What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

You can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) through sexual contact with someone with an STI. There are other ways of getting an STI, and there are many STIs. Bacteria, viruses or parasites are the causes of STIs. You can suspect an STI through the symptoms and confirm through tests. Your healthcare provider tests for each one differently.

STIs do not go away on their own, so go to your healthcare provider for treatment. If you practice safe sex, you can prevent STIs.

Bacteria are the most frequent cause of STIs. You can treat them using appropriate medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. They include:

• Chlamydia.
• Gonorrhoea.
• Syphilis.

Viruses also cause STIs. They are much more difficult or even impossible to treat. Often only the symptoms can be treated. They include:

• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Herpes.
• HIV.
• HPV.
• Genital warts.

Some STIs are caused by a parasite. These STIs are transmitted by sexual contact or through intimate skin contact. They include:

• Scabies.
• Trichomoniasis.
• Pubic lice.

A condom protects you and your partner against HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. It reduces the risk of infection with other STIs. It does not always fully cover the sores, blisters or warts on your skin or your partner’s skin. This means that you still run a risk of infection with an STI. Vaccines can protect against certain STIs, for instance HPV.

Most STIs can be treated. They can be cured or their symptoms can disappear. STIs can seriously damage your health if they are not treated. You can also infect other people.

STIs often have no clear symptoms. You cannot always see whether you have an STI. Go to your healthcare provider if you think you might have an STI. They can test you.

A vaginal infection is an infection of the vagina and has similar symptoms to an STI. It is not an STI. You often do not get the infection from sex.