean anything is “wrong” with you, and they’re both easily treatable.

Symptoms

Discharge, discomfort, irritation

Treatment

You may need a prescription or over-the-counter medications to help clear it up! Talk to a provider for help