Sexually transmitted infections are a risk for every sexually active person. Every year, 20 million people are newly infected with some type of STI—and almost half of those people are young adults ages 16-24.

Talking about having an STI can be difficult—there’s a lot of harmful social stigma around having one. But the truth is, having an STI is nothing to be ashamed of, and definitely nothing to shame people for. What is important is to get tested, know your status, take care of your body, and learn how to manage the risks of being sexually active. These steps are important regardless of your STI status.

Many STIs are treatable with just a few doses of antibiotics. Others can be managed by medication and lifestyle changes. HPV and hepatitis B can even be prevented with a vaccine. You can read more about how each STI is treated on their respective overview pages.

STI Protection

The best way to protect yourself and your partner from contracting an STI is to use condoms correctly and consistently every time you have sexual contact. STIs can be transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex, and some (like herpes and HPV) can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact even without penetration.

Condoms are 98% effective at preventing both STI transmission and pregnancy when used correctly and consistently.

If you are sexually active, you should also get tested for STIs regularly. And make sure you get yourself tested before you become sexually active with a new partner.

I think I have an STI. What do I do?

If you’re worried you have an STI—or worried that you might have been exposed to one—the best thing to do is to get tested. Worrying about symptoms or waiting indefinitely for them to appear won’t put your mind at ease or help your body heal if you do have an STI.

Medication can help you manage an STI or treat it completely—but first, you have to get yourself tested.

Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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